Chapter 938

938.38(5)(bm) (bm)

938.38(5)(bm)1. 1. A juvenile, parent, guardian, legal custodian, foster parent, operator of a facility, relative, or like-kin who is provided notice of the review under par. (b) shall have a right to be heard at the review by submitting written comments relevant to the determinations specified in par. (c) not less than 10 working days before the date of the review or by participating at the review. A person representing the interests of the public, counsel, guardian ad litem, or school who is provided notice of the review under par. (b) may have an opportunity to be heard at the review by submitting written comments relevant to the determinations specified in par. (c) not less than 10 working days before the date of the review. A foster parent, operator of a facility, relative, or like-kin who receives notice of a review under par. (b) and a right to be heard under this subdivision does not become a party to the proceeding on which the review is held solely on the basis of receiving that notice and right to be heard.

Effective date note NOTE: Subd. 1. is shown as amended by 2023 Wis. Act 119 eff. 7-1-25 or on the date specified in the Department of Children and Families notice published in the Wisconsin Administrative Register under 2023 Wis. Act 119, section 122 (1), whichever is earlier. Prior to that date subd. 1. reads:

Effective date text 1. A juvenile, parent, guardian, legal custodian, foster parent, operator of a facility, or relative who is provided notice of the review under par. (b) shall have a right to be heard at the review by submitting written comments relevant to the determinations specified in par. (c) not less than 10 working days before the date of the review or by participating at the review. A person representing the interests of the public, counsel, guardian ad litem, or school who is provided notice of the review under par. (b) may have an opportunity to be heard at the review by submitting written comments relevant to the determinations specified in par. (c) not less than 10 working days before the date of the review. A foster parent, operator of a facility, or relative who receives notice of a review under par. (b) and a right to be heard under this subdivision does not become a party to the proceeding on which the review is held solely on the basis of receiving that notice and right to be heard.

938.38(5)(bm)2. 2. If the juvenile’s permanency plan includes a statement under sub. (4) (i) indicating that the juvenile’s age and developmental level are sufficient for the court or panel to consult with the juvenile regarding the juvenile’s permanency plan or if, notwithstanding a decision under sub. (4) (i) that it would not be appropriate for the court or panel to consult with the juvenile, the court or panel determines that consultation with the juvenile would be in the best interests of the juvenile, the court or panel shall consult with the juvenile, in an age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate manner, regarding the juvenile’s permanency plan and any other matters the court or panel finds appropriate. If none of those circumstances apply, the court or panel may permit the juvenile’s caseworker, the juvenile’s counsel, or, subject to s. 938.235 (3) (a), the juvenile’s guardian ad litem to make a written or oral statement during the review, or to submit a written statement prior to the review, expressing the juvenile’s wishes, goals, and concerns regarding the permanency plan and those matters. If the court or panel permits such a written or oral statement to be made or submitted, the court or panel may nonetheless require the juvenile to be physically present at the review.

938.38(5)(bm)3. 3. If the permanency goal of the juvenile’s permanency plan is placement of the juvenile in a planned permanent living arrangement described in sub. (4) (fg) 5., the agency that prepared the permanency plan shall present to the court or panel specific information showing that intensive and ongoing efforts were made by the agency, including searching social media, to return the juvenile to the juvenile’s home or to place the juvenile for adoption, with a guardian, or with a fit and willing relative and that those efforts have proved unsuccessful and specific information showing the steps taken by the agency, including consultation with the juvenile, to ascertain whether the juvenile has regular, ongoing opportunities to engage in age or developmentally appropriate activities and to ensure that the juvenile’s caregiver is applying the reasonable and prudent parent standard to decisions concerning the juvenile’s participation in those activities. In addition, at the review the court or panel shall consult with the juvenile about the permanency outcome desired by the juvenile.

