PUBLIC NOTICE:
ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families administers programs to assist Wisconsin's children and families, including W-2, child support, child care licensing, child care assistance, adoption search and assistance. DCF also administers child welfare programs, including the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare.

All persons may obtain information and access to DCF's public records, or obtain a copy of those records. Certain information and records are not subject to disclosure. Continuing requests are not honored. Wisconsin Statutes Sections 19.31 - 19.39 govern open records.

Requesting Records

You may request records orally, electronically or in writing. Make your request to Erika Monroe-Kane, Communications Director, Room G200, 201 E. Washington Ave., Madison, WI 53703; erika.monroe-kane@wisconsin.gov. 608-266-8691.

Receiving Records

DCF gives open records requests high priority and provides requested records as soon as practicable and without delay. A reasonable time for response to any specific record requests depends on the nature of the request, the staff and other resources available to process the request, the extent of the request, and whether the records must be redacted of confidential material. Although the public records law does not require response within a specific time, records are generally available within ten working days.

Fees

  • Location Costs. Where the cost of locating a record exceeds $50.00, the actual, necessary and direct cost of locating the record will be charged. (Wis. Stat. Ch. 19.35(3)(c))
  • Redacting Costs. DCF charges the actual cost of staff time spent redacting confidential information from otherwise public records.
  • Copying Costs. DCF charges $0.25 per page for each photocopy.
  • Shipping Costs. DCF charges the actual cost of shipping records to the requestor.
  • Estimated Costs. When the total estimated cost for locating, redacting, photocopying and shipping exceeds $50.00, DCF may require pre-payment.

If you have questions about obtaining public records, contact Communications Director Erika Monroe-Kane at erika.monroe-kane@wisconsin.gov; 608-266-8691.