What is the Role of Child Welfare Services?

Child welfare services in Wisconsin exist to protect children and support families through difficult times. When safety concerns arise, local and state agencies step in to assess the situation, provide services, and—when necessary—arrange for temporary out-of-home care.

These services may involve:

1. Child Protective Services (CPS): Investigates reports of abuse or neglect and determines if a child is safe in their current home.
2. Caseworkers or Social Workers: Assigned to families to monitor progress, offer resources, and coordinate care.
3. Family Court: Oversees custody decisions, permanency planning, and the legal rights of parents and caregivers.

The overall goal of the child welfare system is to keep children safe, help families heal, and build long-term permanency—whether that’s reunification, guardianship, or adoption.

Tips for Building a Positive Relationship with Caseworkers

Caseworkers are essential partners in supporting the child in your care. Developing a respectful, collaborative relationship with them can ease stress and help you advocate more effectively.

1. Here are some practical tips:
   1. Communicate clearly and consistently
      1. Return calls, respond to emails, and document important updates. If something changes with the child’s health, behavior, or school performance, let your caseworker know.
   2. Keep records of all communications
      1. Maintain a folder or notebook for notes from meetings, court dates, and case plan updates.
   3. Ask questions when you’re unsure
      1. The process can be confusing—don’t hesitate to request clarification about expectations, deadlines, or paperwork.
   4. Share concerns with respect
      1. If you disagree with a recommendation or feel your voice isn’t being heard, raise concerns calmly and constructively.
   5. Focus on the child’s needs
      1. Caseworkers are most responsive when they know you’re prioritizing the child’s emotional and physical well-being.

Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Caregiver or Parent

Regardless of your role—birth parent, relative caregiver, or licensed foster parent—you have legal rights and responsibilities when working with child welfare services.

Your Rights:

1. 1. To be treated with respect and dignity
   2. To receive clear, timely communication
   3. To be involved in case planning and court proceedings
   4. To access support services, training, and information
   5. To have your cultural background and family structure respected

Your Responsibilities:

1. 1. To ensure the child’s safety and well-being
   2. To attend required meetings, trainings, and court hearings
   3. To maintain confidentiality around the child’s case
   4. To collaborate with the child’s team and follow the case plan

Download the Wisconsin Bill of Rights for Parents & Caregivers.

Resources for Support and Advocacy

You are not alone. These resources offer guidance, legal help, and peer connections as you navigate the child welfare system.

• Information for Parents at the Start of a CPS Initial Assessment
  Essential information for parents regarding the Child Protective Services (CPS) Initial Assessment process, including what you can expect will happen, an overview of CPS’s legal authority, outcomes, resources, and much more.
• An Introduction to Child Welfare For Parents, By Parents
  Information from parents who were at some point engaged with the State of Wisconsin Child Welfare System within their local communities. The topics listed will provide parents with basic details on specific areas that may arise as they engage with child welfare professionals.
• Understanding the Language of Child Welfare: A Resource for Parents
  An overview of Wisconsin’s child welfare system, its purpose, processes, and key terms.
• Planning Ahead: Working Together for Successful Interactions
  Navigating the complexities of out-of-home care can be challenging, but building a strong, supportive relationship between caregivers and birth parents can make all the difference. This tip sheet offers practical advice and heartfelt insights to help you create a nurturing environment for children in your care.
• Reunification from Foster Care: A Guide for Parents
  This factsheet from the Child Welfare Information Gateway focuses on the steps that will help parents navigate the process of reunifying with their children after being in foster care. It introduces the team that will work with them throughout the process and discusses their rights as parents. It explains how they will work with their caseworker to make a plan for reunification and describes how partnering with their child’s resource parent can help bring them and their family together again.