Chapter 48

48.297(7) (7) Oral argument permitted on motions under this section may be heard by telephone under s. 807.13 (1).

48.297 History History: 1977 c. 354; 1979 c. 300, 331, 359; Sup. Ct. Order, 141 Wis. 2d xiii (1987); 1995 a. 77; 1997 a. 35, 292; 2013 a. 170.

48.299 48.299 Procedures at hearings.

48.299(1) (1) 

48.299(1)(a) (a) The general public shall be excluded from hearings under this chapter and from hearings by courts exercising jurisdiction under s. 48.16 unless a public fact-finding hearing is demanded by a child through his or her counsel, by an expectant mother through her counsel, or by an unborn child’s guardian ad litem. However, the court shall refuse to grant the public hearing in a proceeding other than a proceeding under s. 48.375 (7), if a parent, guardian, expectant mother, or unborn child’s guardian ad litem objects.

48.299(1)(ag) (ag) In a proceeding other than a proceeding under s. 48.375 (7), if a public hearing is not held, only the parties and their counsel or guardian ad litem, the court-appointed special advocate for the child, the child’s foster parent or other physical custodian described in s. 48.62 (2), witnesses, and other persons requested by a party and approved by the court may be present, except that the court may exclude a foster parent or other physical custodian described in s. 48.62 (2) from any portion of the hearing if that portion of the hearing deals with sensitive personal information of the child or the child’s family or if the court determines that excluding the foster parent or other physical custodian would be in the best interests of the child. Except in a proceeding under s. 48.375 (7), any other person the court finds to have a proper interest in the case or in the work of the court, including a member of the bar or a person engaged in the bona fide research, monitoring, or evaluation of activities conducted under 42 USC 629h, as determined by the director of state courts, may be admitted by the court.

48.299(1)(ar) (ar) All hearings under s. 48.375 (7) shall be held in chambers, unless a public fact-finding hearing is demanded by the child through her counsel. In a proceeding under s. 48.375 (7), the child’s foster parent or other physical custodian described in s. 48.62 (2) may be present if requested by a party and approved by the court.

48.299(1)(b) (b) Except as provided in ss. 48.375 (7) (e) and 48.396, any person who divulges any information which would identify the child, the expectant mother or the family involved in any proceeding under this chapter shall be subject to ch. 785.

48.299(2m) (2m) 

48.299(2m)(a) (a) In this subsection, “restraints” means leather, canvas, rubber, Velcro, or plastic restraints; handcuffs, waist belts, or leg chains; a wheel chair; an electric immobilization device; or any other device used to securely limit the movement of a child’s body.

48.299(2m)(b) (b) Restraints may not be used on a child during a court proceeding and shall be removed prior to the child being brought into the courtroom and appearing before the court unless the court finds all of the following:

48.299(2m)(b)1. 1. The use of restraints is necessary due to any of the following factors:

48.299(2m)(b)1.a. a. Restraints are necessary to prevent physical harm to the child or another person.

48.299(2m)(b)1.b. b. The child has a history of disruptive courtroom behavior that has placed others in potentially harmful situations, or the child presents a substantial risk of inflicting physical harm on himself or herself or others as evidenced by recent behavior.

48.299(2m)(b)1.c. c. There is a founded belief that the child presents a substantial risk of flight from the courtroom.

48.299(2m)(b)2. 2. There are no less restrictive alternatives to restraints that will prevent flight or physical harm to the child or another person, including the presence of court personnel, law enforcement officers, or bailiffs.

48.299(2m)(c) (c) The court shall provide the child’s counsel an opportunity to be heard before the court orders the use of restraints. If the child’s counsel informs the court that the child wishes to be present, the court may order telephone or videoconference hearing pursuant to sub. (5). If restraints are ordered, the court shall make findings of fact in support of the order.

48.299(2m)(d) (d) Any restraints shall allow the child limited movement of the hands to read and handle documents and writings necessary to the hearing. Under no circumstances may a child be restrained using restraints that are fixed to a wall, floor, or furniture.

