Children and Families

Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect

Washington County has the responsibility to investigate reports of child abuse and neglect and take action to ensure child safety. Child Protective Services works with parents/caregivers in making necessary changes ensure that their children are safe and protected.

To report child abuse or neglect contact:
Washington County Human Services Department
262-335-4888
[email protected]

Staff available 24 hours/day – 7 days/week

If this is an immediate or life-threatening emergency, please call 911.

Confidentiality
The identity of the reporting person is confidential under the law. Your name is not released to the individuals you report about. Due to the strict federal and state laws that govern child abuse investigations, you may not be entitled to any information regarding the outcome of the report.

Child Protective Services

The function of the Access Unit is to take incoming reports of possible child maltreatment. Access staff gather sufficient information to determine whether child maltreatment or the risk of maltreatment to a child exists. The Initial Assessment Unit completes comprehensive family assessments when reports of child abuse are screened in.

Ongoing Case Management Services are provided to families in an attempt to reduce family stressors, which contribute to child abuse/neglect. Social Workers provide or arrange for services which may include ongoing family assessment, counseling, advocacy, education, parenting and social life skills. Social workers also work closely with the court and monitor compliance with mandated service conditions set by the court.

Through the resolution of safety threats, families can be reunited and their cases closed. The level of involvement, frequency of contact, length of case and case outcomes vary by family. The ultimate goal is for the child to reach a permanent living situation. The number one option is for children to return to their parents as long as it is safe and stable for them to do so. Other permanent living options include guardianship with a relative or adoption.

Kinship Care

Kinship Care is a state-funded program that helps financially support a child who lives outside of their own home, either temporary or long term, with a relative. Voluntary Kinship Care refers to an arrangement between a parent and a relative for the care of a child without involvement by the child welfare system. In this situation it is decided that the basic needs and safety of the child can be best met with the relative than with the parent. 

To receive an application for Voluntary Kinship, please call 262-365-5100 or Email Foster Care.

Some of the requirements for kinship care payments include:

  • A criminal background check on the relative and all adult household members
  • Cooperation by the relative caretaker with the Human Services Department
  • Relative caretaker must cooperate with referring the parents to child support, unless an exemption is granted
  • Kinship living arrangement and eligibility must be reviewed every 12 months

The relative caretaker is responsible for applying for other public assistance or benefits the child might eligible for including, FoodShare, BadgerCare, or Childcare Assistance.  
Click here to visit Economic Support .


Additional Resources
Wisconsin Kinship Navigator Portal
Wisconsin Department of Children and Families

Youth Justice Services

The Youth Justice Unit provides services both directly and through community agencies for youth who are adjudicated delinquent or at risk for formal court involvement. Programming is based on the Wisconsin Youth Justice model that holds youth accountable for their behaviors, builds competencies based on the youth’s strengths and addresses community safety.

Referrals to the Youth Justice Unit are reports of delinquent behavior that would be considered a crime or status offense if the youth were an adult. Social workers also work closely with the court and monitor compliance with mandated supervision conditions set by the court.

Helpful Links:
Washington County Secure Juvenile Detention

Release of Information Request

Release of Information Request

Please fill out the Release of Information Request fillable form and submit via email to :  Medical Records

Contact Us

Coral KlineChildren and Families Division Manager

Health and Human Services Department333 East Washington Street
Suites 3100
West Bend, WI 53095(View Map)

Phone:262-335-4610

Days Available: Monday - FridayHours Available: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM