Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations
Chapter 46 - Social services.
46.22 - County social services.

46.22 County social services.
(1) County department of social services.
(a) Creation. Except as provided under s. 46.23 (3) (b), the county board of supervisors of any county with a population of less than 750,000, or the county boards of 2 or more counties, shall establish a county department of social services on a single-county or multicounty basis. The county department of social services shall consist of a county social services board, a county social services director and necessary personnel.
(am) Funding for multicounties. State social services funding under s. 20.435 (7) (b) is not available to counties which establish a multicounty department of social services until the counties have drafted a contractual agreement, approved by the secretary, setting forth the plans for direct sponsorship and have drafted a budget under par. (b) 1. d.
(b) Powers and duties.
1. The county department of social services shall have the following functions, duties and powers in accordance with the rules promulgated by the department of health services and subject to the supervision of the department of health services:
a. To maintain administrative and reporting relationships with all pertinent state departments.
b. To make investigations that relate to welfare services, except for welfare services provided under ch. 48 and subch. III of ch. 49, community-based juvenile delinquency-related services, and juvenile correctional services, upon request by the department of health services.
c. Within the limits of available state and federal funds and of county funds appropriated to match state funds, to provide social services for persons eligible for or receiving supplemental security aids under Title XVI of the social security act, eligible for or receiving state supplemental payments under s. 49.77 or eligible for or receiving aid to families with dependent children under s. 49.19.
d. To submit a final budget in accordance with s. 46.031 (1) for services authorized in this section, except for the administration of and cost of aid granted under ss. 49.19 and 49.45 to 49.471.
g. To make certification or referral of eligibles for state or federal assistance programs under subch. V of ch. 49, eligibility for which is based on need.
i. If the county board of supervisors establishes an initiative to provide coordinated services under s. 59.53 (7), to participate in and administer the initiative, including entering into any written interagency agreements or contracts.
j. If authorized under s. 46.283 (1) (a) 1., to apply to the department of health services to operate a resource center under s. 46.283 and, if the department contracts with the county under s. 46.283 (2), to operate the resource center.
k. If authorized under s. 46.284 (1) (a) 1., to apply to the department of health services to operate a care management organization under s. 46.284 and, if the department contracts with the county under s. 46.284 (2), to operate the care management organization and, if appropriate, place funds in a risk reserve.
2. A county department of social services shall have the following functions, duties, and powers in accordance with the rules promulgated by the department of children and families and subject to the supervision of the department of children and families:
a. To administer community-based juvenile delinquency-related services under s. 48.526.
b. To maintain administrative and reporting relationships with all pertinent state departments.
c. To make investigations as provided under ch. 48 and subch. III of ch. 49 and investigations relating to community-based juvenile delinquency-related services upon request by the department of children and families.
d. To certify eligibility for and issue food coupons to needy households in conformity with 7 USC 2011 to 2036, subject to s. 49.78.
e. To make payments in such manner as the department of children and families may determine for training of recipients, former recipients and potential recipients of aid in programs established under s. 49.193, 1997 stats., and s. 49.26 (1).
f. To submit a final budget in accordance with s. 49.325 (1) for services authorized in this subdivision.
fm. To administer the child care program under s. 49.155, if the department of children and families contracts with the county department of social services to do so.
g. To make certification or referral of eligibles for state or federal works or other assistance programs under ch. 48 and subch. III of ch. 49, eligibility for which is based on need.
3. A county department of social services shall have the following functions, duties, and powers in accordance with the rules promulgated and standards established by the department of health services and subject to the supervision of the department of children and families:
a. To maintain administrative and reporting relationships with all pertinent state departments.
b. To make investigations which relate to programs under s. 49.046, 1993 stats., upon request by the department of health services.
d. To submit a final budget to the department of children and families in accordance with s. 49.325 for services authorized in this subdivision.
