State Codes and Statutes

Statutes > Wisconsin > 48 > 48.62

48.62

48.62 Licensing of foster homes and treatment foster homes; rates.

48.62(1)

(1)

48.62(1)(a)

(a) Any person who receives, with or without transfer of legal custody, 4 or fewer children or, if necessary to enable a sibling group to remain together, 6 or fewer children or, if the department promulgates rules permitting a different number of children, the number of children permitted under those rules, to provide care and maintenance for those children shall obtain a license to operate a foster home from the department, a county department or a licensed child welfare agency as provided in s. 48.75.

48.62(1)(b)

(b) Any person who receives, with or without transfer of legal custody, 4 or fewer children into a home to provide care and maintenance and structured, professional treatment for those children shall obtain a license to operate a treatment foster home from the department, a county department or a licensed child welfare agency as provided in s. 48.75.

48.62 - ANNOT.

NOTE: Sub. (1) is affected by 2009 Wis. Act 28 eff. the date stated in the notice provided by the secretary of children and families and published in the Wisconsin Administrative Register under s. 48.62 (9) to read:

48.62 - ANNOT.

48.62 Licensing of foster homes; rates. (1) Any person who receives, with or without transfer of legal custody, 4 or fewer children or, if necessary to enable a sibling group to remain together, 6 or fewer children or, if the department promulgates rules permitting a different number of children, the number of children permitted under those rules, to provide care and maintenance for those children shall obtain a license to operate a foster home from the department, a county department or a licensed child welfare agency as provided in s. 48.75.

48.62(2)

(2) A relative[,,] or a guardian of a child who provides care and maintenance for the child is not required to obtain the license specified in this section. The department, county department, or licensed child welfare agency as provided in s. 48.75 may issue a license to operate a foster home or a treatment foster home to a relative who has no duty of support under s. 49.90 (1) (a) and who requests a license to operate a foster home or treatment foster home for a specific child who is either placed by court order or who is the subject of a voluntary placement agreement under s. 48.63. The department, a county department, or a licensed child welfare agency may, at the request of a guardian appointed under s. 48.977 or 48.978, ch. 54, or ch. 880, 2003 stats., license the guardian's home as a foster home or treatment foster home for the guardian's minor ward who is living in the home and who is placed in the home by court order. Relatives with no duty of support and guardians appointed under s. 48.977 or 48.978, ch. 54, or ch. 880, 2003 stats., who are licensed to operate foster homes or treatment foster homes are subject to the department's licensing rules.

48.62 - ANNOT.

NOTE: The bracketed commas were inserted by 2005 Wis. Act 387, but rendered surplusage by 2005 Wis. Act 232. Corrective legislation is pending. Sub. (2) is amended by 2009 Wis. Act 28 eff. the date stated in the notice provided by the secretary of children and families and published in the Wisconsin Administrative Register under s. 48.62 (9) to read:

48.62 - ANNOT.

(2) A relative or a guardian of a child who provides care and maintenance for the child is not required to obtain the license specified in this section. The department, county department, or licensed child welfare agency as provided in s. 48.75 may issue a license to operate a foster home to a relative who has no duty of support under s. 49.90 (1) (a) and who requests a license to operate a foster home for a specific child who is either placed by court order or who is the subject of a voluntary placement agreement under s. 48.63. The department, a county department, or a licensed child welfare agency may, at the request of a guardian appointed under s. 48.977 or 48.978, ch. 54, or ch. 880, 2003 stats., license the guardian's home as a foster home for the guardian's minor ward who is living in the home and who is placed in the home by court order. Relatives with no duty of support and guardians appointed under s. 48.977 or 48.978, ch. 54, or ch. 880, 2003 stats., who are licensed to operate foster homes are subject to the department's licensing rules.

48.62(3)

(3) When the department, a county department or a child welfare agency issues a license to operate a foster home or a treatment foster home, the department, county department or child welfare agency shall notify the clerk of the school district in which the foster home or treatment foster home is located that a foster home or treatment foster home has been licensed in the school district.

48.62 - ANNOT.

NOTE: Sub. (3) is amended by 2009 Wis. Act 28 eff. the date stated in the notice provided by the secretary of children and families and published in the Wisconsin Administrative Register under s. 48.62 (9) to read:

48.62 - ANNOT.

(3) When the department, a county department, or a child welfare agency issues a license to operate a foster home, the department, county department, or child welfare agency shall notify the clerk of the school district in which the foster home is located that a foster home has been licensed in the school district.

48.62(4)

(4) Monthly payments in foster care shall be provided according to the rates specified in this subsection. Beginning on January 1, 2010, the rates are $215 for care and maintenance provided for a child of any age by a foster home that is certified to provide level one care, as defined in the rules promulgated under sub. (8) (a) and, for care and maintenance provided by a foster home that is certified to provide care at a level of care that is higher than such level one care, $349 for a child under 5 years of age; $381 for a child 5 to 11 years of age; $433 for a child 12 to 14 years of age; and $452 for a child 15 years of age or over. Beginning on January 1, 2011, the rates are $220 for care and maintenance provided for a child of any age by a foster home that is certified to provide level one care, as defined in the rules promulgated under sub. (8) (a) and, for care and maintenance provided by a foster home that is certified to provide care at a level of care that is higher than such level one care, $366 for a child under 5 years of age; $400 for a child 5 to 11 years of age; $455 for a child 12 to 14 years of age; and $475 for a child 15 years of age or over. In addition to these grants for basic maintenance, the department, county department, or licensed child welfare agency shall make supplemental payments for foster care to a foster home that is receiving an age-related rate under this subsection that are commensurate with the level of care that the foster home is certified to provide and the needs of the child who is placed in the foster home according to the rules promulgated by the department under sub. (8) (c).

48.62(5)

(5)

48.62(5)(a)

(a) Subject to par. (d), a county department or, in a county having a population of 500,000 or more, the department shall provide monthly subsidized guardianship payments in the amount specified in par. (e) to a guardian of a child under s. 48.977 (2) or under a substantially similar tribal law or law of another state who was licensed as the child's foster parent or treatment foster parent before the guardianship appointment and who has entered into a subsidized guardianship agreement with the county department or department if the guardian meets the conditions specified in par. (c) 1. and 2. and if the child meets any of the following conditions:

48.62 - ANNOT.