938.38(5)(c) (c) The court or the panel shall determine each of the following:

938.38(5)(c)1. 1. The continuing necessity for and the safety and appropriateness of the placement, subject to par. (cm) and sub. (5m) (c) 4. If the permanency goal of the juvenile’s permanency plan is placement of the juvenile in a planned permanent living arrangement described in sub. (4) (fg) 5., the determination under this subdivision shall include an explanation of why the planned permanent living arrangement is the best permanency goal for the juvenile and why, supported by compelling reasons, it continues not to be in the best interests of the juvenile to be returned to his or her home or to be placed for adoption, with a guardian, or with a fit and willing relative.

938.38(5)(c)2. 2. The extent of compliance with the permanency plan by the agency and any other service providers, the juvenile’s parents, the juvenile and the juvenile’s guardian, if any.

938.38(5)(c)3. 3. The extent of any efforts to involve appropriate service providers in addition to the agency’s staff in planning to meet the special needs of the juvenile and the juvenile’s parents.

938.38(5)(c)4. 4. The progress toward eliminating the causes for the juvenile’s placement outside of his or her home and toward returning the juvenile safely to his or her home or obtaining a permanent placement for the juvenile.

938.38(5)(c)5. 5. The date by which it is likely that the juvenile will be returned to his or her home or placed for adoption, with a guardian, with a fit and willing relative, or in some other planned permanent living arrangement that includes an appropriate, enduring relationship with an adult.

938.38(5)(c)5m. 5m. The continuing appropriateness, according to standards established by the department, of the permanency goal and, if the court or panel considers appropriate, any concurrent permanency goals for the juvenile. If the court or panel does not approve of any of those goals or if the court or panel determines that a concurrent permanency goal is appropriate, the court or panel shall determine the permanency goal and, if appropriate, any concurrent permanency goals for the juvenile.

938.38(5)(c)6. 6. If the juvenile has been placed outside of his or her home, as described in s. 938.365 (1), in a foster home, group home, nonsecured residential care center for children and youth, or shelter care facility for 15 of the most recent 22 months, not including any period during which the juvenile was a runaway from the out-of-home placement or was residing in a trial reunification home, the appropriateness of the permanency plan and the circumstances which prevent the juvenile from any of the following:

938.38(5)(c)6.a. a. Being returned safely to his or her home.

938.38(5)(c)6.b. b. Having a petition for the involuntary termination of parental rights filed on behalf of the juvenile.

938.38(5)(c)6.c. c. Being placed for adoption.

938.38(5)(c)6.cg. cg. Being placed with a guardian.

938.38(5)(c)6.cm. cm. Being placed in the home of a fit and willing relative of the juvenile.

938.38(5)(c)6.d. d. Being placed in some other planned permanent living arrangement that includes an appropriate, enduring relationship with an adult.

938.38(5)(c)7. 7. Whether reasonable efforts were made by the agency to achieve the permanency goal of the permanency plan, including, if appropriate, through an out-of-state placement.

938.38(5)(c)7m. 7m. If the permanency goal of the juvenile’s permanency plan is placement of the juvenile in a planned permanent living arrangement described in sub. (4) (fg) 5., the steps taken by the agency, including consultation with the juvenile, to ascertain whether the juvenile has regular, ongoing opportunities to engage in age or developmentally appropriate activities and to ensure that the juvenile’s caregiver is applying the reasonable and prudent parent standard to decisions concerning the juvenile’s participation in those activities.

938.38(5)(c)8. 8. If the juvenile has one or more siblings, as defined in s. 938.38 (4) (br) 1., who have also been removed from the home, whether reasonable efforts were made by the agency to place the juvenile in a placement that enables the sibling group to remain together, unless the court or panel determines that a joint placement would be contrary to the safety or well-being of the juvenile or any of those siblings, in which case the court or panel shall determine whether reasonable efforts were made by the agency to provide for frequent visitation or other ongoing interaction between the juvenile and those siblings, unless the court or panel determines that such visitation or interaction would be contrary to the safety or well-being of the juvenile or any of those siblings.