4m. A county department of social services shall have the following functions, duties and powers in accordance with the rules promulgated by the department of administration and subject to the supervision of the department of administration:
a. To collect and transmit information to the department of administration so that a federal energy assistance payment may be made to an eligible household.
b. To collect and transmit information to the department of administration so that weatherization services may be made available to an eligible household.
c. To receive applications from individuals seeking low-income energy assistance under s. 16.27 (4) or weatherization services under s. 16.26.
d. To provide information on the income eligibility for weatherization of a recipient of low-income energy assistance to an entity with which the department of administration contracts for provision of weatherization under s. 16.26.
e. To receive a request, determine a correct payment amount, if any, and provide payment, if any, for emergency assistance under s. 16.27 (8).
5m. A county department of social services shall have the following functions, duties and powers in accordance with the rules promulgated by the department of corrections and subject to the supervision of the department of corrections:
a. To purchase juvenile correctional services under s. 301.26.
b. To maintain administrative and reporting relationships with all pertinent state departments.
(c) Other powers and duties. The county board of supervisors in a county with a single-county department of social services and the county boards of supervisors in counties with a multicounty department of social services may provide that the county department of social services shall, in addition to exercising the mandatory functions, duties and powers under par. (b), have any or all of the following functions, duties and powers and such other welfare functions as may be delegated to it by the county board of supervisors in a county with a single-county department of social services and the county boards of supervisors in counties with a multicounty department of social services:
1. Make investigations in cooperation with the court, institution superintendent, district attorney and other agencies and officials operating in the welfare field regarding admissions to and release or conditional release from the following institutions:
a. `County institutions.' Any county infirmary, home, asylum or hospital for mental diseases, tuberculosis or otherwise.
b. `State institutions.' The Mendota Mental Health Institute, the Winnebago Mental Health Institute, centers for the developmentally disabled, and Type 1 juvenile correctional facilities, as defined in s. 938.02 (19).
c. `Other institution.' University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics and secured residential care centers for children and youth, as defined in s. 938.02 (15g).
2. Subdivision 1. does not authorize the county department of social services to make investigations regarding admission to or release from state prisons under s. 302.01, county houses of correction, jails, detention homes or reforestation camps.
4. Make investigations which are provided for under s. 48.88 (2) (a) and (c), if the court having jurisdiction so directs.
5. Perform the duties and functions prescribed in ss. 48.08 and 938.08 when requested to do so by the judge assigned to exercise jurisdiction under chs. 48 and 938.
6. To furnish services to families or persons other than the granting of financial or material aid where such services may prevent such families or persons from becoming public charges or restore them to a condition of self-support.
7. To certify eligibility for and distribute surplus commodities and foodstuffs.
8. To administer child welfare services including services to juveniles who are delinquent and to children who have an intellectual disability or are dependent, neglected or nonmarital, and to other children who are in need of such services. In administering child welfare services the county department of social services shall be governed by the following:
a. The county department of social services may avail itself of the cooperation of any individual or private agency or organization interested in the social welfare of children in the county with a single-county department of social services or in the counties with a multicounty department of social services.
b. The county department of social services shall administer and expend such amounts as may be necessary out of any moneys which may be appropriated for child welfare purposes by the county board of supervisors in a county with a single-county department of social services or by the county boards of supervisors in counties with a multicounty department of social services or donated by individuals or private organizations.
c. Upon the request of the judge assigned to exercise jurisdiction under chs. 48 and 938, the county department of social services shall investigate the home environment and other factors in the life of any child brought to the attention of the court for alleged dependency or neglect, or any juvenile brought to the attention of the court for alleged delinquency, and to assume guidance and supervision of any juvenile placed on probation by that court.
d. Upon the request of the department of corrections and under its direction, the county department of social services shall assume the oversight of any juvenile under parole from or otherwise subject to the supervision of any state institution.
e. The county department of social services shall have the powers and duties specified in ss. 48.57 and 938.57.
f. The county department of social services shall implement the statewide automated child welfare information system established under s. 48.47 (7g).
9. The authority given to the county department of social services under subd. 8. to function as an authorized child welfare agency shall not be interpreted as excluding agencies licensed under s. 48.60 from also exercising such functions.
