Wisconsin Legislature: 27,1660

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.

27,1643 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.

27,1644 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.

27,1645 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).

27,1645d 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).

27,1645m Section 1645m. 48.65 (1m) of the statutes is repealed.

27,1650 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.

27,1651 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.

27,1652 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.

27,1653 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:

27,1653g 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:

27,1654 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.

27,1655 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).

27,1655p Section 1655p. 48.651 (2) of the statutes is repealed.

27,1655r 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.

27,1656 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.

27,1660 Section 1660 . 48.66 (4) of the statutes is repealed.

27,1661 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).

27,1661d 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).

27,1662 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.

27,1663 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.

27,1663d Section 1663d. 48.68 (1) of the statutes, as affected by 1997 Wisconsin Act .... (this act), is repealed and recreated 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 and meets the requirements specified in s. 48.685, if applicable. 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.

27,1664 Section 1664 . 48.68 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:

48.68 (2) Before renewing continuing the license of any child welfare agency or group home, the department shall consider all formal complaints filed under s. 48.745 (2) and the disposition of each during the current license previous 2-year period.

27,1664d Section 1664d. 48.685 of the statutes is created to read:

48.685 Criminal history and child abuse record search. (1) In this section:

(a) “Client" means a child who receives services from an entity.

(b) “Entity" means a child welfare agency that is licensed under s. 48.60 to provide care and maintenance for children, to place children for adoption or to license foster homes or treatment foster homes; a group home that is licensed under s. 48.625; a shelter care facility that is licensed under s. 938.22; a day care center that is licensed under s. 48.65 or established or contracted for under s. 120.13 (14); or a day care provider that is certified under s. 48.651.

(2) (a) Notwithstanding s. 111.335, and except as provided in sub. (5), the department may not license a person to operate an entity or continue the license of a person to operate an entity, and, except as provided in par. (ad) and sub. (5), a county department may not certify a day care provider under s. 48.651 and a school board may not contract with a person under s. 120.13 (14), if the department, county department or school board knows or should have known any of the following:

1. That the person has been convicted of a serious crime.

2. That the person has pending against him or her a charge for a serious crime.

3. That a unit of government or a state agency, as defined in s. 16.61 (2) (d), has made a finding that the person has abused or neglected any client or misappropriated the property of any client.

4. That a determination has been made under s. 48.981 (3) (c) 4. that the person has abused or neglected a child.

5. That, in the case of a position for which the person must be credentialed by the department of regulation and licensing, the person's credential is not current or is limited so as to restrict the person from providing adequate care to a client.

(ad) A county department may certify a day care provider under s. 48.651 and a school board may contract with a person under s. 120.13 (14), conditioned on the receipt of the information specified in par. (am) indicating that the person is not ineligible to be certified or contracted with for a reason specified in par. (a) 1. to 5.

(ag) Notwithstanding s. 111.335, and except as provided in sub. (5), an entity may not hire or contract with a person who will be under the entity's control, as defined by the department by rule, and who is expected to have access to its clients, or permit to reside at the entity a person who is not a client and who is expected to have access to a client, if the entity knows or should have known any of the following:

1. That the person has been convicted of a serious crime.

2. That the person has pending against him or her a charge for a serious crime.

3. That a unit of government or a state agency, as defined in s. 16.61 (2) (d), has made a finding that the person has abused or neglected any client or misappropriated the property of any client.

4. That a determination has been made under s. 48.981 (3) (c) 4. that the person has abused or neglected a child.

(am) Subject to subd. 5., the department, a county department or a school board shall obtain all of the following with respect to a person specified under par. (a) (intro.):

1. A criminal history search from the records maintained by the department of justice.

2. Information that is contained in the registry under s. 146.40 (4g) regarding any findings against the person.

3. Information maintained by the department of regulation and licensing regarding the status of the person's credentials, if applicable.

4. Information maintained by the department regarding any substantiated reports of child abuse or neglect against the person.

5. Information maintained by the department under this section, under section 48.651 (2m) and under s. 120.13 (14) regarding any denial to the person of a license, continuation of a license, certification or a contract to operate an entity for a reason specified in par. (a) 1. to 5. and regarding any denial to the person of employment at, a contract with or permission to reside at an entity for a reason specified in par. (ag) 1. to 5. If the information obtained under this subdivision indicates that the person has been denied a license, continuation of a license, certification, a contract, employment or permission to reside as described in this subdivision, the department, a county department or a school board need not obtain the information specified in subds. 1. to 4.

(b) 1. Subject to subds. 1. e., 2. and 3., every entity shall obtain all of the following with respect to a person specified under par. (ag) (intro.):

a. A criminal history search from the records maintained by the department of justice.

b. Information that is contained in the registry under s. 146.40 (4g) regarding any findings against the person.

c. Information maintained by the department of regulation and licensing regarding the status of the person's credentials, if applicable.

d. Information maintained by the department regarding any substantiated reports of child abuse or neglect against the person.

e. Information maintained by the department under this section, under section 48.651 (2m) and under s. 120.13 (14) regarding any denial to the person of a license, continuation of a license, certification or a contract to operate an entity for a reason specified in par. (a) 1. to 5. and regarding any denial to the person of employment at, a contract with or permission to reside at an entity for a reason specified in par. (ag) 1. to 5. If the information obtained under this subd. 1. e. indicates that the person has been denied a license, continuation of a license, certification, a contract, employment or permission to reside as described in this subd. 1. e., the entity need not obtain the information specified in subd. 1. a. to d.