938.38(5)(c)8m. 8m. If the juvenile is an Indian juvenile who is placed outside the home of his or her parent or Indian custodian under s. 938.13 (4), (6), (6m), or (7), whether active efforts under s. 938.028 (4) (d) 2. were made to prevent the breakup of the Indian juvenile’s family, whether those efforts have proved unsuccessful, whether the Indian child’s placement is in compliance with the order of placement preference under s. 938.028 (6) (a) or, if applicable, s. 938.028 (6) (b), and, if the placement is not in compliance with that order, whether there is good cause, as described in s. 938.028 (6) (d), for departing from that order.

938.38(5)(c)9. 9. If the juvenile is the subject of an order that terminates as provided in s. 938.355 (4) (am) 4., 938.357 (6) (a) 4., or 938.365 (5) (b) 4. or of a voluntary transition-to-independent-living agreement under s. 938.366 (3), the appropriateness of the transition-to-independent-living plan developed under s. 938.385 (1); the extent of compliance with that plan by the juvenile, the juvenile’s guardian, if any, the agency primarily responsible for providing services under that plan, and any other service providers; and the progress of the juvenile toward making the transition to a successful adulthood.

938.38(5)(cm) (cm) If the juvenile is placed in a qualified residential treatment program, the agency that prepared the permanency plan shall submit to the court specific information showing all of the following, which the court shall consider when determining the continuing necessity for and the safety and appropriateness of the placement:

938.38(5)(cm)1. 1. Whether ongoing assessment of the strengths and needs of the juvenile continues to support the determination that the needs of the juvenile cannot be met through placement in a foster home, whether the placement in a qualified residential treatment program provides the most effective and appropriate level of care for the juvenile in the least restrictive environment, and how the placement is consistent with the short-term and long-term goals for the juvenile, as specified in the juvenile’s permanency plan.

938.38(5)(cm)2. 2. The specific treatment or service needs that will be met for the juvenile in the placement and the length of the time the juvenile is expected to need the treatment or services.

938.38(5)(cm)3. 3. The efforts made by the agency to prepare the juvenile to return home or to be placed with a fit and willing relative, a guardian, or an adoptive parent or in a foster home.

938.38(5)(d) (d) Notwithstanding s. 938.78 (2) (a), the agency that prepared the permanency plan shall, at least 5 days before a review by a review panel, provide to each person appointed to the review panel, the juvenile’s parent, guardian, and legal custodian, the person representing the interests of the public, the juvenile’s counsel, the juvenile’s guardian ad litem, and, if the juvenile is an Indian juvenile who is placed outside the home of his or her parent or Indian custodian under s. 938.13 (4), (6), (6m), or (7), the Indian juvenile’s Indian custodian and tribe a copy of the permanency plan, any information submitted under par. (cm), and any written comments submitted under par. (bm) 1. Notwithstanding s. 938.78 (2) (a), a person appointed to a review panel, the person representing the interests of the public, the juvenile’s counsel, the juvenile’s guardian ad litem, and, if the juvenile is an Indian juvenile who is placed outside the home of his or her parent or Indian custodian under s. 938.13 (4), (6), (6m), or (7), the Indian juvenile’s Indian custodian and tribe may have access to any other records concerning the juvenile for the purpose of participating in the review. A person permitted access to a juvenile’s records under this paragraph may not disclose any information from the records to any other person.

938.38(5)(e) (e) Within 30 days, the agency shall prepare a written summary of the determinations under par. (c) and shall provide a copy to the court that entered the order; the juvenile or the juvenile’s counsel or guardian ad litem; the person representing the interests of the public; the juvenile’s parent, guardian, or legal custodian; the juvenile’s foster parent, the operator of the facility where the juvenile is living, or the relative or like-kin with whom the juvenile is living; and, if the juvenile is an Indian juvenile who is placed outside the home of his or her parent or Indian custodian under s. 938.13 (4), (6), (6m), or (7), the Indian juvenile’s Indian custodian and tribe.