(d) Merit system; records. The county department of social services is subject to s. 49.78 (4) to (7). The county department of social services and all county officers and employees performing any duties in connection with the administration of aid to families with dependent children shall observe all rules promulgated by the department of children and families under s. 49.78 (4) and shall keep records and furnish reports as the department of children and families requires in relation to their performance of such duties.
(dm) Exchange of information; long-term care. Notwithstanding ss. 46.2895 (9), 48.78 (2) (a), 49.45 (4), 49.83, 51.30, 51.45 (14) (a), 55.22 (3), 146.82, 252.11 (7), 253.07 (3) (c), and 938.78 (2) (a), a subunit of a county department of social services or tribal agency acting under this subsection may exchange confidential information about a client, without the informed consent of the client, with any other subunit of the same county department of social services or tribal agency, with a resource center, a care management organization, or a long-term care district, with an elder-adult-at-risk agency, an adult-at-risk agency, or any agency to which referral for investigation is made under s. 46.90 (5) (a) 1. or 55.043 (1r) (a) 1g., or with a person providing services to the client under a purchase of services contract with the county department of social services or tribal agency or with a resource center, a care management organization, or a long-term care district, if necessary to enable an employee or service provider to perform his or her duties, or to enable the county department of social services or tribal agency to coordinate the delivery of services to the client. An agency that releases information under this paragraph shall document that a request for information was received and what information was provided.
(dp) Exchange of information; statewide automated child welfare information system. Notwithstanding ss. 46.2895 (9), 48.396 (1) and (2) (a), 48.78 (2) (a), 48.981 (7), 49.45 (4), 49.83, 51.30, 51.45 (14) (a), 55.22 (3), 146.82, 252.11 (7), 252.15, 253.07 (3) (c), 938.396 (1) (a) and (2), and 938.78 (2) (a), a county department under this section may enter the content of any record kept or information received by that county department into the statewide automated child welfare information system established under s. 48.47 (7g).
(e) Purchase of care and services.
1. In order to ensure the availability of a full range of care and services, a county department of social services may contract, either directly or through the department of health services, the department of children and families, or the department of corrections, with public or voluntary agencies or others to purchase, in full or in part, care and services which the county department of social services is authorized by any statute to furnish in any manner. The services may be purchased from the department of health services, the department of children and families, or the department of corrections if the department of health services, the department of children and families, or the department of corrections has staff to furnish the services. The county department of social services, if it has adequate staff, may sell the care and services directly to another county or state agency.
2. A county department of social services may purchase development and training services from the department of health services, the department of children and families, or the department of corrections or from other county agencies if the services are available or sell the development and staff training services to another county or state agency if the county department of social services has adequate staff to provide the services.
3.
a. A county department of social services shall develop, under the requirements of s. 46.036, plans and contracts for the purchase of care and services, except for care and services provided under ch. 48, subch. III of ch. 49, and s. 301.08 (2) and community-based juvenile delinquency-related services. The department of health services may review the contracts and approve them if they are consistent with s. 46.036 and to the extent that state or federal funds are available for those purposes. The joint committee on finance may require the department of health services to submit the contracts to the committee for review and approval. The department of health services may not make any payments to a county for programs included in the contract that is under review by the committee. The department of health services shall reimburse each county for the contracts from the appropriations under s. 20.435 (7) (b) and (o) according to s. 46.495.
b. A county department of social services shall develop, under the requirements of s. 49.34, plans and contracts for the purchase of care and services under ch. 48 and subch. III of ch. 49 and of community-based juvenile delinquency-related services. The department of children and families may review the contracts and approve them if they are consistent with s. 49.34 and to the extent that state or federal funds are available for such purposes. The joint committee on finance may require the department of children and families to submit the contracts to the committee for review and approval. The department of children and families may not make any payments to a county for programs included in the contract that is under review by the committee.
c. A county department of social services shall develop, under the requirements of s. 301.08 (2), plans and contracts for the purchase of juvenile correctional services. The department of corrections may review the contracts and approve them if they are consistent with s. 301.08 (2) and to the extent that state or federal funds are available for those purposes. The joint committee on finance may require the department of corrections to submit the contracts to the committee for review and approval. The department of children and families may not make any payments under s. 48.526 to a county for programs included in the contract that is under review by the committee. The department of children and families shall reimburse each county for the contracts from the appropriations under s. 20.437 (1) (cj) and (o) as appropriate.