NOTE: Par. (a) (intro.) is amended by 2009 Wis. Act 28 eff. the date stated in the notice provided by the secretary of children and families and published in the Wisconsin Administrative Register under s. 48.62 (9) to read:

48.62 - ANNOT.

(a) Subject to par. (d), a county department or, in a county having a population of 500,000 or more, the department shall provide monthly subsidized guardianship payments in the amount specified in par. (e) to a guardian of a child under s. 48.977 (2) or under a substantially similar tribal law or law of another state who was licensed as the child's foster parent before the guardianship appointment and who has entered into a subsidized guardianship agreement with the county department or department if the guardian meets the conditions specified in par. (c) 1. and 2. and if the child meets any of the following conditions:

48.62(5)(a)1.

1. The child has been placed outside of his or her home, as described in s. 48.365 (1), for a cumulative total period of one year or longer, the court has found that the agency primarily responsible for providing services to the child under a court order has made reasonable efforts to make it possible for the child to return to his or her home, while assuring that the child's health and safety are the paramount concerns, but that reunification of the child with the child's parent or parents is unlikely or contrary to the best interests of the child and that further reunification efforts are unlikely to be made or are contrary to the best interests of the child, or that any of the circumstances specified in s. 48.355 (2d) (b) 1. to 5. apply, and the court has found that appointment of a guardian for the child is in the best interests of the child.

48.62(5)(a)2.

2. The child does not meet the conditions specified in subd. 1., but the county department or department has determined, and a court has confirmed under s. 48.977 (3r) or under a substantially similar tribal law or law of another state, that appointing a guardian for the child and providing monthly subsidized guardianship payments to the guardian are in the best interests of the child.

48.62(5)(b)

(b) Subject to par. (d), on the death, incapacity, resignation, or removal of a guardian receiving payments under par. (a), a county department or, in a county having a population of 500,000 or more, the department shall provide monthly subsidized guardianship payments in the amount specified in par. (e) for a period of up to 12 months to an interim caretaker who meets all of the conditions specified in par. (c).

48.62(5)(c)

(c) A county department or, in a county having a population of 500,000 or more, the department may not provide monthly subsidized guardianship payments under par. (a) or (b) unless all of the following conditions are met:

48.62(5)(c)1.

1. The county department or department inspects the home of the guardian or interim caretaker, interviews the guardian or interim caretaker, and determines that placement of the child with the guardian or interim caretaker is in the best interests of the child.

48.62(5)(c)2.

2. The county department or department conducts a background investigation under s. 48.57 (3p) of the guardian or interim caretaker, the employees and prospective employees of the guardian or interim caretaker who have or would have regular contact with the child for whom the payments would be made, and any other adult resident, as defined in s. 48.57 (3p) (a), of the home of the guardian or interim caretaker and determines that those individuals do not have any arrests or convictions that are likely to adversely affect the child or the ability of the guardian or interim caretaker to care for the child.

48.62(5)(c)3.

3. In the case of an interim caretaker, the interim caretaker cooperates with the county department or department in finding a permanent placement for the child.

48.62(5)(d)

(d) The department shall request from the secretary of the federal department of health and human services a waiver of the requirements under 42 USC 670 to 679a that would authorize the state to receive federal foster care and adoption assistance reimbursement under 42 USC 670 to 679a for the costs of providing care for a child who is in the care of a guardian who was licensed as the child's foster parent or treatment foster parent before the guardianship appointment and who has entered into a subsidized guardianship agreement with the county department or department. If the waiver is approved for a county having a population of 500,000 or more, the department shall provide the monthly payments under par. (a) from the appropriations under s. 20.437 (1) (dd) and (pd). If the waiver is approved for any other county, the department shall determine which counties are authorized to provide monthly payments under par. (a) or (b), and the county departments of those counties shall provide those payments from moneys received under s. 48.569 (1) (d).

48.62 - ANNOT.

NOTE: Par. (d) is amended by 2009 Wis. Act 28 eff. the date stated in the notice provided by the secretary of children and families and published in the Wisconsin Administrative Register under s. 48.62 (9) to read:

48.62 - ANNOT.

(d) The department shall request from the secretary of the federal department of health and human services a waiver of the requirements under 42 USC 670 to 679a that would authorize the state to receive federal foster care and adoption assistance reimbursement under 42 USC 670 to 679a for the costs of providing care for a child who is in the care of a guardian who was licensed as the child's foster parent before the guardianship appointment and who has entered into a subsidized guardianship agreement with the county department or department. If the waiver is approved for a county having a population of 500,000 or more, the department shall provide the monthly payments under par. (a) from the appropriations under s. 20.437 (1) (dd) and (pd). If the waiver is approved for any other county, the department shall determine which counties are authorized to provide monthly payments under par. (a) or (b), and the county departments of those counties shall provide those payments from moneys received under s. 48.569 (1) (d).

48.62(5)(e)

(e) The amount of a monthly payment under par. (a) or (b) for the care of a child shall equal the amount received under sub. (4) by the guardian of the child for the month immediately preceding the month in which the guardianship order was granted. A guardian or an interim caretaker who receives a monthly payment under par. (a) or (b) is not eligible to receive a payment under sub. (4) or s. 48.57 (3m) or (3n).

48.62(6)

(6) The department or a county department may recover an overpayment made under sub. (4) or (5) from a foster parent, treatment foster parent, guardian, or interim caretaker who continues to receive payments under sub. (4) or (5) by reducing the amount of the person's monthly payment. The department may by rule specify other methods for recovering overpayments made under sub. (4) or (5). A county department that recovers an overpayment under this subsection due to the efforts of its officers and employees may retain a portion of the amount recovered, as provided by the department by rule.

48.62 - ANNOT.

NOTE: Sub. (6) is amended by 2009 Wis. Act 28 eff. the date stated in the notice provided by the secretary of children and families and published in the Wisconsin Administrative Register under s. 48.62 (9) to read:

48.62 - ANNOT.

(6) The department or a county department may recover an overpayment made under sub. (4) or (5) from a foster parent, guardian, or interim caretaker who continues to receive those payments by reducing the amount of the person's monthly payment. The department may by rule specify other methods for recovering those overpayments. A county department that recovers an overpayment under this subsection due to the efforts of its officers and employees may retain a portion of the amount recovered, as provided by the department by rule.

