Powers and duties of child welfare agencies
Wis. Stat. § 48.61
in effectA child welfare agency shall have authority:
(1) To accept legal or physical custody of children transferred to it by the court under s. 48.355.
(2) To contract with any parent or guardian or other person for the supervision or care and maintenance of any child.
(3) To provide appropriate care and training for children in its legal or physical custody and, if licensed to do so, to place children in licensed foster homes and licensed group homes as permitted under s. 48.63 (1) (a), in shelter care facilities as permitted under s. 48.63 (1) (b), and in the homes of guardians as permitted under s. 48.977 (2).
(4) To provide for the moral and religious training of children in its legal custody according to the religious belief of the child or the child’s parents.
(5) If licensed to do so, to accept guardianship of children when appointed by the court, and to place children under its guardianship for adoption.
(6) To provide services to the court under s. 48.07.
(7) To license foster homes in accordance with s. 48.75 if licensed to do so.
Source: WI Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/48.61Fetched: 10/7/2026