(1m) County social services board.
(a) Composition.
1. In any single-county department of social services, the county social services board shall consist of 3, 5 or 7 residents of the county, as determined by the county board of supervisors.
2. In any multicounty department of social services, the county social services board shall be composed of 11 members plus 3 additional members for each county in a multicounty department of social services in excess of 2.
(b) Appointment, election. The members of the county social services board shall be elected or appointed either from members of the county board of supervisors or from the county at large, or both, on the basis of knowledge and interest in public welfare as follows:
1. In a single-county department of social services in a county without a county executive or county administrator, the county board of supervisors shall elect, or the chairperson of the county board of supervisors under rules of the county board of supervisors shall appoint, the county social services board.
2. In any county with a county executive or county administrator which has established a single-county department of social services, the county executive or county administrator shall appoint, subject to confirmation by the county board of supervisors, the county social services board, which shall be only a policy-making body determining the broad outlines and principles governing the administration of programs under this section.
3. The county boards of supervisors of the counties in a multicounty department of social services shall make appointments in a manner acceptable to the counties in a multicounty department of social services, but each of the counties in a multicounty department of social services may appoint to the county social services board not more than 3 members from its county board of supervisors.
(c) Compensation; terms; removal. The members of the county social services board shall receive compensation and hold office for a term as fixed by the county board of supervisors in a county with a single-county department or by the county boards of supervisors in counties with a multicounty department, except as follows:
1. A member of the county social services board appointed under par. (b) 2. may be removed at pleasure by the county executive or county administrator.
2. The term of office of any member of the county social services board appointed under par. (b) 3. shall be 3 years, but of the members first appointed, at least one-third shall be appointed for one year; at least one-third for 2 years; and the remainder for 3 years. Vacancies shall be filled for the residue of the unexpired term in the manner that original appointments are made. Any county social services board member may be removed from office by a two-thirds vote of the appointing authority, on due notice in writing.
(2) Powers and duties of county social services board in certain counties. A county social services board elected or appointed under sub. (1m) (b) 1. and 3. shall:
(a) At the first meeting of the county social services board, elect from their number, a chairperson, a secretary and other officers as deemed necessary. Vacancies in these offices shall be filled for the unexpired terms. The chairperson presides at all meetings when present, and countersigns all actions taken by the county social services board. In case of the absence of the chairperson for any meeting the members present shall choose a temporary chairperson.
(b) Appoint the county social services director under sub. (3) subject to s. 49.78 (4) to (7) and the rules promulgated thereunder and subject to the approval of the county board of supervisors in a county with a single-county department of social services or the county boards of supervisors in counties with a multicounty department of social services.
(c) Supervise the working of the county department of social services and shall be a policy-making body determining the broad outlines and principles governing the administration of the functions, duties and powers assigned to the county department of social services under sub. (1) (b) and (c).
(d) As it determines necessary, appoint committees consisting of residents of the county, which shall advise the county social services board on any matters for which they are created. Members of such committees shall serve without compensation.
(e) Consult with the county social services director appointed under par. (b) concerning the preparation of the annual budget, the annual report of the operation of the county department of social services and the appointment of necessary personnel.
(f) Recommend program priorities, identify unmet service needs and prepare short-term and long-term plans and budgets for meeting such priorities and needs.
(g) Determine, subject to the approval of the county board of supervisors in a county with a single-county department of social services or the county boards of supervisors in counties with a multicounty department of social services and with the advice of the county social services director appointed under par. (b), whether services are to be provided directly by the county department of social services or contracted for with other providers and make such contracts. The county board of supervisors in a county with a single-county department of social services or the county boards of supervisors in counties with a multicounty department of social services may elect to require the approval of any such contract by the county board of supervisors in a county with a single-county department of social services or the county boards of supervisors in counties with a multicounty department of social services.
