Department of Children and Families

Gov. Evers Keeps Promise to Protect LGBTQ Youth, Again Vetoes Several Anti-LGBTQ BillsTargetingTransand Gender Nonconforming Kids

On International Transgender Day of Visibility, governor vetoes anti-trans bills surrounded by members of the LGBTQ community

Gov. Evers Takes Action on Nine Bills

Gov. Evers, Evers Administration Continue to Do Whats Best for Kids ThroughGet Kids Ready School Readiness Program

Governor announces nearly 1,400 care providers intend to participate in Wisconsin’s first-ever entirely state-funded child care program to help as many as 24,000 kids get ready for Kindergarten

Gov. Evers Delivers Radio Address, Highlighting New “Get Kids Ready” School Readiness Program

Governor celebrates launch of Wisconsin’s first-ever entirely state-funded child care program to provide direct payments to providers, free programming for families to get kids ready for school

Gov. Evers Celebrates Opening of Madison College Early Learning Campus

Gov. Evers, Dcf Announce Launch of $65 Million Get Kids Ready School Readiness Program

Thanks to Gov. Evers’ budget investments, Wisconsin’s first-ever entirely state-funded child care program to provide direct payments to providers, free programming for families to get kids ready for school

Wisconsin’s Refuge Resettlement Agencies Struggle to Stay Open

Facing funding losses, layoffs. Some are resettling South Africans.

2025 Wrap Up: Gov. Evers Highlights Administrations Efforts to Do What’s Best for Kids in 2025 the Year of the Kid

2025 Wrap Up: Gov. Evers Highlights 2025 Accomplishments

2025 Roundup: Gov. Evers Completes Annual 72-County Tour of Wisconsin

Rule Change Aims To Boost Kin Placements For Wisconsin Foster Children

With 39% of foster kids already first placed with relatives, state officials hope streamlined rules will connect even more children to family.

Gov. Evers Approves New Rule Aimed at Keeping Kids in Foster Care With Family and Loved Ones

Revised rule creates streamlined licensing pathway for relative and like-kin caregivers, keeping more kids with adults who know and love them

Feds Call Out Wisconsin, Other States for Diverting Benefits for Foster Kids

39 states do this. Evers tried to end practice but GOP legislators killed provision.

Gov. Evers, DCF Launch New Online Tools to Make Navigating Child Care Licensure and Regulation Process Faster and Easier

Modernizations to licensing and certification process make state government more efficient, cutting licensing processing time nearly in half

Gov. Evers Suspends Administrative Rules to Support Wisconsinites Facing Housing Insecurity due to Republicans Federal Government Shutdown

Order ensures families have access to emergency assistance for housing and utilities during period of economic disruption

SDC Pushed to ‘De-Designate’ Given FoodShare Crisis

State asks financially imperiled community action agency to step down.

Hundreds of Wisconsin Teacher Misconduct Cases Shielded from Public

DPI has investigated hundreds of cases, many involving 'grooming.'

Gov. Evers, DCF Announce Wisconsin Shares Rate Increase to Lower Child Care Costs for Over 15,000 Families

Thanks to investments Gov. Evers fought to secure in the state’s 2025-27 Biennial Budget, families will save an additional $174 per month

Gov. Evers, DCF Deliver $8.7 Million in First Round of Direct Payments to Over 3,000 Child Care Providers Statewide, Supporting Care of Over 126,000 Wisconsin Kids and Retaining Over 25,000 Child Care Staff  

Evers Administration ensures providers see no gaps in funding after Child Care Counts

Gov. Evers Urges Bipartisan Opposition to Trump Budget

Governor releases list of impacts Trump Administration’s budget will have on Wisconsin’s seniors, women, veterans, people with disabilities, and workforce

SDC Faces Debts, Board Vacancies, Lawsuits

Here's the latest on challenges for Social Development Commission.

Gov. Evers Launches $110 Million in Direct Child Care Provider Payments, Avoiding Gap in Critical Assistance

Governor delivers on promise to secure direct payments to child care providers through bipartisan, pro-kid budget investments

SDC Asks Federal Government to Reverse State’s Funding Cutoff

WI Department of Children and Families ended SDC’s eligibility for block grants.

Lawmakers Release Funds for Literacy But Delay Much of State Budget

Joint Finance Committee can't decide funding for UW system, Medicaid, child care.

New Study: Over 90 Percent of Wisconsinites Think Access to Affordable, High-Quality Child Care is a Problem, Majority Support State Investment to Fix It

Survey shows approximately half of households with young kids missed work in the past 12 months due to lack of child care, over 12 percent left workforce entirely

Evers, Republicans Close on Budget’s Tax Cut Plan

But far apart on K-12 schools, UW system and child care funding.

June Events at the Lynden Sculpture Garden

Cardboard Beds Dramatize Hidden Crisis

Temporary art installation by nonprofit Courage+ highlights LGBTQ+ homelessness.

