48.57 (3p) (g) (intro.) A county department or, in a county having a population of 500,000 or more, the department of health and family services may not make payments to a person applying for payments under sub. (3m) and a person receiving payments under sub. (3m) may not employ a person in a position in which that person would have regular contact with the child for whom those payments are being made or permit a person to be an adult resident if any of the following applies:
SECTION 1625. 48.57 (3p) (g) 2. of the statutes is amended to read:
48.57 (3p) (g) 2. The person has had imposed on him or her a penalty specified in s. 939.62, 939.621, 939.63, 939.64, 939.641 or 939.645 or has been convicted of a violation of the law of any other state or federal law under circumstances under which the applicant or other person would be subject to a penalty specified in any of those sections if convicted in this state.
SECTION 1626. 48.57 (3p) (g) 3. of the statutes is amended to read:
48.57 (3p) (g) 3. The person has been convicted of a violation of ch. 940, 944 or 948, other than a violation of s. 940.291, 940.34, 944.36, 948.45, 948.63 or 948.70, or of a violation of the law of any other state or federal law that would be a violation of ch. 940, 944 or 948, other than a violation of s. 940.291, 940.34, 944.36, 948.45, 948.63 or 948.70, if committed in this state, except that the a county department or, in a county having a population of 500,000 or more, the department of health and family services may make payments to a person applying for payments under sub. (3m) and a person receiving payments under sub. (3m) may employ in a position in which the person would have regular contact with the child for whom those payments are being made or permit to be an adult resident a person who has been convicted of a violation of s. 944.30, 944.31 or 944.33 or of a violation of the law of any other state or federal law that would be a violation of s. 944.30, 944.31 or 944.33 if committed in this state, if that violation occurred 20 years or more before the date of the investigation.
SECTION 1626g. 48.57 (3p) (h) of the statutes is created to read:
48.57 (3p) (h) 1. A person who is denied payments under sub. (3m) for a reason specified in par. (g) 1., 2. or 3. or a person who is prohibited from employing a person in a position in which that person would have regular contact with the child for whom payments under sub. (3m) are being made from permitting a person to be an adult resident for a reason specified in par. (g) 1., 2. or 3. may request that the denial of payments or the prohibition on employment or being an adult resident be reviewed.
2. The request for review shall be filed with the director of the county department or, in a county having a population of 500,000 or more, with the person designated by the secretary of health and family services to receive requests for review filed under this subdivision. If the governing body of a federally recognized American Indian tribe or band has entered into an agreement under sub. (3t) to administer the program under this subsection and sub. (3m), the request for review shall be filed with the person designated by that governing body to receive requests for review filed under this subdivision.
3. The director of the county department, the person designated by the governing body of a federally recognized American Indian tribe or band or, in a county having a population of 500,000 or more, the person designated by the secretary of health and family services shall review the denial of payments or the prohibition on employment or being an adult resident to determine if the conviction record on which the denial or prohibition is based includes any arrests, convictions or penalties that are likely to adversely affect the child or the ability of the kinship care relative to care for the child. In reviewing the denial or prohibition, the director of the county department, the person designated by the governing body of the federally recognized American Indian tribe or band or the person designated by the secretary of health and family services shall consider, but not be limited to, all of the following factors:
a. The length of time between the date of the arrest, conviction or of the imposition of the penalty and the date of the review.
b. The nature of the violation or penalty and how that violation or penalty affects the ability of the kinship care relative to care for the child.
c. Whether making an exception to the denial or prohibition would be in the best interests of the child.
4. If the director of the county department, the person designated by the governing body of the federally recognized American Indian tribe or band or, in a county having a population of 500,000 or more, the person designated by the secretary of health and family services determines that the conviction record on which the denial of payments or the prohibition on employment or being an adult resident is based does not include any arrests, convictions or penalties that are likely to adversely affect the child or the ability of the kinship care relative to care for the child, the director of the county department, the person designated by the governing body of the federally recognized American Indian tribe or band or the person designated by the secretary of health and family services may approve the making of payments under sub. (3m) or may permit a person receiving payments under sub. (3m) to employ a person in a position in which that person would have regular contact with the child for whom payments are being made or permit a person to be an adult resident.
