Referral of children and expectant mothers of unborn children to proceedings under chapter 51 or 55
Wis. Stat. § 48.135
in effect(1) If a child alleged to be in need of protection or services or a child expectant mother of an unborn child alleged to be in need of protection or services is before the court and it appears that the child or child expectant mother is developmentally disabled, mentally ill or drug dependent or suffers from alcoholism, the court may proceed under ch. 51 or 55. If an adult expectant mother of an unborn child alleged to be in need of protection or services is before the court and it appears that the adult expectant mother is drug dependent or suffers from alcoholism, the court may proceed under ch. 51.
(2) Except as provided in ss. 48.19 to 48.21 and s. 48.345 (14), any voluntary or involuntary admissions, placements or commitments of a child made in or to an inpatient facility, as defined in s. 51.01 (10), shall be governed by ch. 51 or 55. Except as provided in ss. 48.193 to 48.213 and s. 48.347 (6), any voluntary or involuntary admissions, placements or commitments of an adult expectant mother of an unborn child made in or to an inpatient facility, as defined in s. 51.01 (10), shall be governed by ch. 51.
Source: WI Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/48.135Fetched: 10/7/2026