48.62(7)

(7) In each federal fiscal year, the department shall ensure that there are no more than 2,200 children in foster care and treatment foster care placements for more than 24 months, consistent with the best interests of each child. Services provided in connection with this requirement shall comply with the requirements under P.L. 96-272.

48.62 - ANNOT.

NOTE: Sub. (7) is amended by 2009 Wis. Act 28 eff. the date stated in the notice provided by the secretary of children and families and published in the Wisconsin Administrative Register under s. 48.62 (9) to read:

48.62 - ANNOT.

(7) In each federal fiscal year, the department shall ensure that there are no more than 2,200 children in foster care placements for more than 24 months, consistent with the best interests of each child. Services provided in connection with this requirement shall comply with the requirements under P.L. 96-272.

48.62(8)

(8) The department shall promulgate rules relating to foster homes as follows:

48.62(8)(a)

(a) Rules providing levels of care that a foster home is licensed to provide. Those levels of care shall be based on the level of knowledge, skill, training, experience, and other qualifications that are required of the licensee, the level of responsibilities that are expected of the licensee, the needs of the children who are placed with the licensee, and any other requirements relating to the ability of the licensee to provide for those needs that the department may promulgate by rule.

48.62(8)(b)

(b) Rules establishing a standardized assessment tool to assess the needs of a child placed or to be placed outside the home, to determine the level of care that is required to meet those needs, and to place the child in a placement that meets those needs. A foster home that is certified to provide a given level of care under par. (a) may provide foster care for any child whose needs are assessed to be at or below the level of care that the foster home is certified to provide. A foster home that is certified to provide a given level of care under par. (a) may not provide foster care for any child whose needs are assessed to be above that level of care unless the department, county department, or child welfare agency issuing the foster home license determines that support or services sufficient to meet the child's needs are in place and grants an exception to that prohibition.

48.62(8)(c)

(c) Rules providing monthly rates of reimbursement for foster care that are commensurate with the level of care that the foster home is licensed to provide and the needs of the child who is placed in the foster home. Those rates shall include rates for supplemental payments for special needs, exceptional circumstances, and initial clothing allowances for children placed in a foster home that is receiving an age-related monthly rate under sub. (4). In promulgating the rules under this paragraph, the department shall provide a mechanism for equalizing the amount of reimbursement received by a foster parent prior to the promulgation of those rules and the amount of reimbursement received by a foster parent under those rules so as to reduce the amount of any reimbursement that may be lost as a result of the implementation of those rules.

48.62(8)(d)

(d) Rules providing a monthly retainer fee for a foster home that agrees to maintain openings for emergency placements.

48.62(9)

(9) As soon as the department is ready to implement the rules promulgated under sub. (8), the secretary shall send a notice to the legislative reference bureau for publication in the Wisconsin Administrative Register that states the date on which the provisions of 2009 Wisconsin Act 28, relating to foster care levels of care will become effective.

48.62 - ANNOT.

History: 1977 c. 354 s. 101; 1977 c. 418, 447; 1981 c. 20; 1985 a. 29 s. 3202 (23); 1985 a. 176, 281, 332, 403; 1989 a. 31, 336; 1993 a. 395 ss. 31m, 39; 1993 a. 437 s. 67; 1993 a. 446 ss. 79 to 82, 134m; 1993 a. 491; 1995 a. 275; 1997 a. 27, 334; 1999 a. 9; 2001 a. 69; 2005 a. 25, 232, 387; 2007 a. 20 ss. 810, 1322, 1323; 2009 a. 28, 71.

48.62 - ANNOT.

Cross Reference: See also ch. DCF 56, Wis. adm. code.

48.62 - ANNOT.

A foster child in a family owned foster home under a one-year dispositional order is a resident of the household for insurance purposes. A. G. v. Travelers Insurance Co. 112 Wis. 2d 18, 331 N.W.2d 643 (Ct. App. 1983).

48.62 - ANNOT.

Foster homes owned, operated, or contracted for by the department or a county department are immune from local zoning ordinances. Foster homes owned, operated, or contracted for by licensed child welfare agencies are not immune. All family operated foster homes are subject to local zoning. Municipal foster home licensing ordinances are unenforceable. 63 Atty. Gen. 34.

48.62 - ANNOT.

State-licensed foster homes are immune from local zoning ordinances restricting the number of unrelated occupants of single family dwellings. 66 Atty. Gen. 342.

State Codes and Statutes

Statutes > Wisconsin > 48 > 48.62

48.62

48.62 Licensing of foster homes and treatment foster homes; rates.

48.62(1)

(1)

48.62(1)(a)

(a) Any person who receives, with or without transfer of legal custody, 4 or fewer children or, if necessary to enable a sibling group to remain together, 6 or fewer children or, if the department promulgates rules permitting a different number of children, the number of children permitted under those rules, to provide care and maintenance for those children shall obtain a license to operate a foster home from the department, a county department or a licensed child welfare agency as provided in s. 48.75.

48.62(1)(b)

(b) Any person who receives, with or without transfer of legal custody, 4 or fewer children into a home to provide care and maintenance and structured, professional treatment for those children shall obtain a license to operate a treatment foster home from the department, a county department or a licensed child welfare agency as provided in s. 48.75.

48.62 - ANNOT.

NOTE: Sub. (1) is affected by 2009 Wis. Act 28 eff. the date stated in the notice provided by the secretary of children and families and published in the Wisconsin Administrative Register under s. 48.62 (9) to read:

48.62 - ANNOT.

48.62 Licensing of foster homes; rates. (1) Any person who receives, with or without transfer of legal custody, 4 or fewer children or, if necessary to enable a sibling group to remain together, 6 or fewer children or, if the department promulgates rules permitting a different number of children, the number of children permitted under those rules, to provide care and maintenance for those children shall obtain a license to operate a foster home from the department, a county department or a licensed child welfare agency as provided in s. 48.75.

48.62(2)

(2) A relative[,,] or a guardian of a child who provides care and maintenance for the child is not required to obtain the license specified in this section. The department, county department, or licensed child welfare agency as provided in s. 48.75 may issue a license to operate a foster home or a treatment foster home to a relative who has no duty of support under s. 49.90 (1) (a) and who requests a license to operate a foster home or treatment foster home for a specific child who is either placed by court order or who is the subject of a voluntary placement agreement under s. 48.63. The department, a county department, or a licensed child welfare agency may, at the request of a guardian appointed under s. 48.977 or 48.978, ch. 54, or ch. 880, 2003 stats., license the guardian's home as a foster home or treatment foster home for the guardian's minor ward who is living in the home and who is placed in the home by court order. Relatives with no duty of support and guardians appointed under s. 48.977 or 48.978, ch. 54, or ch. 880, 2003 stats., who are licensed to operate foster homes or treatment foster homes are subject to the department's licensing rules.

