Press Releases

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) today announced the approval of an administrative rule designed to improve licensing, regulation, and quality of care youth receive in group home settings.

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) honored eight individuals and teams today at the 2026 Secretary’s Putting Families First Awards. The awards were presented during a celebration at the Pyle Center as part of Wisconsin’s proclaimed month-long recognition of Family Strengthening Month.

In response to the Trump Administration’s proposed recission of a previously submitted rule which would designate specific supports for LGBTQ+ youth in out-of-home care, the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) is reaffirming its commitment to its vision that all Wisconsin children and youth are safe and loved members of thriving families and communities.

MADISON - The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) honored 10 relative, like-kin, foster and adoptive families today at the Governor’s Outstanding Families Awards. The awards were presented during a celebration at the Pyle Center as part of Wisconsin’s month- long proclaimed Adoption month.

MADISON – Governor Tony Evers presented awards to honor four individuals for their contributions in assisting survivors of domestic violence in a special ceremony held today at the state Capitol. The ceremony was hosted as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a statewide effort to raise awareness about the effects of domestic abuse.

MADISON – The13th annual Youth Achievements Ceremony was held yesterday at the Executive Residence to honor an admirable group of Wisconsin students. Governor Tony Evers and First Lady Kathy Evers joined Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary-designee Jeff Pertl in recognizing youth with experience in out-of-home care who recently graduated from high school, completed milestones in post-secondary education, or who attained other educational achievements

MADISON - The Division of Milwaukee Child Protective Services (DMCPS) today announced the launch of Intercept, an evidence-based program that provides direct, in-home services to families involved in the child welfare system to support them in achieving timely reunification or permanency options.

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) honored nine individuals and teams today at the 2025 Secretary’s Putting Families First Awards. The awards were presented during a celebration at the Pyle Center as part of Wisconsin’s proclaimed month-long recognition of Family Strengthening Month.

Each day, child welfare professionals' partner with countless families in their communities to help them navigate life’s challenges. From helping families find and build upon their strengths to connecting families with essential services, they play a vital role in supporting thriving families and communities. The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families joins the nation in celebrating March as Social Work Month and in recognizing our state’s unsung heroes.

MADISON – Governor Evers has proclaimed January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month and the Department of Children and Families (DCF) is encouraging residents to educate themselves, and their loved ones, on the signs of human trafficking to help combat this crime in Wisconsin.

Governor Tony Evers and Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary-designee Jeff Pertl honored 10 adoptive, guardianship, foster and relative caregiver families today by presenting them with the 2024 Governor’s Outstanding Foster and Adoptive Family Award.

Governor Tony Evers presented awards to honor three individuals for their contributions in assisting survivors of domestic violence in a special ceremony held today at the state Capitol. The ceremony was hosted as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a statewide effort to raise awareness about the effects of domestic abuse.

Wisconsin’s county and tribal child support agencies play a key role in the support and wellness of over 341,000 children in the state. According to data from the federal Office of Child Support Services, $841 million was invested into the well-being of children in 2023, thanks to Wisconsin’s dedicated child support agencies (CSA).

The12th annual Foster Youth Graduation Celebration was held today at the Executive Residence to honor an inspiring group of Wisconsin students.

MADISON – Governor Tony Evers and Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Emilie Amundson honored nine individuals today at the inaugural 2024 Secretary’s Putting Families First Awards. The awards were presented during a celebration at the State Capitol as part of Wisconsin’s proclaimed month-long recognition of Family Strengthening Month.

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) issued a request for proposal (RFP) for the administration of the Wisconsin Works program and related services in geographical regions across the state. Consistent with state procurement requirements, DCF is conducting a competitive RFP procurement process for the next round of these contracts.

MADISON – In an effort to better serve children and families participating in the State’s child support program, the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) is seeking families with lived experience to join a new Parent Advisory Group (PAG) focused on improving programming and policies for both custodial and non-custodial parents.

In an effort to serve more children and families in their communities, the Division Milwaukee County Child Protective Services (DMCPS) launched the Milwaukee Family Intervention Services (MFIS) program at the end of 2023. This program offers families with youth, ages 10 to 17, preventive services for a quicker pathway to positive outcomes.

Human trafficking is happening in Wisconsin, to Wisconsin residents. To help raise awareness of this important issue impacting our communities, Governor Evers has proclaimed January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) honored six adoptive families today by presenting them with the 2023 Governor’s Outstanding Adoptive Parent Award. The awards were presented during a celebration at the State Capitol as part of Wisconsin’s proclaimed month-long recognition of Adoption Month.

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is reopening applications for the Child Care Counts Stabilization Payment Program thanks to an additional $170 million in relief funding from Governor Tony Evers. Child care providers who are not currently enrolled in the program are encouraged to apply during the next application period which runs from November 11 – 19, 2023.

Governor Tony Evers presented awards to honor two individuals for their contributions in assisting survivors of domestic violence in a special ceremony held today at the state Capitol.

The evidence is clear – there’s a proven return on investment for everyone when we all invest in quality early care and education. That is why the upcoming special session called by Governor Evers is so critical to not only building strong communities but supporting Wisconsin’s greatest resource: our children.

The 11th annual Foster Youth Graduation Celebration was held today at the Executive Residence to honor a special group of Wisconsin students. Governor Tony Evers and First Lady Kathy Evers joined Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Emilie Amundson in recognizing foster youth who recently graduated from high school, completed milestones in post-secondary education, or who attained other educational achievements.