48.299(3) (3) If the court finds that it is in the best interest of the child, and if the child’s counsel or guardian ad litem consents, the child may be temporarily excluded by the court from a hearing on a petition alleging that the child is in need of protection or services. If the court finds that a child under 7 years of age is too young to comprehend the hearing, and that it is in the best interest of the child, the child may be excluded from the entire hearing.

48.299(4) (4) 

48.299(4)(a) (a) Chapters 901 to 911 shall govern the presentation of evidence at the fact-finding hearings under ss. 48.31, 48.42, 48.977 (4) (d), 48.978 (2) (e) and (3) (f) 2., and 48.9795.

48.299(4)(b) (b) Except as provided in s. 901.05, neither common law nor statutory rules of evidence are binding at a hearing for a child held in custody under s. 48.21, a hearing for an adult expectant mother held in custody under s. 48.213, a runaway home hearing under s. 48.227 (4), a dispositional hearing, or a hearing about changes in placement, trial reunifications, revision of dispositional orders, extension of dispositional orders, or termination of guardianship orders entered under s. 48.977 (4) (h) 2. or (6), 48.978 (2) (j) 2. or (3) (g), or 48.9795. At those hearings, the court shall admit all testimony having reasonable probative value, but shall exclude immaterial, irrelevant, or unduly repetitious testimony or evidence that is inadmissible under s. 901.05. Hearsay evidence may be admitted if it has demonstrable circumstantial guarantees of trustworthiness. The court shall give effect to the rules of privilege recognized by law. The court shall apply the basic principles of relevancy, materiality, and probative value to proof of all questions of fact. Objections to evidentiary offers and offers of proof of evidence not admitted may be made and shall be noted in the record.

48.299(5) (5) On request of any party, unless good cause to the contrary is shown, any hearing under s. 48.209 (1) (e), 48.21 (1) or 48.213 (1) may be held on the record by telephone or live audiovisual means or testimony may be received by telephone or live audiovisual means as prescribed in s. 807.13 (2). The request and the showing of good cause for not conducting the hearing or admitting testimony by telephone or live audiovisual means may be made by telephone.

48.299(6) (6) If a man who has been given notice under s. 48.27 (3) (b) 1., 48.977 (4) (c) 1., 48.978 (2) (c) 1., or 48.9795 (4) (c) 1. appears at any hearing for which he received the notice, alleges that he is the father of the child, and states that he wishes to establish the paternity of the child, all of the following apply:

48.299(6)(a) (a) The court shall refer the matter to the state or to the attorney responsible for support enforcement under s. 59.53 (6) (a) for a determination, under s. 767.80, of whether an action should be brought for the purpose of determining the paternity of the child.

48.299(6)(b) (b) The state or the attorney responsible for support enforcement who receives a referral under par. (a) shall perform the duties specified under s. 767.80 (5) (c) and (6r).

48.299(6)(c) (c) The court having jurisdiction over actions affecting the family shall give priority under s. 767.82 (7m) to an action brought under s. 767.80 whenever the petition filed under s. 767.80 indicates that the matter was referred by the court under par. (a).

48.299(6)(d) (d) The court may stay the proceedings under this chapter pending the outcome of the paternity proceedings under subch. IX of ch. 767 if the court determines that the paternity proceedings will not unduly delay the proceedings under this chapter and the determination of paternity is necessary to the court’s disposition of the proceedings or if the court determines or has reason to know that the paternity proceedings may result in a finding that the child is an Indian child and in a petition by the child’s parent, Indian custodian, or tribe for transfer of the proceedings to the jurisdiction of the tribe.

48.299(6)(e) (e)

48.299(6)(e)1. 1. In this paragraph, “genetic test” means a test that examines genetic markers present on blood cells, skin cells, tissue cells, bodily fluid cells or cells of another body material for the purpose of determining the statistical probability that a man who is alleged to be a child’s father is the child’s biological father.

48.299(6)(e)2. 2. The court shall, at the hearing, orally inform any man specified in sub. (6) (intro.) that he may be required to pay for any testing ordered by the court under this paragraph or under s. 885.23.