5. A decision under this paragraph is not subject to review under ch. 227.
SECTION 1627. 48.57 (3p) (i) of the statutes is amended to read:
48.57 (3p) (i) The A county department and, in a county having a population of 500,000 or more, the department of health and family services shall keep confidential all information received under this subsection from the department of justice or the federal bureau of investigation. Such information is not subject to inspection or copying under s. 19.35.
SECTION 1628. 48.57 (3p) (j) of the statutes is amended to read:
48.57 (3p) (j) The A county department or, in a county having a population of 500,000 or more, the department of health and family services may charge a fee for conducting a background investigation under this subsection. The fee may not exceed the reasonable cost of conducting the investigation.
SECTION 1628g. 48.57 (3t) of the statutes is amended to read:
48.57 (3t) Notwithstanding subs. (3m) and (3p), the department may enter into an agreement with the governing body of a federally recognized American Indian tribe to allow that governing body to administer the program under subs. (3m) and (3p) within the boundaries of that reservation. Any agreement under this subsection shall specify the person with whom a request for review under sub. (3p) (h) 2. may be filed and the person who has been designated by the governing body to conduct the review under sub. (3p) (h) 3. and make the determination under sub. (3p) (h) 4.
SECTION 1629. 48.58 (1) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:
48.58 (1) (b) Provide care for children in need of protection or services, and delinquent juveniles referred by the county department under s. 46.215, if the delinquent juveniles are placed in separate facilities;
SECTION 1630. 48.59 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:
48.59 (1) The county department or, in a county having a population of 500,000 or more, the department or an agency under contract with the department shall investigate the personal and family history and environment of any child transferred to its legal custody or placed under its supervision under s. 48.345 and make any physical or mental examinations of the child considered necessary to determine the type of care necessary for the child. The county department, department or agency shall screen a child who is examined under this subsection to determine whether the child is in need of special treatment or care because of alcohol or other drug abuse, mental illness or severe emotional disturbance. The county department, department or agency shall keep a complete record of the information received from the court, the date of reception, all available data on the personal and family history of the child, the results of all tests and examinations given the child and a complete history of all placements of the child while in the legal custody or under the supervision of the county department, department or agency.
SECTION 1631. 48.60 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:
48.60 (1) No person may receive children, with or without transfer of legal custody, to provide care and maintenance for 75 days in any consecutive 12 months' period for 4 or more such children at any one time unless that person obtains a license to operate a child welfare agency from the department. To obtain a license under this subsection to operate a child welfare agency, a person must meet the minimum requirements for a license established by the department under s. 48.67 and pay the applicable license fee under s. 48.615 (1) (a) or (b). A license issued under this subsection is valid for 2 years after the date of issuance, unless sooner revoked or suspended until revoked or suspended, but shall be reviewed every 2 years as provided in s. 48.66 (5).
SECTION 1631d. 48.60 (1) of the statutes, as affected by 1997 Wisconsin Act .... (this act), is repealed and recreated to read:
48.60 (1) No person may receive children, with or without transfer of legal custody, to provide care and maintenance for 75 days in any consecutive 12 months' period for 4 or more such children at any one time unless that person obtains a license to operate a child welfare agency from the department. To obtain a license under this subsection to operate a child welfare agency, a person must meet the minimum requirements for a license established by the department under s. 48.67, meet the requirements specified in s. 48.685 and pay the applicable license fee under s. 48.615 (1) (a) or (b). A license issued under this subsection is valid until revoked or suspended, but shall be reviewed every 2 years as provided in s. 48.66 (5).
SECTION 1633. 48.60 (3) of the statutes is amended to read:
48.60 (3) Before issuing or continuing any license to a child welfare agency under this section, the department of health and family services shall review the need for the additional placement resources that would be made available by the licensing or relicensing continuing the license of any child welfare agency after August 5, 1973, providing care authorized under s. 48.61 (3). Neither the department of health and family services nor the department of corrections may make any placements to any child welfare agency where the departmental review required under this subsection has failed to indicate the need for the additional placement resources.