(h) Develop county social services board operating procedures.
(i) Comply with state requirements.
(j) Assist in arranging cooperative working agreements with persons providing health, education, vocational or welfare services related to services provided under this section.
(k) Establish priorities in addition to those mandated by the department.
(L) Evaluate services delivery.
(m) Cooperate to the extent feasible with the school board, health planning agencies, law enforcement agencies, and other human service agencies, committees and planning bodies in the geographic area served by the county department of social services.
(n) Assume the powers and duties of the county department of social services under sub. (1) (b) to (e).
(2g) Powers and duties of county social services board in certain counties with a county executive or county administrator. A county social services board appointed under sub. (1m) (b) 2. shall:
(a) At the first meeting of the county social services board, elect from their number, a chairperson, a secretary and other officers as deemed necessary. Vacancies in these offices shall be filled for the unexpired terms. The chairperson presides at all meetings when present, and countersigns all actions taken by the county social services board. In case of the absence of the chairperson for any meeting the members present shall choose a temporary chairperson.
(b) Appoint committees consisting of residents of the county to advise the county social services board as it deems necessary. Members of such committees shall serve without compensation.
(c) Recommend program priorities, identify unmet service needs and prepare short-term and long-term plans and budgets for meeting such priorities and needs.
(d) Prepare, with the assistance of the county social services director under sub. (3m) (b) 5., all of the following:
1. A proposed budget for submission to the county executive or county administrator.
2. A final budget for submission to the department of health services in accordance with s. 46.031 (1) for authorized services, except services under ch. 48, subch. III of ch. 49, or s. 301.08 (2) and authorized community-based juvenile delinquency-related services.
3. A final budget for submission to the department of children and families in accordance with s. 49.325 for authorized services under ch. 48 and subch. III of ch. 49 and authorized community-based juvenile delinquency-related services.
(e) Advise the county social services director under sub. (3m) (b) 3. regarding purchasing and providing services and the selection of purchase of service vendors, and make recommendations to the county executive or county administrator regarding modifications in such purchasing, providing and selection.
(f) Develop county social services board operating procedures.
(g) Comply with state requirements.
(h) Assist in arranging cooperative working agreements with persons providing health, education, vocational or welfare services related to services provided under this section.
(3) County social services director in certain counties. A county social services director appointed under sub. (2) (b) shall:
(a) Serve as the executive and administrative officer of the county department of social services.
(b) In consultation and agreement with the county social services board under sub. (2), prepare and submit to the county board of supervisors an annual budget of all funds necessary for the county department of social services, and prepare annually a full report of the operations and administration of the county department of social services. The county board of supervisors shall review and approve, reject or revise by majority vote the annual budget of the county department of social services.
(c) Recommend to the county social services board under sub. (2) the appointment of employees necessary to administer the functions of the county department of social services.
(d) Make recommendations to the county board of supervisors in a county with a single-county department of social services or the county boards of supervisors in counties with a multicounty department of social services who shall fix the salary of such employees.
(f) Comply with state requirements.
(g) Cooperate to the extent feasible with the school board, health planning agencies, law enforcement agencies, and other human service agencies, committees and planning bodies in the geographic area served by the county department of social services.
(3m) County social services director in certain counties with a county executive or county administrator.
(a) In any county with a county executive or a county administrator that has established a single-county department of social services, the county executive or county administrator, subject to s. 49.78 (4) to (7) and the rules promulgated thereunder, shall appoint and supervise the county social services director. The appointment is subject to the confirmation of the county board of supervisors unless the county board of supervisors, by ordinance, elects to waive confirmation or unless the appointment is made under a civil service system competitive examination procedure established under s. 59.52 (8) or ch. 63.
(b) A county social services director appointed under par. (a) shall:
1. Supervise and administer any program established by the county department of social services.
1m. Supervise the operations and administration of the county department of social services.