Wisconsin Department of Justice Sues SDC

Lawsuit charges former SDC employees owed nearly $360,000 in wages, benefits.

Gov. Evers Again Urges Legislature to Invest in Child Care Counts as New Survey Finds Child Care Costs Skyrocket for Second Consecutive Year

Second consecutive annual state report shows average cost of infant care increased over 10 percent as Republican lawmakers gut child care funding from governor’s proposed budget

Rep. Goodwin Responds to Devastating Fire on 27th Street

Governor’s Interagency Council on Mental Health Seeks Public Input

Council is creating a statewide action plan to improve the mental health of Wisconsinites

State Ends SDC’s Status as County’s Community Action Agency

Its board members must examine options, decide its future.

Crowley Supports Replacing SDC

State could de-designate SDC as community action partner. But which local officials must agree?

Bipartisan Proposal Would Revive Pre-Kindergarten Program

Two-year pilot would fund reading readiness at child care centers.

Report Finds 25% of Childcare Providers Could Close Without State Support

New report from state agency bolsters Gov. Evers' case for $480 million childcare allocation.

Gov. Evers, DCF Announce New Survey Finds a Quarter of Child Care Programs Likely to Close if Legislature Fails to Invest in Continuing the Child Care Counts Program

State Will Hold Public Hearing on Social Development Commission

WI Dept of Children and Families may de-register SDC, affecting its funding.

Governor Evers Head Start Tour Stops at Next Door Milwaukee

The Governor was eager to learn about our programming for children and families, the impact of the federal funding freeze and the Child Care Counts program.

Gov. Evers Announces New Efforts to Lower Everyday, Out-of-Pocket Costs for Wisconsinites and Working Families

State Increases Size of Planned Milwaukee Office Building, Seeks Developer

But it's still far smaller than what was contemplated pre-pandemic. Completion scheduled for 2027.

DHS Encourages Homeowners, Property Owners, and Schools to Test for Radon

Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking

Legislative Committee Studying Whether To Create Long-Term Youth Psychiatric Care Facilities

Seventy-eight children were placed out of state for care in 2023.

SDC Could Lose Funding Following Board Resignations

Beleaguered social welfare agency's board is now too small by at least one state standard.

How Milwaukee’s Giant Anti-Poverty Agency Unraveled

Government agencies gave SDC big contracts even after it ended internal auditing.

Survey Finds Demand for Child Care Outpaces Providers’ Capacity

Lack of staff primary reason for not expanding capacity. Low pay an issue.

Gov. Evers, DCF Announce New Survey Finds Child Care Industry Unable to Serve 33,000 Kids Due to Lack of Staff

Gov. Evers Announces DCF Secretary Amundson Leaving Evers Administration

Deputy Secretary Pertl appointed to succeed Amundson as DCF secretary

HOME 2024 Community, Culture & Citizenship Celebration this Saturday at Lynden

Collaboration between Lynden Sculpture Garden and Community Center for Immigrants Includes Naturalization Ceremony

Quiet Policy Change Saves Milwaukee County Fathers $67 Million

County ended birth cost recovery program with the goal of addressing racial inequity, improving child support.

County Executive David Crowley Announces $67 Million Eliminated in Birth Costs to Support Fathers

Research conducted by the UW-Madison Institute for Research on Poverty supports ending birth cost recovery

Child Care Becoming Harder to Afford, State Report Finds

Value of state subsidy has declined and working families need help, Gov. Evers says.

Gov. Evers, DCF Report Steep Decline in Child Care Affordability, Call for Increased Support for Child Care Counts

New DCF report finds affordable child care slots for families using state subsidy dropped by nearly 25 percent between 2022 and 2023

Milwaukee’s Native Community Faces Surge in Opioid Deaths

Battling the highest overdose rate among all racial and ethnic groups.

State Pursuing Much Smaller Building at 27th and Wisconsin

Plans to replace aging downtown building have been modified, down-sized.

June Events at the Lynden Sculpture Garden

Evers Requests Release of $25 Million for Child Care and Tourism

Yet another battle between governor and Republican legislators over funding allocations.

Gov. Evers, WEDC Request Release of $15 Million to Support Child Care Providers Statewide

Request builds upon governor’s continued efforts to support state workforce, lower child care costs for working families, and prevent state child care industry closures

Child Care Providers Renew Call for State Funding

Programs struggling to survive. Evers supports more funding, GOP legislators don't.

Alexander, Goodwin Running For Same Assembly Seat

The two candidates previously faced off running for a seat on the Milwaukee County Board.

Alexander Fends Off Challenge for Board Seat

Alexander beats first-time candidate Brandon Williford in district on northwest side.