SECTION 1634. 48.615 (1) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:
48.615 (1) (a) Before the department may issue a license under s. 48.60 (1) to a child welfare agency that regularly provides care and maintenance for children within the confines of its building, the child welfare agency must pay to the department a biennial fee of $100 $110, plus a biennial fee of $15 $16.50 per child, based on the number of children that the child welfare agency is licensed to serve.
SECTION 1635. 48.615 (1) (a) of the statutes, as affected by 1997 Wisconsin Act .... (this act), is repealed and recreated to read:
48.615 (1) (a) Before the department may issue a license under s. 48.60 (1) to a child welfare agency that regularly provides care and maintenance for children within the confines of its building, the child welfare agency must pay to the department a biennial fee of $121, plus a biennial fee of $18.15 per child, based on the number of children that the child welfare agency is licensed to serve.
SECTION 1636. 48.615 (1) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:
48.615 (1) (b) Before the department may issue a license under s. 48.60 (1) to a child welfare agency that places children in licensed foster homes, licensed treatment foster homes and licensed group homes, the child welfare agency must pay to the department a biennial fee of $210 $231.
SECTION 1637. 48.615 (1) (b) of the statutes, as affected by 1997 Wisconsin Act .... (this act), is repealed and recreated to read:
48.615 (1) (b) Before the department may issue a license under s. 48.60 (1) to a child welfare agency that places children in licensed foster homes, licensed treatment foster homes and licensed group homes, the child welfare agency must pay to the department a biennial fee of $254.10
SECTION 1638. 48.615 (1) (c) of the statutes is amended to read:
48.615 (1) (c) A child welfare agency that wishes to renew continue a license issued under s. 48.60 (1) shall pay the applicable fee under par. (a) or (b) by the renewal continuation date of the license.
SECTION 1639. 48.615 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:
48.615 (2) A child welfare agency that wishes to renew continue a license issued under s. 48.60 (1) and that fails to pay the applicable fee under sub. (1) (a) or (b) by the renewal continuation date of the license or a new child welfare agency that fails to pay the applicable fee under sub. (1) (a) or (b) by 30 days before the opening of the child welfare agency shall pay an additional fee of $5 per day for every day after the deadline that the agency fails to pay the fee.
SECTION 1639m. 48.62 (4) of the statutes is amended to read:
48.62 (4) Monthly payments in foster care shall be provided according to the age-related rates specified in this subsection. Beginning on January 1, 1993 1998, the age-related rates are: $240 $289 for children aged 4 and under; $267 $315 for children aged 5 to 11; $327 $358 for children aged 12 to 14 and $337 $374 for children aged 15 to 17. Beginning on January 1, 1994 1999, the age-related rates are: $276 $296 for children aged 4 and under; $301 $323 for children aged 5 to 11; $344 $367 for children aged 12 to 14; and $361 $383 for children aged 15 to 17. Beginning on January 1, 1995, the age-related rates are: $282 for children aged 4 and under; $307 for children aged 5 to 11; $349 for children aged 12 to 14; and $365 for children aged 15 to 17. In addition to these grants for basic maintenance, the department shall make supplemental payments for special needs, exceptional circumstances, care in a treatment foster home and initial clothing allowances according to rules promulgated by the department.
SECTION 1640. 48.625 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:
48.625 (1) Any person who receives, with or without transfer of legal custody, 5 to 8 children, to provide care and maintenance for those children shall obtain a license to operate a group home from the department. To obtain a license under this subsection to operate a group home, a person must meet the minimum requirements for a license established by the department under s. 48.67 and pay the license fee under sub. (2). A license issued under this subsection is valid for 2 years after the date of issuance, unless sooner revoked or suspended until revoked or suspended, but shall be reviewed every 2 years as provided in s. 48.66 (5).
SECTION 1640d. 48.625 (1) of the statutes, as affected by 1997 Wisconsin Act .... (this act), is repealed and recreated to read:
48.625 (1) Any person who receives, with or without transfer of legal custody, 5 to 8 children, to provide care and maintenance for those children shall obtain a license to operate a group home from the department. To obtain a license under this subsection to operate a group home, a person must meet the minimum requirements for a license established by the department under s. 48.67, meet the requirements specified in s. 48.685 and pay the license fee under sub. (2). A license issued under this subsection is valid until revoked or suspended, but shall be reviewed every 2 years as provided in s. 48.66 (5).