48.62 - ANNOT.

NOTE: The bracketed commas were inserted by 2005 Wis. Act 387, but rendered surplusage by 2005 Wis. Act 232. Corrective legislation is pending. Sub. (2) is amended by 2009 Wis. Act 28 eff. the date stated in the notice provided by the secretary of children and families and published in the Wisconsin Administrative Register under s. 48.62 (9) to read:

48.62 - ANNOT.

(2) A relative or a guardian of a child who provides care and maintenance for the child is not required to obtain the license specified in this section. The department, county department, or licensed child welfare agency as provided in s. 48.75 may issue a license to operate a foster home to a relative who has no duty of support under s. 49.90 (1) (a) and who requests a license to operate a foster home for a specific child who is either placed by court order or who is the subject of a voluntary placement agreement under s. 48.63. The department, a county department, or a licensed child welfare agency may, at the request of a guardian appointed under s. 48.977 or 48.978, ch. 54, or ch. 880, 2003 stats., license the guardian's home as a foster home for the guardian's minor ward who is living in the home and who is placed in the home by court order. Relatives with no duty of support and guardians appointed under s. 48.977 or 48.978, ch. 54, or ch. 880, 2003 stats., who are licensed to operate foster homes are subject to the department's licensing rules.

48.62(3)

(3) When the department, a county department or a child welfare agency issues a license to operate a foster home or a treatment foster home, the department, county department or child welfare agency shall notify the clerk of the school district in which the foster home or treatment foster home is located that a foster home or treatment foster home has been licensed in the school district.

48.62 - ANNOT.

NOTE: Sub. (3) is amended by 2009 Wis. Act 28 eff. the date stated in the notice provided by the secretary of children and families and published in the Wisconsin Administrative Register under s. 48.62 (9) to read:

48.62 - ANNOT.

(3) When the department, a county department, or a child welfare agency issues a license to operate a foster home, the department, county department, or child welfare agency shall notify the clerk of the school district in which the foster home is located that a foster home has been licensed in the school district.

48.62(4)

(4) Monthly payments in foster care shall be provided according to the rates specified in this subsection. Beginning on January 1, 2010, the rates are $215 for care and maintenance provided for a child of any age by a foster home that is certified to provide level one care, as defined in the rules promulgated under sub. (8) (a) and, for care and maintenance provided by a foster home that is certified to provide care at a level of care that is higher than such level one care, $349 for a child under 5 years of age; $381 for a child 5 to 11 years of age; $433 for a child 12 to 14 years of age; and $452 for a child 15 years of age or over. Beginning on January 1, 2011, the rates are $220 for care and maintenance provided for a child of any age by a foster home that is certified to provide level one care, as defined in the rules promulgated under sub. (8) (a) and, for care and maintenance provided by a foster home that is certified to provide care at a level of care that is higher than such level one care, $366 for a child under 5 years of age; $400 for a child 5 to 11 years of age; $455 for a child 12 to 14 years of age; and $475 for a child 15 years of age or over. In addition to these grants for basic maintenance, the department, county department, or licensed child welfare agency shall make supplemental payments for foster care to a foster home that is receiving an age-related rate under this subsection that are commensurate with the level of care that the foster home is certified to provide and the needs of the child who is placed in the foster home according to the rules promulgated by the department under sub. (8) (c).

48.62(5)

(5)

48.62(5)(a)

(a) Subject to par. (d), a county department or, in a county having a population of 500,000 or more, the department shall provide monthly subsidized guardianship payments in the amount specified in par. (e) to a guardian of a child under s. 48.977 (2) or under a substantially similar tribal law or law of another state who was licensed as the child's foster parent or treatment foster parent before the guardianship appointment and who has entered into a subsidized guardianship agreement with the county department or department if the guardian meets the conditions specified in par. (c) 1. and 2. and if the child meets any of the following conditions:

48.62 - ANNOT.

NOTE: Par. (a) (intro.) is amended by 2009 Wis. Act 28 eff. the date stated in the notice provided by the secretary of children and families and published in the Wisconsin Administrative Register under s. 48.62 (9) to read:

48.62 - ANNOT.

(a) Subject to par. (d), a county department or, in a county having a population of 500,000 or more, the department shall provide monthly subsidized guardianship payments in the amount specified in par. (e) to a guardian of a child under s. 48.977 (2) or under a substantially similar tribal law or law of another state who was licensed as the child's foster parent before the guardianship appointment and who has entered into a subsidized guardianship agreement with the county department or department if the guardian meets the conditions specified in par. (c) 1. and 2. and if the child meets any of the following conditions:

48.62(5)(a)1.

1. The child has been placed outside of his or her home, as described in s. 48.365 (1), for a cumulative total period of one year or longer, the court has found that the agency primarily responsible for providing services to the child under a court order has made reasonable efforts to make it possible for the child to return to his or her home, while assuring that the child's health and safety are the paramount concerns, but that reunification of the child with the child's parent or parents is unlikely or contrary to the best interests of the child and that further reunification efforts are unlikely to be made or are contrary to the best interests of the child, or that any of the circumstances specified in s. 48.355 (2d) (b) 1. to 5. apply, and the court has found that appointment of a guardian for the child is in the best interests of the child.

48.62(5)(a)2.

2. The child does not meet the conditions specified in subd. 1., but the county department or department has determined, and a court has confirmed under s. 48.977 (3r) or under a substantially similar tribal law or law of another state, that appointing a guardian for the child and providing monthly subsidized guardianship payments to the guardian are in the best interests of the child.

48.62(5)(b)

(b) Subject to par. (d), on the death, incapacity, resignation, or removal of a guardian receiving payments under par. (a), a county department or, in a county having a population of 500,000 or more, the department shall provide monthly subsidized guardianship payments in the amount specified in par. (e) for a period of up to 12 months to an interim caretaker who meets all of the conditions specified in par. (c).

48.62(5)(c)

(c) A county department or, in a county having a population of 500,000 or more, the department may not provide monthly subsidized guardianship payments under par. (a) or (b) unless all of the following conditions are met:

48.62(5)(c)1.

