Wisconsin Streamlines Licensing For Foster Care Kinship Caregivers

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) is revising its rules to strengthen support for kinship caregivers. The updated rules create a streamlined licensing pathway for relative and like-kin caregivers.

The revisions were in response to Wisconsin Act 119 of 2023, which called for the state to provide stronger support to kinship caregivers. The legislation expanded the definition of kinship caregivers to include adults with a “like-kin” relationship with the child, such as family friends or neighbors, or first cousins once removed. The revisions to DCF Chapter 56 were identified through collaboration with experts with lived experience . . .