Effective date note NOTE: Par. (e) is shown as amended by 2023 Wis. Act 119 eff. 7-1-25 or on the date specified in the Department of Children and Families notice published in the Wisconsin Administrative Register under 2023 Wis. Act 119, section 122 (1), whichever is earlier. Prior to that date par. (e) reads:

Effective date text (e) Within 30 days, the agency shall prepare a written summary of the determinations under par. (c) and shall provide a copy to the court that entered the order; the juvenile or the juvenile’s counsel or guardian ad litem; the person representing the interests of the public; the juvenile’s parent, guardian, or legal custodian; the juvenile’s foster parent, the operator of the facility where the juvenile is living, or the relative with whom the juvenile is living; and, if the juvenile is an Indian juvenile who is placed outside the home of his or her parent or Indian custodian under s. 938.13 (4), (6), (6m), or (7), the Indian juvenile’s Indian custodian and tribe.

938.38(5)(f) (f) If the summary prepared under par. (e) indicates that the review panel made recommendations that conflict with the juvenile’s dispositional order or that provide for additional services not specified in the dispositional order, the agency primarily responsible for providing services to the juvenile shall request a revision of the dispositional order.

938.38(5m) (5m) Permanency hearing.

938.38(5m)(a) (a) The court shall hold a hearing to review the permanency plan and to make the determinations specified in sub. (5) (c) for each juvenile for whom a permanency plan is required under sub. (2) no later than 12 months after the date on which the juvenile was first removed from the home and every 12 months after a previous hearing under this subsection for as long as the juvenile is placed outside the home. The 12-month periods referred to in this paragraph include trial reunifications under s. 938.358.

938.38(5m)(b) (b) The court shall notify the juvenile; the juvenile’s parent, guardian, and legal custodian; and the juvenile’s foster parent, the operator of the facility in which the juvenile is living, or the relative or like-kin with whom the juvenile is living of the time, place, and purpose of the hearing, of the issues to be determined at the hearing, and of the fact that they shall have a right to be heard at the hearing as provided in par. (c) 1. The court shall notify the juvenile’s counsel and the juvenile’s guardian ad litem; the agency that prepared the permanency plan; the juvenile’s school; the person representing the interests of the public; and, if the juvenile is an Indian juvenile who is placed outside the home of his or her parent or Indian custodian under s. 938.13 (4), (6), (6m), or (7), the Indian juvenile’s Indian custodian and tribe of the time, place, and purpose of the hearing, of the issues to be determined at the hearing, and of the fact that they may have an opportunity to be heard at the hearing as provided in par. (c) 1. The notices under this paragraph shall be provided in writing not less than 30 days before the hearing. The notice to the juvenile’s school shall also include the name and contact information for the caseworker or social worker assigned to the juvenile’s case.

Effective date note NOTE: Par. (b) is shown as amended by 2023 Wis. Act 119 eff. 7-1-25 or on the date specified in the Department of Children and Families notice published in the Wisconsin Administrative Register under 2023 Wis. Act 119, section 122 (1), whichever is earlier. Prior to that date par. (b) reads:

Effective date text (b) The court shall notify the juvenile; the juvenile’s parent, guardian, and legal custodian; and the juvenile’s foster parent, the operator of the facility in which the juvenile is living, or the relative with whom the juvenile is living of the time, place, and purpose of the hearing, of the issues to be determined at the hearing, and of the fact that they shall have a right to be heard at the hearing as provided in par. (c) 1. The court shall notify the juvenile’s counsel and the juvenile’s guardian ad litem; the agency that prepared the permanency plan; the juvenile’s school; the person representing the interests of the public; and, if the juvenile is an Indian juvenile who is placed outside the home of his or her parent or Indian custodian under s. 938.13 (4), (6), (6m), or (7), the Indian juvenile’s Indian custodian and tribe of the time, place, and purpose of the hearing, of the issues to be determined at the hearing, and of the fact that they may have an opportunity to be heard at the hearing as provided in par. (c) 1. The notices under this paragraph shall be provided in writing not less than 30 days before the hearing. The notice to the juvenile’s school shall also include the name and contact information for the caseworker or social worker assigned to the juvenile’s case.