Gov. Evers Keeps Promise to Protect LGBTQ Youth, Vetoes Anti-LGBTQ Bill Targeting Trans and Gender Nonconforming Kids

Wisconsin Is First State Approved For New Summer Youth Aid Program

Federal program aims to feed childen when schools are closed.

Gov. Evers Announces Wisconsin is the First State to Receive Federal Approval to Help Feed Kids and Families During Summer Months

USDA approves Wisconsin plan to provide summer food benefits for kids and families

Gov. Evers Take Actions on 44 Bills

Gov. Evers Signs Bipartisan Bill to Reduce Annual Child Care Costs for Working Families

More than 110,000 Wisconsin taxpayers to see average benefit of $656 per filer, providing nearly $73 million in annual tax relief

Longtime Supervisor and Political Newcomer Advance In County Board Primary

Deanna Alexander and Brandon Williford advance to general election for County Board District 18 in April.

Child Advocacy Centers Face Uncertain Future With Looming 70% Funding Decline

Federal funding for victim services in state will decline by more than $30 million this year.

Gov. Evers, Members of Evers Administration Celebrate Grand Opening of Child Care Center in Sturgeon Bay

DHS Encourages Homeowners, Property Owners, and Child Care Centers to Test for Radon

Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer overall and leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers

2023 Roundup: Gov. Evers Highlights 2023 Accomplishments

DWD Equal Rights Case Portal Adopts MyWisconsin ID

Bipartisan “Baby Box” Law Allows Parents To Give Up Newborns

Expanded safe haven law allows parents to anonymously give up a child.

Gov. Evers Keeps Promise to Protect LGBTQ Youth, Vetoes Bill Prohibiting Gender-Affirming Care in Wisconsin

Gov. Evers Proclaims October 17 “Rise Up for LGBTQ Youth Day”

GOP Senators Express Skepticism of Governor’s Childcare, Workforce Bill

Issue coming to head with worker shortage, expiration of childcare subsidy program.

Gov. Evers, DCF Announce Child Care Stabilization and Sustainment Efforts Receive Inaugural La Follette/Gladfelter Award for Innovation in State Government

Forum announces Salute to Local Government award winners

As Abortions Resume in Wisconsin, Senate Crafts New Restrictions

GOP bills forbid abortion training at UW hospitals, fund crisis pregnancy centers.

Brunch of Professionals Hosting Autumn Brunch At Deer District

BOP invites women to usher in Autumn with food and conversation

Republican Child Care Bills Aim To Address Shortages By Cutting Regulations

Gov. Evers called for a Sept. 20 special session to address shortages, has different plan.

Republican Child Care Proposals Are Inadequate Say Gov. Evers, Other Democrats

Democrats have called for continuing provider subsidy program.

Milwaukee Renters Face Lead Poisoning Risks

City struggles to hold landlords accountable. ‘We have to do something,’ top official says.

Child Care Providers ‘Reeling,’ Need Funding

Legislature has ignored Gov. Evers' proposals to replace lost pandemic funding.

Inside Wellpoint’s Campus Overhaul

1950s orphanage evolves into hub for community and trauma-informed care.

Home Music & Dance Day – Celebrating Milwaukee’s Refugee Communities

Program at Lynden Sculpture Garden, July 15

Child Care Providers Try Again For State Funding

Republican legislators so far opposed, but may consider tax credits.

State At Risk of Losing 2,000 Child Care Programs

End of federal funding could mean many parents have to leave workforce.

Overnight GOP Vote Would End Child Care Program

Advocates say decision would raise costs and cause centers to close.

Milwaukee Child Care Issues Force Parents To Stop Working

City's South Side is a "child care desert." McDonald's can pay better than centers.

Record-High State Job Turnover Deepens Trend Started After Act 10

Study finds soaring turnover among state employees, high rate of job vacancies.

Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Selected for Job Quality Academy

Academy focuses on creating good jobs for residents

Gov. Evers Highlights Initiatives to Promote Safe, Affordable Housing for Wisconsin Workers and Families

Governor to spend week highlighting budget investments with visits to communities across the state

Wellpoint Care Network Hires Director of Equity, Culture and Belonging

Kim Swissdorf Appointed DFI Division of Banking Administrator

New Milwaukee Office Building Would Be Public-Private Partnership

State pivots from original plan to build its own facility at 27th and Wisconsin.

Evers’ Budget Funds Affordable Housing, Tenant Legal Support

Help for low-income renters would have significant impact in Milwaukee.

Gov. Evers Announces Statewide Initiatives to Ensure Safe, Affordable Rental Units and Housing

Governor’s plan improves rental unit safety, rehabilitates blighted properties, expands renter protections

Governor’s Health Equity Council Releases Full Report

Report details recommendations aimed to achieve long-lasting and equitable health outcomes for all Wisconsinites

City Offering $1,500 Grants To Early Childhood Workers

Funded by federal grant, effort is designed to grow the childcare workforce.