2. Subdivision 1. does not apply with respect to a person with whom the entity contracts or whom the entity employs to perform infrequent or sporadic services, including maintenance services and other services that are not directly related to the care of a client.

3. Subdivision 1. does not apply with respect to a person under 18 years of age whose background information form under sub. (6) (am) indicates that the person is not ineligible to be employed, contracted with or permitted to reside at the entity for a reason specified in par. (ag) 1. to 5. and with respect to whom the entity otherwise has no reason to believe that the person is ineligible to be employed, contracted with or permitted to reside at the entity for any of those reasons.

(bg) If an entity takes an action specified in par. (ag) (intro.) with respect to a person for whom, within the last 4 years, the information required under par. (b) 1. a. to c. and e. has already been obtained, either by another entity or by a temporary employment agency, the entity may obtain the information required under par. (b) 1. a. to c. and e. from that other entity or temporary employment agency, which shall provide the information, if possible, to the entity. If an entity cannot obtain the information required under par. (b) 1. a. to c. and e. from another entity or from a temporary employment agency, the entity shall obtain that information from the sources specified in par. (b) 1. a. to c. and e.

(bm) If the person who is the subject of the search under par. (am) or (b) 1. is not a resident of this state, or if at any time within the 3 years preceding the date of the search that person has not been a resident of this state, the department, county department, school board or entity shall make a good faith effort to obtain from any state in which the person is a resident or was a resident within the 3 years preceding the date of the search information that is equivalent to the information specified in par. (am) 1. or (b) 1. a.

(c) If the background information form completed by a person under sub. (6) (am) indicates that the person is not ineligible to be employed, contracted with or permitted to reside at an entity for a reason specified in par. (ag) 1. to 5., an entity may employ or contract with the person or permit the person to reside at the entity for not more than 60 days pending the receipt of the information sought under par. (b) 1. An entity shall provide supervision for a person who is employed, contracted with or permitted to reside as permitted under this paragraph.

(3) (a) Every 4 years or at any time within that period that the department, a county department or a school board considers appropriate, the department, county department or school board shall request the information specified in sub. (2) (am) 1. to 5. for all persons who are licensed, certified or contracted to operate an entity.

(b) Every 4 years or at any time within that period that an entity considers appropriate, the entity shall request the information specified in sub. (2) (b) 1. a. to e. for all persons specified in sub. (2) (ag) (intro.).

(3m) Notwithstanding subs. (2) (b) 1. and (3) (b), if the department, a county department or a school board has obtained the information required under sub. (2) (am) or (3) (a) with respect to a person specified in sub. (2) (a) (intro.) and that person is also an employe, contractor or resident of an entity, the entity is not required to obtain the information specified in sub. (2) (b) 1. or (3) (b) with respect to that person.

(4) An entity that violates sub. (2) or (3) may be required to forfeit not more than $1,000 and may be subject to other sanctions specified by the department by rule.

(5) The department may license to operate an entity, a county department may certify under s. 48.651 and a school board may contract with under s. 120.13 (14) a person who otherwise may not be licensed, certified or contracted with for a reason specified in sub. (2) (a) 1. to 5., and an entity may employ, contract with or permit to reside at the entity a person who otherwise may not be employed, contracted with or permitted to reside at the entity for a reason specified in sub. (2) (ag) 1. to 5., if the person demonstrates to the department, the county department or the school board by clear and convincing evidence and in accordance with procedures established by the department by rule that he or she has been rehabilitated. No person who has been convicted of any of the following offenses may be permitted to demonstrate that he or she has been rehabilitated:

(a) First-degree intentional homicide under s. 940.01.

(b) First degree sexual assault under s. 940.225 (1).

(d) Second degree sexual assault of a child under s. 948.02 (2) if the person was, at the time of the sexual contact or sexual intercourse, more than 4 years older than the child with whom the person had the sexual contact or sexual intercourse.

(e) Repeated acts of sexual assault of the same child under s. 948.025 if the child had not attained the age of 13, or if the child had attained the age of 13 and had not attained the age of 16 and the person was, at the time of the sexual contact or sexual intercourse, more than 4 years older than the child with whom the person had the sexual contact or sexual intercourse.

(5c) (a) Any person who is permitted but fails under sub. (5) to demonstrate to the department that he or she has been rehabilitated may appeal to the secretary of health and family services or his or her designee. Any person who is adversely affected by a decision of the secretary or his or her designee under this paragraph has a right to a contested case hearing under ch. 227.

(b) Any person who is permitted but fails under sub. (5) to demonstrate to the county department that he or she has been rehabilitated may appeal to the director of the county department or his or her designee. Any person who is adversely affected by a decision of the director or his or her designee under this paragraph has a right to appeal the decision under ch. 68.