1. The county department or department inspects the home of the guardian or interim caretaker, interviews the guardian or interim caretaker, and determines that placement of the child with the guardian or interim caretaker is in the best interests of the child.

48.62(5)(c)2.

2. The county department or department conducts a background investigation under s. 48.57 (3p) of the guardian or interim caretaker, the employees and prospective employees of the guardian or interim caretaker who have or would have regular contact with the child for whom the payments would be made, and any other adult resident, as defined in s. 48.57 (3p) (a), of the home of the guardian or interim caretaker and determines that those individuals do not have any arrests or convictions that are likely to adversely affect the child or the ability of the guardian or interim caretaker to care for the child.

48.62(5)(c)3.

3. In the case of an interim caretaker, the interim caretaker cooperates with the county department or department in finding a permanent placement for the child.

48.62(5)(d)

(d) The department shall request from the secretary of the federal department of health and human services a waiver of the requirements under 42 USC 670 to 679a that would authorize the state to receive federal foster care and adoption assistance reimbursement under 42 USC 670 to 679a for the costs of providing care for a child who is in the care of a guardian who was licensed as the child's foster parent or treatment foster parent before the guardianship appointment and who has entered into a subsidized guardianship agreement with the county department or department. If the waiver is approved for a county having a population of 500,000 or more, the department shall provide the monthly payments under par. (a) from the appropriations under s. 20.437 (1) (dd) and (pd). If the waiver is approved for any other county, the department shall determine which counties are authorized to provide monthly payments under par. (a) or (b), and the county departments of those counties shall provide those payments from moneys received under s. 48.569 (1) (d).

48.62 - ANNOT.

NOTE: Par. (d) is amended by 2009 Wis. Act 28 eff. the date stated in the notice provided by the secretary of children and families and published in the Wisconsin Administrative Register under s. 48.62 (9) to read:

48.62 - ANNOT.

(d) The department shall request from the secretary of the federal department of health and human services a waiver of the requirements under 42 USC 670 to 679a that would authorize the state to receive federal foster care and adoption assistance reimbursement under 42 USC 670 to 679a for the costs of providing care for a child who is in the care of a guardian who was licensed as the child's foster parent before the guardianship appointment and who has entered into a subsidized guardianship agreement with the county department or department. If the waiver is approved for a county having a population of 500,000 or more, the department shall provide the monthly payments under par. (a) from the appropriations under s. 20.437 (1) (dd) and (pd). If the waiver is approved for any other county, the department shall determine which counties are authorized to provide monthly payments under par. (a) or (b), and the county departments of those counties shall provide those payments from moneys received under s. 48.569 (1) (d).

48.62(5)(e)

(e) The amount of a monthly payment under par. (a) or (b) for the care of a child shall equal the amount received under sub. (4) by the guardian of the child for the month immediately preceding the month in which the guardianship order was granted. A guardian or an interim caretaker who receives a monthly payment under par. (a) or (b) is not eligible to receive a payment under sub. (4) or s. 48.57 (3m) or (3n).

48.62(6)

(6) The department or a county department may recover an overpayment made under sub. (4) or (5) from a foster parent, treatment foster parent, guardian, or interim caretaker who continues to receive payments under sub. (4) or (5) by reducing the amount of the person's monthly payment. The department may by rule specify other methods for recovering overpayments made under sub. (4) or (5). A county department that recovers an overpayment under this subsection due to the efforts of its officers and employees may retain a portion of the amount recovered, as provided by the department by rule.

48.62 - ANNOT.

NOTE: Sub. (6) is amended by 2009 Wis. Act 28 eff. the date stated in the notice provided by the secretary of children and families and published in the Wisconsin Administrative Register under s. 48.62 (9) to read:

48.62 - ANNOT.

(6) The department or a county department may recover an overpayment made under sub. (4) or (5) from a foster parent, guardian, or interim caretaker who continues to receive those payments by reducing the amount of the person's monthly payment. The department may by rule specify other methods for recovering those overpayments. A county department that recovers an overpayment under this subsection due to the efforts of its officers and employees may retain a portion of the amount recovered, as provided by the department by rule.

48.62(7)

(7) In each federal fiscal year, the department shall ensure that there are no more than 2,200 children in foster care and treatment foster care placements for more than 24 months, consistent with the best interests of each child. Services provided in connection with this requirement shall comply with the requirements under P.L. 96-272.

48.62 - ANNOT.

NOTE: Sub. (7) is amended by 2009 Wis. Act 28 eff. the date stated in the notice provided by the secretary of children and families and published in the Wisconsin Administrative Register under s. 48.62 (9) to read:

48.62 - ANNOT.

(7) In each federal fiscal year, the department shall ensure that there are no more than 2,200 children in foster care placements for more than 24 months, consistent with the best interests of each child. Services provided in connection with this requirement shall comply with the requirements under P.L. 96-272.

48.62(8)

(8) The department shall promulgate rules relating to foster homes as follows:

48.62(8)(a)

(a) Rules providing levels of care that a foster home is licensed to provide. Those levels of care shall be based on the level of knowledge, skill, training, experience, and other qualifications that are required of the licensee, the level of responsibilities that are expected of the licensee, the needs of the children who are placed with the licensee, and any other requirements relating to the ability of the licensee to provide for those needs that the department may promulgate by rule.

48.62(8)(b)

(b) Rules establishing a standardized assessment tool to assess the needs of a child placed or to be placed outside the home, to determine the level of care that is required to meet those needs, and to place the child in a placement that meets those needs. A foster home that is certified to provide a given level of care under par. (a) may provide foster care for any child whose needs are assessed to be at or below the level of care that the foster home is certified to provide. A foster home that is certified to provide a given level of care under par. (a) may not provide foster care for any child whose needs are assessed to be above that level of care unless the department, county department, or child welfare agency issuing the foster home license determines that support or services sufficient to meet the child's needs are in place and grants an exception to that prohibition.

48.62(8)(c)

(c) Rules providing monthly rates of reimbursement for foster care that are commensurate with the level of care that the foster home is licensed to provide and the needs of the child who is placed in the foster home. Those rates shall include rates for supplemental payments for special needs, exceptional circumstances, and initial clothing allowances for children placed in a foster home that is receiving an age-related monthly rate under sub. (4). In promulgating the rules under this paragraph, the department shall provide a mechanism for equalizing the amount of reimbursement received by a foster parent prior to the promulgation of those rules and the amount of reimbursement received by a foster parent under those rules so as to reduce the amount of any reimbursement that may be lost as a result of the implementation of those rules.