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) today announced the award of another $2.5 million in Dream Up! Grants to nine cross-sector community teams across Wisconsin. These teams will aim to help solve the challenges facing Wisconsin’s child care system and bolster the economy in their communities.

The Haaland v. Brackeen case arose from three separate child custody proceedings governed by the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), a federal statute that aims to keep Native American children connected to Native American families.

Governor Tony Evers, First Lady Kathy Evers, and Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Emilie Amundson honored five outstanding foster families and three youth during the 2023 Governor’s Foster Care Award ceremony on May 25, 2023, in the Assembly Chamber of the State Capitol.

Employers are now able to apply for the latest cohort of the Partner Up! grants from the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF). Over $9 million in funding is available to employers who are interested in offering paid child care as an employee benefit.

In recognition of Gov. Tony Evers declaring March as Social Work Month in Wisconsin, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) honored the efforts of six human service professionals with the 2023 Caring for Kids award.

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) opened applications today for a third cohort of Dream Up! grants. This round of applications will offer $2.5 million in funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the opportunity for nine Wisconsin communities to evaluate, plan, sustain, and expand child care in their area. 

Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Emilie Amundson today announced new appointments to her leadership team.

In recognition of Governor Tony Evers proclamation declaring January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) is encouraging residents to continue the fight against human trafficking by raising awareness and reporting tips to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733.

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) issued requests for proposal (RFP) for the statewide and regional components of the Wisconsin Family Connections Center: Resources and Supports for Families with Out-of-Home Care Involvement. Consistent with state procurement requirements, DCF is conducting a competitive RFP procurement process for the selection of contract recipients.

Wisconsin’s federal partners have approved the state’s Title IV-E Prevention Program Five-Year Plan, which will support the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) in safely serving more children in their homes or with relatives through front-end prevention services and connecting families with much-needed programs and supports.

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) honored six special adoptive families today by presenting them with the 2022 Governor’s Outstanding Adoptive Parent Award. The awards were presented during a celebration at the State Capitol as part of Wisconsin’s month-long recognition of Adoption Month.

The Governor’s Council on Domestic Abuse, in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, honored three individuals for their contributions in assisting survivors of domestic violence in a special ceremony held today at the state Capitol. The ceremony was hosted as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a statewide effort to raise awareness about the effects of domestic abuse.

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) today announced the award of $10 million in Partner Up! grants to 88 businesses statewide. The grants, which are part of DCF’s Project Growth grant program, aim to help solve the challenges facing Wisconsin’s child care system and bolster the state’s economy.

The10th annual Foster Youth Graduation Celebration was held today at the Executive Residence to honor a special group of Wisconsin students. Governor Tony Evers and First Lady Kathy Evers joined Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Emilie Amundson in recognizing former foster youth who recently graduated from high school, completed milestones in post-secondary education, or who attained other educational achievements.

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) today announced the award of over $20 million in Project Growth grants to 28 cross-sector community teams and over 100 businesses to help solve the challenges facing Wisconsin’s child care system and bolster the state’s economy.

The Merrill Community Sharing Garden, run by Community Action Inc., (CAI) of Walworth & Rock Counties, was honored with the 24th annual Governor’s Award for Excellence in Community Action during the annual Wisconsin Community Action Program Association (WISCAP) meeting held virtually on May 17, 2022.

First Lady Kathy Evers and Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Emilie Amundson honored six outstanding families and two foster youth during the 2022 Governor’s Foster Care Award ceremony on May 24, 2022, in the Assembly Chamber of the State Capitol.

Dropping a son or daughter off at a child care center never gets easier for parents, but thanks to the dedication, love and care from child care providers, parents are able to ease their minds as they head to work to support their families. From center directors and staff to family child care providers, the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) joins agencies across the nation on May 6 in recognizing these outstanding individuals on National Provider Appreciation Day.

Today there are over 6,800 Wisconsin children in out-of-home care, with 87% being in a home setting thanks to the dedication and support of foster parents, relatives, and family friends. To raise awareness and acknowledge the collective efforts of those involved with foster care, Governor Evers has proclaimed May as Foster Care Month.

Child abuse and neglect are pervasive – yet preventable – issues affecting communities across Wisconsin. To raise awareness and acknowledge the collective efforts of families, caregivers, communities, and agencies preventing child maltreatment, Governor Tony Evers has proclaimed April as Family Strengthening Month. 

In recognition of Gov. Tony Evers declaring March as Social Work Month in Wisconsin, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) honored the efforts of five human service professionals with the 2022 Caring for Kids award.

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) opened applications today for Project Growth, a $20 million grant program designed to help solve the challenges facing Wisconsin’s child care system and bolster the state’s economy.

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) announced plans for additional programs aimed at supporting Wisconsin’s early care and education (ECE) industry and the families it serves. The programs, which are funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), will run until 2024 and focus on increasing access to high-quality, affordable child care and supporting the ECE workforce.

Many Wisconsin Shares families will see an increase in their subsidy amount this month thanks to a historic rate increase from 35 to 80 percent of the estimated cost of child care. The increase, which went into effect on January 1, 2022, will impact roughly 98 percent of Wisconsin Shares families, with the average increase around $190 per month.