2. Determine administrative and program procedures.
3. Determine, subject to the approval of the county board of supervisors and with the advice of the county social services board under sub. (2g) (e), whether services are to be provided directly by the county department of social services or contracted for with other providers and make such contracts. The county board of supervisors may elect to require the approval of any such contract by the county board of supervisors.
5. Assist the county social services board in the preparation of the budgets required under sub. (2g) (d).
6. Make recommendations to the county executive or county administrator regarding modifications to the proposed budget prepared by the county social services board under sub. (2g) (d).
7. Evaluate service delivery.
9. Establish salaries and personnel policies of the county department of social services subject to approval of the county executive or county administrator and county board of supervisors.
10. Perform other functions necessary to manage, operate, maintain and improve programs.
11. Comply with state requirements.
12. Establish priorities in addition to those mandated by the department of health services, by the department of children and families, or by the department of corrections.
13. Determine the number and location of outstations when appropriate to meet service demands.
15. Prepare annually a full report of the operations and administration of the county department of social services.
16. Cooperate to the extent feasible with the school board, health planning agencies, law enforcement agencies, and other human service agencies, committees and planning bodies in the geographic area served by the county department of social services.
17. In consultation with the county social services board under sub. (2g), prepare:
a. Intermediate-range plans and budget.
b. Such other reports as are required by the secretary of health services, the secretary of children and families, the secretary of corrections, and the county board of supervisors.
(4) Construction.
(a) Any reference in any law to a county department of social services under this section applies to a county department under s. 46.23 in its administration of the powers and duties of the county department of social services under s. 46.23 (3) (b).
(b)
1. Any reference in any law to a county social services director appointed under sub. (2) (b) applies to the director of a county department appointed under s. 46.23 (5) (f) in his or her administration of the powers and duties of that county social services director.
2. Any reference in any law to a county social services director appointed under sub. (3m) (a) applies to the director of a county department appointed under s. 46.23 (6m) (intro.) in his or her administration of the powers and duties of that county social services director.
(c)
1. Any reference in any law to a county social services board appointed under sub. (1m) (b) 1. and 3. applies to the board of a county department appointed under s. 46.23 (4) (b) 1. in its administration of the powers and duties of that county social services board.
2. Any reference in any law to a county social services board appointed under sub. (1m) (b) 2. applies to the board of a county department appointed under s. 46.23 (4) (b) 2. in its administration of the powers and duties of that county social services board.
History: 1971 c. 164, 218; 1973 c. 90 ss. 226, 560 (3); 1973 c. 147, 333; 1975 c. 39; 1975 c. 189 s. 99 (1), (2); 1975 c. 224 ss. 52p, 146m; 1975 c. 307, 422; 1975 c. 430 s. 78; 1977 c. 29 ss. 560, 1656 (18); 1977 c. 83 s. 26; 1977 c. 418, 449; 1979 c. 34, 221; 1981 c. 20 ss. 759 to 763m, 2202 (20) (j); 1981 c. 329; 1981 c. 390 s. 252; 1983 a. 27 s. 2202 (20); 1983 a. 190 s. 7; 1983 a. 192, 193, 447; 1985 a. 29, 120; 1985 a. 176 ss. 28, 30, 59 to 105; 1985 a. 332; 1987 a. 5, 27; 1989 a. 31, 107, 336, 359; 1991 a. 39, 274; 1993 a. 16; 1995 a. 27 ss. 2077 to 2111, 9126 (19), 9130 (4); 1995 a. 64, 77, 201, 289, 352, 404, 417; 1997 a. 3, 27, 35, 252; 1999 a. 9, 83; 2001 a. 16, 103; 2003 a. 33; 2005 a. 25, 264, 344, 388, 406; 2007 a. 20 ss. 857 to 877, 9121 (6) (a); 2007 a. 45, 96; 2009 a. 28, 180, 334; 2011 a. 32, 126; 2015 a. 55; 2017 a. 150, 185; 2017 a. 207 s. 5; 2019 a. 8, 9.
Members of a social services board in a county with a county executive or a county administrator may be granted access to child abuse and neglect files under s. 48.981 if access is necessary for the performance of their statutory duties. 79 Atty. Gen. 212.

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