48.62(8)(d)

(d) Rules providing a monthly retainer fee for a foster home that agrees to maintain openings for emergency placements.

48.62(9)

(9) As soon as the department is ready to implement the rules promulgated under sub. (8), the secretary shall send a notice to the legislative reference bureau for publication in the Wisconsin Administrative Register that states the date on which the provisions of 2009 Wisconsin Act 28, relating to foster care levels of care will become effective.

48.62 - ANNOT.

History: 1977 c. 354 s. 101; 1977 c. 418, 447; 1981 c. 20; 1985 a. 29 s. 3202 (23); 1985 a. 176, 281, 332, 403; 1989 a. 31, 336; 1993 a. 395 ss. 31m, 39; 1993 a. 437 s. 67; 1993 a. 446 ss. 79 to 82, 134m; 1993 a. 491; 1995 a. 275; 1997 a. 27, 334; 1999 a. 9; 2001 a. 69; 2005 a. 25, 232, 387; 2007 a. 20 ss. 810, 1322, 1323; 2009 a. 28, 71.

48.62 - ANNOT.

Cross Reference: See also ch. DCF 56, Wis. adm. code.

48.62 - ANNOT.

A foster child in a family owned foster home under a one-year dispositional order is a resident of the household for insurance purposes. A. G. v. Travelers Insurance Co. 112 Wis. 2d 18, 331 N.W.2d 643 (Ct. App. 1983).

48.62 - ANNOT.

Foster homes owned, operated, or contracted for by the department or a county department are immune from local zoning ordinances. Foster homes owned, operated, or contracted for by licensed child welfare agencies are not immune. All family operated foster homes are subject to local zoning. Municipal foster home licensing ordinances are unenforceable. 63 Atty. Gen. 34.

48.62 - ANNOT.

State-licensed foster homes are immune from local zoning ordinances restricting the number of unrelated occupants of single family dwellings. 66 Atty. Gen. 342.

State Codes and Statutes

State Codes and Statutes

Statutes > Wisconsin > 48 > 48.62

48.62

48.62 Licensing of foster homes and treatment foster homes; rates.

48.62(1)

(1)

48.62(1)(a)

(a) Any person who receives, with or without transfer of legal custody, 4 or fewer children or, if necessary to enable a sibling group to remain together, 6 or fewer children or, if the department promulgates rules permitting a different number of children, the number of children permitted under those rules, to provide care and maintenance for those children shall obtain a license to operate a foster home from the department, a county department or a licensed child welfare agency as provided in s. 48.75.

48.62(1)(b)

(b) Any person who receives, with or without transfer of legal custody, 4 or fewer children into a home to provide care and maintenance and structured, professional treatment for those children shall obtain a license to operate a treatment foster home from the department, a county department or a licensed child welfare agency as provided in s. 48.75.

48.62 - ANNOT.

NOTE: Sub. (1) is affected by 2009 Wis. Act 28 eff. the date stated in the notice provided by the secretary of children and families and published in the Wisconsin Administrative Register under s. 48.62 (9) to read:

48.62 - ANNOT.

48.62 Licensing of foster homes; rates. (1) Any person who receives, with or without transfer of legal custody, 4 or fewer children or, if necessary to enable a sibling group to remain together, 6 or fewer children or, if the department promulgates rules permitting a different number of children, the number of children permitted under those rules, to provide care and maintenance for those children shall obtain a license to operate a foster home from the department, a county department or a licensed child welfare agency as provided in s. 48.75.

48.62(2)

(2) A relative[,,] or a guardian of a child who provides care and maintenance for the child is not required to obtain the license specified in this section. The department, county department, or licensed child welfare agency as provided in s. 48.75 may issue a license to operate a foster home or a treatment foster home to a relative who has no duty of support under s. 49.90 (1) (a) and who requests a license to operate a foster home or treatment foster home for a specific child who is either placed by court order or who is the subject of a voluntary placement agreement under s. 48.63. The department, a county department, or a licensed child welfare agency may, at the request of a guardian appointed under s. 48.977 or 48.978, ch. 54, or ch. 880, 2003 stats., license the guardian's home as a foster home or treatment foster home for the guardian's minor ward who is living in the home and who is placed in the home by court order. Relatives with no duty of support and guardians appointed under s. 48.977 or 48.978, ch. 54, or ch. 880, 2003 stats., who are licensed to operate foster homes or treatment foster homes are subject to the department's licensing rules.

48.62 - ANNOT.

NOTE: The bracketed commas were inserted by 2005 Wis. Act 387, but rendered surplusage by 2005 Wis. Act 232. Corrective legislation is pending. Sub. (2) is amended by 2009 Wis. Act 28 eff. the date stated in the notice provided by the secretary of children and families and published in the Wisconsin Administrative Register under s. 48.62 (9) to read:

48.62 - ANNOT.

(2) A relative or a guardian of a child who provides care and maintenance for the child is not required to obtain the license specified in this section. The department, county department, or licensed child welfare agency as provided in s. 48.75 may issue a license to operate a foster home to a relative who has no duty of support under s. 49.90 (1) (a) and who requests a license to operate a foster home for a specific child who is either placed by court order or who is the subject of a voluntary placement agreement under s. 48.63. The department, a county department, or a licensed child welfare agency may, at the request of a guardian appointed under s. 48.977 or 48.978, ch. 54, or ch. 880, 2003 stats., license the guardian's home as a foster home for the guardian's minor ward who is living in the home and who is placed in the home by court order. Relatives with no duty of support and guardians appointed under s. 48.977 or 48.978, ch. 54, or ch. 880, 2003 stats., who are licensed to operate foster homes are subject to the department's licensing rules.

48.62(3)

(3) When the department, a county department or a child welfare agency issues a license to operate a foster home or a treatment foster home, the department, county department or child welfare agency shall notify the clerk of the school district in which the foster home or treatment foster home is located that a foster home or treatment foster home has been licensed in the school district.

48.62 - ANNOT.

NOTE: Sub. (3) is amended by 2009 Wis. Act 28 eff. the date stated in the notice provided by the secretary of children and families and published in the Wisconsin Administrative Register under s. 48.62 (9) to read:

48.62 - ANNOT.