938.38(5m)(c) (c)

938.38(5m)(c)1. 1. A juvenile, parent, guardian, legal custodian, foster parent, operator of a facility, relative, or like-kin who is provided notice of the hearing under par. (b) shall have a right to be heard at the hearing by submitting written comments relevant to the determinations specified in sub. (5) (c) not less than 10 working days before the date of the hearing or by participating at the hearing. A counsel, guardian ad litem, agency, school, or person representing the interests of the public who is provided notice of the hearing under par. (b) may have an opportunity to be heard at the hearing by submitting written comments relevant to the determinations specified in sub. (5) (c) not less than 10 working days before the date of the hearing or by participating at the hearing. A foster parent, operator of a facility, relative, or like-kin who receives notice of a hearing under par. (b) and a right to be heard under this subdivision does not become a party to the proceeding on which the hearing is held solely on the basis of receiving that notice and right to be heard.

Effective date note NOTE: Subd. 1. is shown as amended by 2023 Wis. Act 119 eff. 7-1-25 or on the date specified in the Department of Children and Families notice published in the Wisconsin Administrative Register under 2023 Wis. Act 119, section 122 (1), whichever is earlier. Prior to that date subd. 1. reads:

Effective date text 1. A juvenile, parent, guardian, legal custodian, foster parent, operator of a facility, or relative who is provided notice of the hearing under par. (b) shall have a right to be heard at the hearing by submitting written comments relevant to the determinations specified in sub. (5) (c) not less than 10 working days before the date of the hearing or by participating at the hearing. A counsel, guardian ad litem, agency, school, or person representing the interests of the public who is provided notice of the hearing under par. (b) may have an opportunity to be heard at the hearing by submitting written comments relevant to the determinations specified in sub. (5) (c) not less than 10 working days before the date of the hearing or by participating at the hearing. A foster parent, operator of a facility, or relative who receives notice of a hearing under par. (b) and a right to be heard under this subdivision does not become a party to the proceeding on which the hearing is held solely on the basis of receiving that notice and right to be heard.

938.38(5m)(c)2. 2. If the juvenile’s permanency plan includes a statement under sub. (4) (i) indicating that the juvenile’s age and developmental level are sufficient for the court to consult with the juvenile regarding the juvenile’s permanency plan or if, notwithstanding a decision under sub. (4) (i) that it would not be appropriate for the court to consult with the juvenile, the court determines that consultation with the juvenile would be in the best interests of the juvenile, the court shall consult with the juvenile, in an age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate manner, regarding the juvenile’s permanency plan and any other matters the court finds appropriate. If none of those circumstances apply, the court may permit the juvenile’s caseworker, the juvenile’s counsel, or, subject to s. 938.235 (3) (a), the juvenile’s guardian ad litem to make a written or oral statement during the hearing, or to submit a written statement prior to the hearing, expressing the juvenile’s wishes, goals, and concerns regarding the permanency plan and those matters. If the court permits such a written or oral statement to be made or submitted, the court may nonetheless require the juvenile to be physically present at the hearing.

938.38(5m)(c)3. 3. If the permanency goal of the juvenile’s permanency plan is placement of the juvenile in a planned permanent living arrangement described in sub. (4) (fg) 5., the agency that prepared the permanency plan shall present to the court specific information showing that intensive and ongoing efforts were made by the agency, including searching social media, to return the juvenile to the juvenile’s home or to place the juvenile for adoption, with a guardian, or with a fit and willing relative and that those efforts have proved unsuccessful and specific information showing the steps taken by the agency, including consultation with the juvenile, to ascertain whether the juvenile has regular, ongoing opportunities to engage in age or developmentally appropriate activities and to ensure that the juvenile’s caregiver is applying the reasonable and prudent parent standard to decisions concerning the juvenile’s participation in those activities. In addition, at the hearing the court shall consult with the juvenile about the permanency outcome desired by the juvenile.