SECTION 1641. 48.625 (2) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:
48.625 (2) (a) Before the department may issue a license under sub. (1) to a group home, the group home must pay to the department a biennial fee of $100 $110, plus a biennial fee of $15 $16.50 per child, based on the number of children that the group home is licensed to serve. A group home that wishes to renew continue a license issued under sub. (1) shall pay the fee under this paragraph by the renewal continuation date of the license. A new group home shall pay the fee under this paragraph no later than 30 days before the opening of the group home.
SECTION 1642. 48.625 (2) (a) of the statutes, as affected by 1997 Wisconsin Act .... (this act), is repealed and recreated to read:
48.625 (2) (a) Before the department may issue a license under sub. (1) to a group home, the group home must pay to the department a biennial fee of $121, plus a biennial fee of $18.15 per child, based on the number of children that the group home is licensed to serve. A group home that wishes to continue a license issued under sub. (1) shall pay the fee under this paragraph by the continuation date of the license. A new group home shall pay the fee under this paragraph no later than 30 days before the opening of the group home.
SECTION 1643. 48.625 (2) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:
48.625 (2) (b) A group home that wishes to renew continue a license issued under sub. (1) and that fails to pay the fee under par. (a) by the renewal continuation date of the license or a new group home that fails to pay the fee under par. (a) by 30 days before the opening of the group home shall pay an additional fee of $5 per day for every day after the deadline that the group home fails to pay the fee.
SECTION 1644. 48.627 (2) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:
48.627 (2) (a) Before the department, a county department or a licensed child welfare agency may issue or, renew or continue a foster home, treatment foster home or family-operated group home license, the licensing agency shall require the applicant to furnish proof satisfactory to the licensing agency that he or she has homeowner's or renter's liability insurance that provides coverage for negligent acts or omissions by children placed in a foster home, treatment foster home or family-operated group home that result in bodily injury or property damage to 3rd parties.
SECTION 1645. 48.65 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:
48.65 (1) No person may for compensation provide care and supervision for 4 or more children under the age of 7 for less than 24 hours a day unless that person obtains a license to operate a day care center from the department. To obtain a license under this subsection to operate a day care center, a person must meet the minimum requirements for a license established by the department under s. 48.67 and pay the license fee under sub. (3). A license issued under this subsection is valid for 2 years after the date of issuance, unless sooner revoked or suspended until revoked or suspended, but shall be reviewed every 2 years as provided in s. 48.66 (5).
SECTION 1645d. 48.65 (1) of the statutes, as affected by 1997 Wisconsin Act .... (this act), is repealed and recreated to read:
48.65 (1) No person may for compensation provide care and supervision for 4 or more children under the age of 7 for less than 24 hours a day unless that person obtains a license to operate a day care center from the department. To obtain a license under this subsection to operate a day care center, a person must meet the minimum requirements for a license established by the department under s. 48.67, meet the requirements specified in s. 48.685 and pay the license fee under sub. (3). A license issued under this subsection is valid until revoked or suspended, but shall be reviewed every 2 years as provided in s. 48.66 (5).
SECTION 1645m. 48.65 (1m) of the statutes is repealed.
SECTION 1650. 48.65 (3) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:
48.65 (3) (a) Before the department may issue a license under sub. (1) to a day care center that provides care and supervision for 4 to 8 children, the day care center must pay to the department a biennial fee of $50 $55. Before the department may issue a license under sub. (1) to a day care center that provides care and supervision for 9 or more children, the day care center must pay to the department a biennial fee of $25 $27.50, plus a biennial fee of $7 $7.70 per child, based on the number of children that the day care center is licensed to serve. A day care center that wishes to renew continue a license issued under sub. (1) shall pay the applicable fee under this paragraph by the renewal continuation date of the license. A new day care center shall pay the applicable fee under this paragraph no later than 30 days before the opening of the day care center.
SECTION 1651. 48.65 (3) (a) of the statutes, as affected by 1997 Wisconsin Act .... (this act), is repealed and recreated to read:
48.65 (3) (a) Before the department may issue a license under sub. (1) to a day care center that provides care and supervision for 4 to 8 children, the day care center must pay to the department a biennial fee of $60.50. Before the department may issue a license under sub. (1) to a day care center that provides care and supervision for 9 or more children, the day care center must pay to the department a biennial fee of $30.25, plus a biennial fee of $8.47 per child, based on the number of children that the day care center is licensed to serve. A day care center that wishes to continue a license issued under sub. (1) shall pay the applicable fee under this paragraph by the continuation date of the license. A new day care center shall pay the applicable fee under this paragraph no later than 30 days before the opening of the day care center.
SECTION 1652. 48.65 (3) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:
48.65 (3) (b) A day care center that wishes to renew continue a license issued under par. (a) and that fails to pay the applicable fee under par. (a) by the renewal continuation date of the license or a new day care center that fails to pay the applicable fee under par. (a) by 30 days before the opening of the day care center shall pay an additional fee of $5 per day for every day after the deadline that the group home fails to pay the fee.
SECTION 1653. 48.651 (1) (intro.) of the statutes is amended to read:
48.651 (1) (intro.) Each county department shall certify, according to the standards adopted by the department of workforce development under s. 46.03 (21) 49.155 (1d), each day care provider reimbursed for child care services provided to families determined eligible under ss. 49.132 (2r) and (4) and 49.155 (1m), unless the provider is a day care center licensed under s. 48.65 or is established or contracted for under s. 120.13 (14). Each county may charge a fee to cover the costs of certification. The county shall certify the following categories of day care providers:
SECTION 1653g. 48.651 (1) (intro.) of the statutes, as affected by 1997 Wisconsin Act .... (this act), is amended to read:
48.651 (1) (intro.) Each county department shall certify, according to the standards adopted by the department of workforce development under s. 49.155 (1d), each day care provider reimbursed for child care services provided to families determined eligible under ss. 49.132 (2r) and (4) and 49.155 (1m), unless the provider is a day care center licensed under s. 48.65 or is established or contracted for under s. 120.13 (14). Each county may charge a fee to cover the costs of certification. To be certified under this section, a person must meet the minimum requirements for certification established by the department of workforce development under s. 49.155 (1d), meet the requirements specified in s. 48.685 and pay the fee specified in this section. The county shall certify the following categories of day care providers:
SECTION 1654. 48.651 (1) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:
48.651 (1) (a) Level I certified family day care providers, as established by the department under s. 46.03 (21) of workforce development under s. 49.155 (1d). No county may certify a provider under this paragraph if the provider is a relative of all of the children for whom he or she provides care. The department may establish by rule other requirements for certification under this paragraph.
SECTION 1655. 48.651 (1) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:
48.651 (1) (b) Level II certified family day care providers, as established by the department under s. 46.03 (21). In establishing the requirements for certification under this paragraph, the department may not include a requirement for training for providers. The department may establish by rule requirements for certification under this paragraph of workforce development, under s. 49.155 (1d).
SECTION 1655p. 48.651 (2) of the statutes is repealed.
SECTION 1655r. 48.651 (2m) of the statutes is created to read:
48.651 (2m) Each county department shall provide the department with information about each person who is denied certification for a reason specified in s. 48.685 (2) (a) 1. to 5.
SECTION 1656. 48.66 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:
48.66 (1) The department shall license and supervise child welfare agencies, as required by s. 48.60, group homes, as required by s. 48.625, shelter care facilities, as required by s. 48.48 938.22, and day care centers, as required by s. 48.65. The department may license foster homes or treatment foster homes, as provided by s. 48.62, and may license and supervise county departments in accordance with the procedures specified in this section and in ss. 48.67 to 48.74. The department of corrections may license a child welfare agency to operate a secured child caring institution, as defined in s. 938.02 (15g), for holding in secure custody children who have been convicted under s. 938.183 or adjudicated delinquent under s. 938.34 (4d), (4h) or (4m) and referred to the child welfare agency by the court or the department of corrections and to provide supervision, care and maintenance for those children. A license issued under this subsection, other than a license to operate a foster home, treatment foster home or secured child caring institution, is valid until revoked or suspended. A license issued under this subsection to operate a foster home, treatment foster home or secured child caring institution may be for any term not to exceed 2 years from the date of issuance. No license issued under this subsection is transferable.