48.299(6)(e)3. 3. In addition to ordering testing as provided under s. 885.23, if the court determines that it would be in the best interests of the child, the court may order any man specified in sub. (6) (intro.) to submit to one or more genetic tests which shall be performed by an expert qualified as an examiner of genetic markers present on the cells and of the specific body material to be used for the tests, as appointed by the court. A report completed and certified by the court-appointed expert stating genetic test results and the statistical probability that the man alleged to be the child’s father is the child’s biological father based upon the genetic tests is admissible as evidence without expert testimony and may be entered into the record at any hearing. The court, upon request by a party, may order that independent tests be performed by other experts qualified as examiners of genetic markers present on the cells of the specific body materials to be used for the tests.

48.299(6)(e)4. 4. If the genetic tests show that an alleged father is not excluded and that the statistical probability that the alleged father is the child’s biological father is 99.0 percent or higher, the court may determine that for purposes of a proceeding under this chapter, other than a proceeding under subch. VIII, the man is the child’s biological parent.

48.299(6)(e)5. 5. A determination by the court under subd. 4. is not a determination of paternity under s. 48.355 (4g) (a), a judgment of paternity under ch. 767, or an adjudication of paternity under subch. VIII.

48.299(7) (7) If a man who has been given notice under s. 48.27 (3) (b) 1., 48.977 (4) (c) 1., 48.978 (2) (c) 1., or 48.9795 (4) (c) 1. appears at any hearing for which he received the notice but does not allege that he is the father of the child and state that he wishes to establish the paternity of the child or if no man to whom such notice was given appears at a hearing, the court may refer the matter to the state or to the attorney responsible for support enforcement under s. 59.53 (6) (a) for a determination, under s. 767.80, of whether an action should be brought for the purpose of determining the paternity of the child.

48.299(8) (8) As part of the proceedings under this chapter, the court may order that a record be made of any testimony of the child’s mother relating to the child’s paternity. A record made under this subsection is admissible in a proceeding to determine the child’s paternity under subch. IX of ch. 767.

48.299(9) (9) If at any point in the proceeding the court determines or has reason to know that the child is an Indian child, the court shall provide notice of the proceeding to the child’s parent, Indian custodian, and tribe in the manner specified in s. 48.028 (4) (a). The next hearing in the proceeding may not be held until at least 10 days after receipt of the notice by the parent, Indian custodian, and tribe or, if the identity or location of the parent, Indian custodian, or tribe cannot be determined, until at least 15 days after receipt of the notice by the U.S. secretary of the interior. On request of the parent, Indian custodian, or tribe, the court shall grant a continuance of up to 20 additional days to enable the requester to prepare for that hearing.

48.299 History History: 1979 c. 300; 1981 c. 353; 1985 a. 311; 1987 a. 27; Sup. Ct. Order, 141 Wis. 2d xiii (1987); 1991 a. 263, 269; 1993 a. 16, 32, 98, 227, 228, 395; 1995 a. 77, 201, 275; 1997 a. 35, 252, 292, 334; 1999 a. 32, 149; 2005 a. 443 s. 265; 2009 a. 28, 94, 180; 2011 a. 181, 258; 2013 a. 170, 252; 2015 a. 373; 2019 a. 109; Sup. Ct. Order No. 21-04, 2022 WI 26, 402 Wis. 2d xiii; s. 35.17 correction in (2m) (c).

48.299 Note Judicial Council Note, 1988: Sub. (5) allows a judicial review of the status of a child held in a county jail, or a continuation of custody hearing, to be held by telephone conference, or telephoned testimony to be admitted at such a hearing, on request of any party, unless good cause to the contrary is shown. [Re Order effective Jan. 1, 1988]

48.30 48.30 Plea hearing.

48.30(1) (1) Except as provided in s. 48.299 (9), the hearing to determine whether any party wishes to contest an allegation that the child or unborn child is in need of protection or services shall take place on a date which allows reasonable time for the parties to prepare but is within 30 days after the filing of a petition for a child or an expectant mother who is not being held in secure custody or within 10 days after the filing of a petition for a child who is being held in secure custody.

48.30(2) (2) At the commencement of the hearing under this section the child and the parent, guardian, legal custodian, or Indian custodian; the child expectant mother, her parent, guardian, legal custodian, or Indian custodian, and the unborn child’s guardian ad litem; or the adult expectant mother and the unborn child’s guardian ad litem; shall be advised of the rights specified in s. 48.243 and shall be informed that a request for a jury trial or for a substitution of judge under s. 48.29 must be made before the end of the plea hearing or is waived. Nonpetitioning parties, including the child, shall be granted a continuance of the plea hearing if they wish to consult with an attorney on the request for a jury trial or substitution of a judge.

48.30(3) (3) If a petition alleges that a child is in need of protection or services under s. 48.13 or that an unborn child of a child expectant mother is in need of protection or services under s. 48.133, the nonpetitioning parties and the child, if he or she is 12 years of age or older or is otherwise competent to do so, shall state whether they desire to contest the petition. If a petition alleges that an unborn child of an adult expectant mother is in need of protection or services under s. 48.133, the adult expectant mother of the unborn child shall state whether she desires to contest the petition.

48.30(6) (6) 

48.30(6)(a) (a) If a petition is not contested, the court, subject to s. 48.299 (9), shall set a date for the dispositional hearing which allows reasonable time for the parties to prepare but is no more than 10 days after the plea hearing for a child who is held in secure custody and no more than 30 days after the plea hearing for a child or an expectant mother who is not held in secure custody. Subject to s. 48.299 (9), if all parties consent, the court may proceed immediately with the dispositional hearing.

48.30(6)(b) (b) If it appears to the court that disposition of the case may include placement of the child outside the child’s home, the court shall order the child’s parent to provide a statement of income, assets, debts, and living expenses to the court or the designated agency under s. 48.33 (1) at least 5 days before the scheduled date of the dispositional hearing or as otherwise ordered by the court. The clerk of court shall provide, without charge, to any parent ordered to provide a statement of income, assets, debts, and living expenses a document setting forth the percentage standard established by the department under s. 49.22 (9) and the manner of its application established by the department under s. 49.345 (14) (g) and listing the factors that a court may consider under s. 49.345 (14) (c).

48.30(6)(c) (c) If the court orders the child’s parent to provide a statement of income, assets, debts and living expenses to the court or if the court orders the child’s parent to provide that statement to the designated agency under s. 48.33 (1) and that designated agency is not the county department or, in a county having a population of 750,000 or more, the department, the court shall also order the child’s parent to provide that statement to the county department or, in a county having a population of 750,000 or more, the department at least 5 days before the scheduled date of the dispositional hearing or as otherwise ordered by the court. The county department or, in a county having a population of 750,000 or more, the department shall provide, without charge, to the parent a form on which to provide that statement, and the parent shall provide that statement on that form. The county department or, in a county having a population of 750,000 or more, the department shall use the information provided in the statement to determine whether the department may claim federal foster care and adoption assistance reimbursement under 42 USC 670 to 679a for the cost of providing care for the child.

48.30(7) (7) If the petition is contested, the court, subject to s. 48.299 (9), shall set a date for the fact-finding hearing which allows reasonable time for the parties to prepare but is no more than 20 days after the plea hearing for a child who is held in secure custody and no more than 30 days after the plea hearing for a child or an expectant mother who is not held in secure custody.

48.30(8) (8) Before accepting an admission or plea of no contest of the alleged facts in a petition, the court shall:

48.30(8)(a) (a) Address the parties present including the child or expectant mother personally and determine that the plea or admission is made voluntarily with understanding of the nature of the acts alleged in the petition and the potential dispositions.

48.30(8)(b) (b) Establish whether any promises or threats were made to elicit the plea or admission and alert unrepresented parties to the possibility that a lawyer may discover defenses or mitigating circumstances which would not be apparent to them.

48.30(8)(c) (c) Make such inquiries as satisfactorily establishes that there is a factual basis for the plea or admission of the parent and child, of the parent and child expectant mother or of the adult expectant mother.

48.30(9) (9) If a circuit court commissioner conducts the plea hearing and accepts an admission of the alleged facts in a petition brought under s. 48.13 or 48.133, the judge shall review the admission at the beginning of the dispositional hearing by addressing the parties and making the inquiries set forth in sub. (8).

48.30(10) (10) The court may permit any party to participate in hearings under this section by telephone or live audiovisual means.

48.30 History History: 1977 c. 354, 355, 447; 1979 c. 300, 331, 355, 359; 1985 a. 321, 332; 1987 a. 151; 1987 a. 403 s. 256; Sup. Ct. Order, 158 Wis. 2d xvii (1990); 1993 a. 163, 474, 481; 1995 a. 77, 225, 404, 417; 1997 a. 3, 252, 292; 1999 a. 103; 2001 a. 61; 2007 a. 20; 2009 a. 94; 2013 a. 170; 2015 a. 172.

48.30 Annotation The time limits under sub. (1) are mandatory. Jason B. v. State, 176 Wis. 2d 400, 500 N.W.2d 384 (Ct. App. 1993).

48.30 Annotation A court’s failure to inform a juvenile of the right to judicial substitution does not affect its competence and warrants reversal only if the juvenile suffers actual prejudice. State v. Kywanda F., 200 Wis. 2d 26, 546 N.W.2d 440 (1996), 94-1866.

48.305 48.305 Hearing upon the involuntary removal of a child or expectant mother. Notwithstanding other time periods for hearings under this chapter, if a child is removed from the physical custody of the child’s parent or guardian under s. 48.19 (1) (c) or (cm) or (d) 5. or 8. without the consent of the parent or guardian or if an adult expectant mother is taken into custody under s. 48.193 (1) (c) or (d) 2. without the consent of the expectant mother, the court, subject to s. 48.299 (9), shall schedule a plea hearing and fact-finding hearing within 30 days after a request from the parent or guardian from whom custody was removed or from the adult expectant mother who was taken into custody. The plea hearing and fact-finding hearing may be combined. This time period may be extended only with the consent of the requesting parent, guardian, or expectant mother.

48.305 History History: 1977 c. 354; 1979 c. 300; 1997 a. 292; 2009 a. 94.

48.31 48.31 Fact-finding hearing.

48.31(1) (1) In this section, “fact-finding hearing” means a hearing to determine if the allegations in a petition under s. 48.13 or 48.133 or a petition to terminate parental rights are proved by clear and convincing evidence. In the case of a petition to terminate parental rights to an Indian child, “fact-finding hearing” means a hearing to determine if the allegations in the petition, other than the allegations under s. 48.42 (1) (e) relating to serious emotional or physical damage, are proved by clear and convincing evidence and if the allegations under s. 48.42 (1) (e) relating to serious emotional or physical damage are proved beyond a reasonable doubt as provided in s. 48.028 (4) (e) 1., unless partial summary judgment on the grounds for termination of parental rights is granted.

48.31(2) (2) The hearing shall be to the court unless the child, the child’s parent, guardian, or legal custodian, the unborn child’s guardian ad litem, or the expectant mother of the unborn child exercises the right to a jury trial by demanding a jury trial at any time before or during the plea hearing. If a jury trial is demanded in a proceeding under s. 48.13 or 48.133, the jury shall consist of 6 persons. If a jury trial is demanded in a proceeding under s. 48.42, the jury shall consist of 12 persons unless the parties agree to a lesser number. Chapters 756 and 805 shall govern the selection of jurors. If the hearing involves a child victim or witness, as defined in s. 950.02, the court may order that a deposition be taken by audiovisual means and allow the use of a recorded deposition under s. 967.04 (7) to (10) and, with the district attorney, shall comply with s. 971.105. At the conclusion of the hearing, the court or jury shall make a determination of the facts, except that in a case alleging a child or an unborn child to be in need of protection or services under s. 48.13 or 48.133, the court shall make the determination under s. 48.13 (intro.) or 48.133 relating to whether the child or unborn child is in need of protection or services that can be ordered by the court. If the court finds that the child or unborn child is not within the jurisdiction of the court or, in a case alleging a child or an unborn child to be in need of protection or services under s. 48.13 or 48.133, that the child or unborn child is not in need of protection or services that can be ordered by the court, or if the court or jury finds that the facts alleged in the petition have not been proved, the court shall dismiss the petition with prejudice.

48.31(4) (4) The court or jury shall make findings of fact and the court shall make conclusions of law relating to the allegations of a petition filed under s. 48.13, 48.133 or 48.42, except that the court shall make findings of fact relating to whether the child or unborn child is in need of protection or services which can be ordered by the court. In cases alleging a child to be in need of protection or services under s. 48.13 (11), the court may not find that the child is suffering emotional damage unless a licensed physician specializing in psychiatry or a licensed psychologist appointed by the court to examine the child has testified at the hearing that in his or her opinion the condition exists, and adequate opportunity for the cross-examination of the physician or psychologist has been afforded. The judge may use the written reports if the right to have testimony presented is voluntarily, knowingly and intelligently waived by the guardian ad litem or legal counsel for the child and the parent or guardian. In cases alleging a child to be in need of protection or services under s. 48.13 (11m) or an unborn child to be in need of protection or services under s. 48.133, the court may not find that the child or the expectant mother of the unborn child is in need of treatment and education for needs and problems related to the use or abuse of alcohol beverages, controlled substances or controlled substance analogs and its medical, personal, family or social effects unless an assessment for alcohol and other drug abuse that conforms to the criteria specified under s. 48.547 (4) has been conducted by an approved treatment facility.

48.31(5) (5) If the child is an Indian child, the court or jury shall also determine at the fact-finding hearing whether continued custody of the Indian child by the Indian child’s parent or Indian custodian is likely to result in serious emotional or physical damage to the Indian child under s. 48.028 (4) (d) 1. and whether active efforts under s. 48.028 (4) (d) 2. have been made to prevent the breakup of the Indian child’s family and whether those efforts have proved unsuccessful, unless partial summary judgment on the allegations under s. 48.13 or 48.133 is granted, in which case the court shall make those determinations at the dispositional hearing.

48.31(7) (7) 

48.31(7)(a) (a) At the close of the fact-finding hearing, the court, subject to s. 48.299 (9), shall set a date for the dispositional hearing which allows a reasonable time for the parties to prepare but is no more than 10 days after the fact-finding hearing for a child in secure custody and no more than 30 days after the fact-finding hearing for a child or expectant mother who is not held in secure custody. Subject to s. 48.299 (9), if all parties consent, the court may immediately proceed with a dispositional hearing.

48.31(7)(b) (b) If it appears to the court that disposition of the case may include placement of the child outside the child’s home, the court shall order the child’s parent to provide a statement of income, assets, debts, and living expenses to the court or the designated agency under s. 48.33 (1) at least 5 days before the scheduled date of the dispositional hearing or as otherwise ordered by the court. The clerk of court shall provide, without charge, to any parent ordered to provide a statement of income, assets, debts, and living expenses a document setting forth the percentage standard established by the department under s. 49.22 (9) and the manner of its application established by the department under s. 49.345 (14) (g) and listing the factors that a court may consider under s. 49.345 (14) (c).

48.31(7)(c) (c) If the court orders the child’s parent to provide a statement of income, assets, debts and living expenses to the court or if the court orders the child’s parent to provide that statement to the designated agency under s. 48.33 (1) and that designated agency is not the county department or, in a county having a population of 750,000 or more, the department, the court shall also order the child’s parent to provide that statement to the county department or, in a county having a population of 750,000 or more, the department at least 5 days before the scheduled date of the dispositional hearing or as otherwise ordered by the court. The county department or, in a county having a population of 750,000 or more, the department shall provide, without charge, to the parent a form on which to provide that statement, and the parent shall provide that statement on that form. The county department or, in a county having a population of 750,000 or more, the department shall use the information provided in the statement to determine whether the department may claim federal foster care and adoption assistance reimbursement under 42 USC 670 to 679a for the cost of providing care for the child.

48.31 History History: 1977 c. 354, 447; 1979 c. 32 s. 92 (13); 1979 c. 300, 331, 355, 357, 359; 1983 a. 197; 1985 a. 262 s. 8; 1987 a. 339; 1993 a. 481; 1995 a. 77, 275, 404, 448; 1997 a. 3, 35, 292; 1999 a. 103; 2001 a. 105; 2005 a. 42; 2007 a. 20; 2009 a. 94; 2013 a. 170; 2015 a. 172.

48.31 Annotation As a matter of judicial administration, the supreme court mandates procedures for withdrawal of a juvenile’s jury demand. N.E. v. DHSS, 122 Wis. 2d 198, 361 N.W.2d 693 (1985).