(3) When the department, a county department, or a child welfare agency issues a license to operate a foster home, the department, county department, or child welfare agency shall notify the clerk of the school district in which the foster home is located that a foster home has been licensed in the school district.

48.62(4)

(4) Monthly payments in foster care shall be provided according to the rates specified in this subsection. Beginning on January 1, 2010, the rates are $215 for care and maintenance provided for a child of any age by a foster home that is certified to provide level one care, as defined in the rules promulgated under sub. (8) (a) and, for care and maintenance provided by a foster home that is certified to provide care at a level of care that is higher than such level one care, $349 for a child under 5 years of age; $381 for a child 5 to 11 years of age; $433 for a child 12 to 14 years of age; and $452 for a child 15 years of age or over. Beginning on January 1, 2011, the rates are $220 for care and maintenance provided for a child of any age by a foster home that is certified to provide level one care, as defined in the rules promulgated under sub. (8) (a) and, for care and maintenance provided by a foster home that is certified to provide care at a level of care that is higher than such level one care, $366 for a child under 5 years of age; $400 for a child 5 to 11 years of age; $455 for a child 12 to 14 years of age; and $475 for a child 15 years of age or over. In addition to these grants for basic maintenance, the department, county department, or licensed child welfare agency shall make supplemental payments for foster care to a foster home that is receiving an age-related rate under this subsection that are commensurate with the level of care that the foster home is certified to provide and the needs of the child who is placed in the foster home according to the rules promulgated by the department under sub. (8) (c).

48.62(5)

(5)

48.62(5)(a)

(a) Subject to par. (d), a county department or, in a county having a population of 500,000 or more, the department shall provide monthly subsidized guardianship payments in the amount specified in par. (e) to a guardian of a child under s. 48.977 (2) or under a substantially similar tribal law or law of another state who was licensed as the child's foster parent or treatment foster parent before the guardianship appointment and who has entered into a subsidized guardianship agreement with the county department or department if the guardian meets the conditions specified in par. (c) 1. and 2. and if the child meets any of the following conditions:

48.62 - ANNOT.

NOTE: Par. (a) (intro.) is amended by 2009 Wis. Act 28 eff. the date stated in the notice provided by the secretary of children and families and published in the Wisconsin Administrative Register under s. 48.62 (9) to read:

48.62 - ANNOT.

(a) Subject to par. (d), a county department or, in a county having a population of 500,000 or more, the department shall provide monthly subsidized guardianship payments in the amount specified in par. (e) to a guardian of a child under s. 48.977 (2) or under a substantially similar tribal law or law of another state who was licensed as the child's foster parent before the guardianship appointment and who has entered into a subsidized guardianship agreement with the county department or department if the guardian meets the conditions specified in par. (c) 1. and 2. and if the child meets any of the following conditions:

48.62(5)(a)1.

1. The child has been placed outside of his or her home, as described in s. 48.365 (1), for a cumulative total period of one year or longer, the court has found that the agency primarily responsible for providing services to the child under a court order has made reasonable efforts to make it possible for the child to return to his or her home, while assuring that the child's health and safety are the paramount concerns, but that reunification of the child with the child's parent or parents is unlikely or contrary to the best interests of the child and that further reunification efforts are unlikely to be made or are contrary to the best interests of the child, or that any of the circumstances specified in s. 48.355 (2d) (b) 1. to 5. apply, and the court has found that appointment of a guardian for the child is in the best interests of the child.

48.62(5)(a)2.

2. The child does not meet the conditions specified in subd. 1., but the county department or department has determined, and a court has confirmed under s. 48.977 (3r) or under a substantially similar tribal law or law of another state, that appointing a guardian for the child and providing monthly subsidized guardianship payments to the guardian are in the best interests of the child.

48.62(5)(b)

(b) Subject to par. (d), on the death, incapacity, resignation, or removal of a guardian receiving payments under par. (a), a county department or, in a county having a population of 500,000 or more, the department shall provide monthly subsidized guardianship payments in the amount specified in par. (e) for a period of up to 12 months to an interim caretaker who meets all of the conditions specified in par. (c).

48.62(5)(c)

(c) A county department or, in a county having a population of 500,000 or more, the department may not provide monthly subsidized guardianship payments under par. (a) or (b) unless all of the following conditions are met:

48.62(5)(c)1.

1. The county department or department inspects the home of the guardian or interim caretaker, interviews the guardian or interim caretaker, and determines that placement of the child with the guardian or interim caretaker is in the best interests of the child.

48.62(5)(c)2.

2. The county department or department conducts a background investigation under s. 48.57 (3p) of the guardian or interim caretaker, the employees and prospective employees of the guardian or interim caretaker who have or would have regular contact with the child for whom the payments would be made, and any other adult resident, as defined in s. 48.57 (3p) (a), of the home of the guardian or interim caretaker and determines that those individuals do not have any arrests or convictions that are likely to adversely affect the child or the ability of the guardian or interim caretaker to care for the child.

48.62(5)(c)3.

3. In the case of an interim caretaker, the interim caretaker cooperates with the county department or department in finding a permanent placement for the child.

48.62(5)(d)

(d) The department shall request from the secretary of the federal department of health and human services a waiver of the requirements under 42 USC 670 to 679a that would authorize the state to receive federal foster care and adoption assistance reimbursement under 42 USC 670 to 679a for the costs of providing care for a child who is in the care of a guardian who was licensed as the child's foster parent or treatment foster parent before the guardianship appointment and who has entered into a subsidized guardianship agreement with the county department or department. If the waiver is approved for a county having a population of 500,000 or more, the department shall provide the monthly payments under par. (a) from the appropriations under s. 20.437 (1) (dd) and (pd). If the waiver is approved for any other county, the department shall determine which counties are authorized to provide monthly payments under par. (a) or (b), and the county departments of those counties shall provide those payments from moneys received under s. 48.569 (1) (d).

48.62 - ANNOT.

NOTE: Par. (d) is amended by 2009 Wis. Act 28 eff. the date stated in the notice provided by the secretary of children and families and published in the Wisconsin Administrative Register under s. 48.62 (9) to read:

48.62 - ANNOT.

