For Immediate Release
September 15, 2009
Contact: Erika Monroe-Kane, Department of Children and Families, 608-266-9000
DCF Announces New Director of the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare
Following a national search and extensive selection process, the Department of Children and Families is excited to announce Arlene Happach as the Director of the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare (BMCW). In her thirty years serving children and families, Happach has led innovations and achieved positive results by working collaboratively with the community.
In her role as Director of the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare, Happach will manage the state-operated Bureau which is responsible for delivery of public child welfare services in Milwaukee County. She will manage more than 160 state employees, oversee more than 440 contracted staff, and manage a child welfare program with a budget of more than $100 million dollars.
"Knowing how incredibly important it was to find the right person for this job, we sought a dynamic professional with a specific combination of experience and skills," said Reggie Bicha, Secretary of the Department of Children and Families, which oversees BMCW. "Arlene stood out for her passion about issues of children and families, experience getting results and ability to bring people into the discussion. We are excited to have her leadership help move BMCW forward."
"I am excited to use my skills and experience to help Milwaukee's children and families thrive. Department leadership and the dedicated team of professionals at BMCW are taking great steps forward to better ensure the safety of children and strengthen families. I look forward to learning from and engaging the community as we continue to move Milwaukee County forward," said Happach.
The Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare is a public/private partnership that works with families to ensure the safety and well-being of children. Within the State of Wisconsin's Department of Children and Families, BMCW provides child protective services to Milwaukee County. The mission of the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare is to promote the best interest of children by supporting and encouraging families' efforts to resolve problems that threaten the safety of their children.
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