SECTION 1660. 48.66 (4) of the statutes is repealed.
SECTION 1661. 48.66 (5) of the statutes is repealed and recreated to read:
48.66 (5) A child welfare agency, group home, day care center or shelter care facility license, other than a probationary license, is valid until revoked or suspended, but shall be reviewed every 2 years after the date of issuance as provided in this subsection. At least 30 days prior to the continuation date of the license, the licensee shall submit to the department an application for continuance of the license in the form and containing the information that the department requires. If the minimum requirements for a license established under s. 48.67 are met, the application is approved, the applicable fee referred to in s. 48.68 (1) is paid, any forfeiture under s. 48.715 (3) (a) or penalty under s. 48.76 that is due is paid and, for a day care center, the fee under s. 48.65 (1m) (j) is paid, the department shall continue the license for an additional 2-year period, unless sooner suspended or revoked. If the application is not timely filed, the department shall issue a warning to the licensee. If the licensee fails to apply for continuance of the license within 30 days after receipt of the warning, the department may revoke the license as provided in s. 48.715 (4) and (4m) (b).
SECTION 1661d. 48.66 (5) of the statutes, as affected by 1997 Wisconsin Act .... (this act), is amended to read:
48.66 (5) A child welfare agency, group home, day care center or shelter care facility license, other than a probationary license, is valid until revoked or suspended, but shall be reviewed every 2 years after the date of issuance as provided in this subsection. At least 30 days prior to the continuation date of the license, the licensee shall submit to the department an application for continuance of the license in the form and containing the information that the department requires. If the minimum requirements for a license established under s. 48.67 are met, the application is approved, the applicable fee fees referred to in s. 48.68 (1) is paid, ss. 48.68 (1) and 48.685 (8) are paid and any forfeiture under s. 48.715 (3) (a) or penalty under s. 48.76 that is due is paid and, for a day care center, the fee under s. 48.65 (1m) (j) is paid, the department shall continue the license for an additional 2-year period, unless sooner suspended or revoked. If the application is not timely filed, the department shall issue a warning to the licensee. If the licensee fails to apply for continuance of the license within 30 days after receipt of the warning, the department may revoke the license as provided in s. 48.715 (4) and (4m) (b).
SECTION 1662. 48.67 of the statutes is amended to read:
48.67 Rules governing child welfare agencies, day care centers, foster homes, treatment foster homes, group homes, shelter care facilities and county departments. The department shall promulgate rules establishing minimum requirements for the issuance of licenses to, and establishing standards for the operation of, child welfare agencies, day care centers, foster homes, treatment foster homes, group homes, shelter care facilities and county departments. These rules shall be designed to protect and promote the health, safety and welfare of the children in the care of all licensees. The department shall consult with the department of commerce and the department of education public instruction before promulgating these rules.
SECTION 1663. 48.68 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:
48.68 (1) After receipt of an application for a license, the department shall investigate to determine if the applicant meets the minimum requirements for a license adopted by the department under s. 48.67. In determining whether to issue or continue a license, the department may consider any action by the applicant, or by an employe of the applicant, that constitutes a substantial failure by the applicant or employe to protect and promote the health, safety and welfare of a child. Upon satisfactory completion of this investigation and payment of the fee required under s. 48.615 (1) (a) or (b), 48.625 (2) (a), 48.65 (3) (a) or 938.22 (7) (b), the department shall issue a license under s. 48.66 (1) or, if applicable, a probationary license under s. 48.69 or, if applicable, shall continue a license under s. 48.66 (5). At the time of initial licensure and license renewal, the department shall provide a foster home licensee with written information relating to the age-related monthly foster care rates and supplemental payments specified in s. 48.62 (4), including payment amounts, eligibility requirements for supplemental payments and the procedures for applying for supplemental payments.