Department of Children and Families
Wisconsin Works Whole Family Approach to Case Management
DCF 101.15 (4)
The statement of scope for this rule, SS 060-25, was approved by the Governor on September 11, 2025, published in Register 837A3 on September 15, 2025, and approved by Secretary Jeff Pertl on October 7, 2025. The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families proposes to create DCF 101.15 (4), relating to Wisconsin Works whole family approach to case management.
Analysis Prepared by the Department of Children and Families
Statutory authority: Sections 49147 (2) (am) 2. and 227.11 (2) (a), Stats.
Related statutes and rules: Not applicable
Explanation of Agency Authority
Section 49.147 (2) (am) 2., Stats., provides that a W-2 agency shall, every 30 days, review the provision of case management services to an individual under this paragraph, if the individual is not successful in obtaining unsubsidized employment after legitimate efforts to secure employment, to determine whether the individual should be placed in a trial employment match program job, community service job, or transitional placement. The department shall promulgate rules that specify the criteria for the review process under this subdivision. Section 227.11 (2) (a), Stats., expressly confers rule-making authority on each agency to promulgate rules interpreting the provisions of any statute enforced or administered by the agency. Summary of the Rule
The proposed rule will add a provision to the case management section of the Wisconsin Works rule that will require Wisconsin Works agencies to provide case management services that connect a Wisconsin Works participant and their family with resources that will create pathways to postsecondary education and employment, provide access to high quality child care and health and well-being services, and enable economic security and stability for the whole family.
Summary of Factual Data and Analytical Methodologies
Applying a whole family approach to case management recognizes that the stability of parents and their children is intertwined and mutually reinforcing.
Summary of Related Federal Law
Comparison to Adjacent States
There does not appear to be a comparable rule in any of the adjacent states.
Effect on Small Businesses
The rule does not affect small businesses, as defined in s. 227.114 (1), Stats. Analysis Used to Determine Effect on Small Businesses
The rule affects Wisconsin Works agencies, Wisconsin Works participants, and families of Wisconsin Works participants. None of the Wisconsin Works agencies is a small business.
Agency Contact
Place Where Comments are to be Submitted and Deadline for Submission
Comments may be submitted to Elaine Pridgen, Department of Children and Families, 201 W. Washington Ave, P.O. Box 8916, Madison, WI, 53708-8916 or dcfpublichearing@wisconsin.gov. The comment deadline is February 23, 2026. Rule text
SECTION 1. DCF 101.15 (4) is created to read:
DCF 101.15 (4) Whole family approach. A Wisconsin Works agency shall provide case management services that connect a W-2 participant and their family with resources that will create pathways to postsecondary education and employment, provide access to high quality child care and health and well-being services, and enable economic security and stability for the whole family.
SECTION 2. EFFECTIVE DATE. This rule shall take effect on the first day of the month following publication in the Administrative Register, as provided in s. 227.22 (2) (intro.), Stats.