48.31 Annotation A fact-finding hearing under sub. (1) was not closed until the court ruled on a motion to set aside the verdict. C.M.L. v. State, 157 Wis. 2d 152, 458 N.W.2d 573 (Ct. App. 1990).

48.31 Annotation A child’s need for protection or services should be determined as of the date the petition is filed. Children can be adjudicated in need of protection or services when divorced parents have joint custody, one parent committed acts proscribed by s. 48.13 (10), and at the time of the hearing the other can provide the necessary care for the children. State v. Gregory L.S., 2002 WI App 101, 253 Wis. 2d 563, 643 N.W.2d 890, 01-2325.

48.31 Annotation Contrary to the Child’s Best Interest: Jury Trials in Children’s Court Proceedings. Sowinski & Wiensch. Wis. Law. Apr. 2013.

48.315 48.315 Delays, continuances and extensions.

48.315(1) (1) The following time periods shall be excluded in computing time periods under this chapter:

48.315(1)(a) (a) Any period of delay resulting from other legal actions concerning the child or the unborn child and the unborn child’s expectant mother, including an examination under s. 48.295 or a hearing related to the mental condition of the child, the child’s parent, guardian or legal custodian or the expectant mother, prehearing motions, waiver motions and hearings on other matters.

48.315(1)(b) (b) Any period of delay resulting from a continuance granted at the request of or with the consent of the child and his or her counsel or of the unborn child’s guardian ad litem.

48.315(1)(c) (c) Any period of delay caused by the disqualification of a judge.

48.315(1)(d) (d) Any period of delay resulting from a continuance granted at the request of the representative of the public under s. 48.09 if the continuance is granted because of the unavailability of evidence material to the case when he or she has exercised due diligence to obtain the evidence and there are reasonable grounds to believe that the evidence will be available at the later date, or to allow him or her additional time to prepare the case and additional time is justified because of the exceptional circumstances of the case.

48.315(1)(e) (e) Any period of delay resulting from the imposition of a consent decree.

48.315(1)(f) (f) Any period of delay resulting from the absence or unavailability of the child or expectant mother.

48.315(1)(fm) (fm) Any period of delay resulting from the inability of the court to provide the child with notice of an extension hearing under s. 48.365 due to the child having run away or otherwise having made himself or herself unavailable to receive that notice.

48.315(1)(g) (g) A reasonable period of delay when the child is joined in a hearing with another child as to whom the time for a hearing has not expired under this section if there is good cause for not hearing the cases separately.

48.315(1)(h) (h) Any period of delay resulting from the need to appoint a qualified interpreter.

48.315(1)(j) (j) A reasonable period of delay, not to exceed 20 days, in a proceeding involving the out-of-home care placement of or termination of parental rights to a child whom the court knows or has reason to know is an Indian child, resulting from a continuance granted at the request of the child’s parent, Indian custodian, or tribe to enable the requester to prepare for the proceeding.

48.315(1m) (1m) Subsection (1) (a), (d), (e), (fm), (g), and (j) does not apply to proceedings under s. 48.375 (7).

48.315(2) (2) A continuance shall be granted by the court only upon a showing of good cause in open court or during a telephone conference under s. 807.13 on the record and only for so long as is necessary, taking into account the request or consent of the district attorney or the parties and the interest of the public in the prompt disposition of cases.

48.315(2m) (2m) No continuance or extension of a time period specified in this chapter may be granted and no period of delay specified in sub. (1) may be excluded in computing a time period under this chapter if the continuance, extension, or exclusion would result in any of the following:

48.315(2m)(a) (a) The court making an initial finding under s. 48.21 (5) (b) 1. or 1m., 48.32 (1) (b) 1., 48.355 (2) (b) 6., or 48.357 (2v) (a) 1. that reasonable efforts have been made to prevent the removal of the child from the home, while assuring that the child’s health and safety are the paramount concerns, or an initial finding under s. 48.21 (5) (b) 3., 48.32 (1) (b) 2., 48.355 (2) (b) 6r., or 48.357 (2v) (a) 3. that those efforts were not required to be made because a circumstance specified in s. 48.355 (2d) (b) 1. to 5. applies, more than 60 days after the date on which the child was removed from the home.