(d) The department shall request from the secretary of the federal department of health and human services a waiver of the requirements under 42 USC 670 to 679a that would authorize the state to receive federal foster care and adoption assistance reimbursement under 42 USC 670 to 679a for the costs of providing care for a child who is in the care of a guardian who was licensed as the child's foster parent before the guardianship appointment and who has entered into a subsidized guardianship agreement with the county department or department. If the waiver is approved for a county having a population of 500,000 or more, the department shall provide the monthly payments under par. (a) from the appropriations under s. 20.437 (1) (dd) and (pd). If the waiver is approved for any other county, the department shall determine which counties are authorized to provide monthly payments under par. (a) or (b), and the county departments of those counties shall provide those payments from moneys received under s. 48.569 (1) (d).

48.62(5)(e)

(e) The amount of a monthly payment under par. (a) or (b) for the care of a child shall equal the amount received under sub. (4) by the guardian of the child for the month immediately preceding the month in which the guardianship order was granted. A guardian or an interim caretaker who receives a monthly payment under par. (a) or (b) is not eligible to receive a payment under sub. (4) or s. 48.57 (3m) or (3n).

48.62(6)

(6) The department or a county department may recover an overpayment made under sub. (4) or (5) from a foster parent, treatment foster parent, guardian, or interim caretaker who continues to receive payments under sub. (4) or (5) by reducing the amount of the person's monthly payment. The department may by rule specify other methods for recovering overpayments made under sub. (4) or (5). A county department that recovers an overpayment under this subsection due to the efforts of its officers and employees may retain a portion of the amount recovered, as provided by the department by rule.

48.62 - ANNOT.

NOTE: Sub. (6) is amended by 2009 Wis. Act 28 eff. the date stated in the notice provided by the secretary of children and families and published in the Wisconsin Administrative Register under s. 48.62 (9) to read:

48.62 - ANNOT.

(6) The department or a county department may recover an overpayment made under sub. (4) or (5) from a foster parent, guardian, or interim caretaker who continues to receive those payments by reducing the amount of the person's monthly payment. The department may by rule specify other methods for recovering those overpayments. A county department that recovers an overpayment under this subsection due to the efforts of its officers and employees may retain a portion of the amount recovered, as provided by the department by rule.

48.62(7)

(7) In each federal fiscal year, the department shall ensure that there are no more than 2,200 children in foster care and treatment foster care placements for more than 24 months, consistent with the best interests of each child. Services provided in connection with this requirement shall comply with the requirements under P.L. 96-272.

48.62 - ANNOT.

NOTE: Sub. (7) is amended by 2009 Wis. Act 28 eff. the date stated in the notice provided by the secretary of children and families and published in the Wisconsin Administrative Register under s. 48.62 (9) to read:

48.62 - ANNOT.

(7) In each federal fiscal year, the department shall ensure that there are no more than 2,200 children in foster care placements for more than 24 months, consistent with the best interests of each child. Services provided in connection with this requirement shall comply with the requirements under P.L. 96-272.

48.62(8)

(8) The department shall promulgate rules relating to foster homes as follows:

48.62(8)(a)

(a) Rules providing levels of care that a foster home is licensed to provide. Those levels of care shall be based on the level of knowledge, skill, training, experience, and other qualifications that are required of the licensee, the level of responsibilities that are expected of the licensee, the needs of the children who are placed with the licensee, and any other requirements relating to the ability of the licensee to provide for those needs that the department may promulgate by rule.

48.62(8)(b)

(b) Rules establishing a standardized assessment tool to assess the needs of a child placed or to be placed outside the home, to determine the level of care that is required to meet those needs, and to place the child in a placement that meets those needs. A foster home that is certified to provide a given level of care under par. (a) may provide foster care for any child whose needs are assessed to be at or below the level of care that the foster home is certified to provide. A foster home that is certified to provide a given level of care under par. (a) may not provide foster care for any child whose needs are assessed to be above that level of care unless the department, county department, or child welfare agency issuing the foster home license determines that support or services sufficient to meet the child's needs are in place and grants an exception to that prohibition.

48.62(8)(c)

(c) Rules providing monthly rates of reimbursement for foster care that are commensurate with the level of care that the foster home is licensed to provide and the needs of the child who is placed in the foster home. Those rates shall include rates for supplemental payments for special needs, exceptional circumstances, and initial clothing allowances for children placed in a foster home that is receiving an age-related monthly rate under sub. (4). In promulgating the rules under this paragraph, the department shall provide a mechanism for equalizing the amount of reimbursement received by a foster parent prior to the promulgation of those rules and the amount of reimbursement received by a foster parent under those rules so as to reduce the amount of any reimbursement that may be lost as a result of the implementation of those rules.

48.62(8)(d)

(d) Rules providing a monthly retainer fee for a foster home that agrees to maintain openings for emergency placements.

48.62(9)

(9) As soon as the department is ready to implement the rules promulgated under sub. (8), the secretary shall send a notice to the legislative reference bureau for publication in the Wisconsin Administrative Register that states the date on which the provisions of 2009 Wisconsin Act 28, relating to foster care levels of care will become effective.

48.62 - ANNOT.

History: 1977 c. 354 s. 101; 1977 c. 418, 447; 1981 c. 20; 1985 a. 29 s. 3202 (23); 1985 a. 176, 281, 332, 403; 1989 a. 31, 336; 1993 a. 395 ss. 31m, 39; 1993 a. 437 s. 67; 1993 a. 446 ss. 79 to 82, 134m; 1993 a. 491; 1995 a. 275; 1997 a. 27, 334; 1999 a. 9; 2001 a. 69; 2005 a. 25, 232, 387; 2007 a. 20 ss. 810, 1322, 1323; 2009 a. 28, 71.

48.62 - ANNOT.

Cross Reference: See also ch. DCF 56, Wis. adm. code.

48.62 - ANNOT.

A foster child in a family owned foster home under a one-year dispositional order is a resident of the household for insurance purposes. A. G. v. Travelers Insurance Co. 112 Wis. 2d 18, 331 N.W.2d 643 (Ct. App. 1983).

48.62 - ANNOT.

Foster homes owned, operated, or contracted for by the department or a county department are immune from local zoning ordinances. Foster homes owned, operated, or contracted for by licensed child welfare agencies are not immune. All family operated foster homes are subject to local zoning. Municipal foster home licensing ordinances are unenforceable. 63 Atty. Gen. 34.

48.62 - ANNOT.

State-licensed foster homes are immune from local zoning ordinances restricting the number of unrelated occupants of single family dwellings. 66 Atty. Gen. 342.