938.38(5m)(c)4. 4. If the juvenile is placed in a qualified residential treatment program, the agency that prepared the permanency plan shall present to the court specific information showing all of the following, which the court shall consider when determining the continuing necessity for and the safety and appropriateness of the placement under sub. (5) (c) 1.:

938.38(5m)(c)4.a. a. Whether ongoing assessment of the strengths and needs of the juvenile continues to support the determination that the needs of the juvenile cannot be met through placement in a foster home, whether the placement in a qualified residential treatment program provides the most effective and appropriate level of care for the juvenile in the least restrictive environment, and how the placement is consistent with the short-term and long-term goals for the juvenile, as specified in the juvenile’s permanency plan.

938.38(5m)(c)4.b. b. The specific treatment or service needs that will be met for the juvenile in the placement and the length of the time the juvenile is expected to need the treatment or services.

938.38(5m)(c)4.c. c. The efforts made by the agency to prepare the juvenile to return home or to be placed with a fit and willing relative, a guardian, or an adoptive parent or in a foster home.

938.38(5m)(d) (d) At least 5 days before the date of the hearing the agency that prepared the permanency plan shall provide a copy of the permanency plan, any information submitted under par. (c) 4., and any written comments submitted under par. (c) 1. to the court, to the juvenile’s parent, guardian, and legal custodian, to the person representing the interests of the public, to the juvenile’s counsel or guardian ad litem, and, if the juvenile is an Indian juvenile who is placed outside the home of his or her parent or Indian custodian under s. 938.13 (4), (6), (6m), or (7), to the Indian juvenile’s Indian custodian and tribe. Notwithstanding s. 938.78 (2) (a), the person representing the interests of the public, the juvenile’s counsel or guardian ad litem, and, if the juvenile is an Indian juvenile who is placed outside the home of his or her parent or Indian custodian under s. 938.13 (4), (6), (6m), or (7), the Indian juvenile’s Indian custodian and tribe may have access to any other records concerning the juvenile for the purpose of participating in the review. A person permitted access to a juvenile’s records under this paragraph may not disclose any information from the records to any other person.

938.38(5m)(e) (e) After the hearing, the court shall make written findings of fact and conclusions of law relating to the determinations under sub. (5) (c) and shall provide a copy of those findings of fact and conclusions of law to the juvenile; the juvenile’s parent, guardian, and legal custodian; the juvenile’s foster parent, the operator of the facility in which the juvenile is living, or the relative or like-kin with whom the juvenile is living; the agency that prepared the permanency plan; the person representing the interests of the public; and, if the juvenile is an Indian juvenile who is placed outside the home of his or her parent or Indian custodian under s. 938.13 (4), (6), (6m), or (7), the Indian juvenile’s Indian custodian and tribe. The court shall make the findings specified in sub. (5) (c) 7. on a case-by-case basis based on circumstances specific to the juvenile and shall document or reference the specific information on which those findings are based in the findings of fact and conclusions of law prepared under this paragraph. Findings of fact and conclusions of law that merely reference sub. (5) (c) 7. without documenting or referencing that specific information in the findings of fact and conclusions of law or amended findings of fact and conclusions of law that retroactively correct earlier findings of fact and conclusions of law that do not comply with this paragraph are not sufficient to comply with this paragraph.

Effective date note NOTE: Par. (e) is shown as amended by 2023 Wis. Act 119 eff. 7-1-25 or on the date specified in the Department of Children and Families notice published in the Wisconsin Administrative Register under 2023 Wis. Act 119, section 122 (1), whichever is earlier. Prior to that date par. (e) reads:

Effective date text (e) After the hearing, the court shall make written findings of fact and conclusions of law relating to the determinations under sub. (5) (c) and shall provide a copy of those findings of fact and conclusions of law to the juvenile; the juvenile’s parent, guardian, and legal custodian; the juvenile’s foster parent, the operator of the facility in which the juvenile is living, or the relative with whom the juvenile is living; the agency that prepared the permanency plan; the person representing the interests of the public; and, if the juvenile is an Indian juvenile who is placed outside the home of his or her parent or Indian custodian under s. 938.13 (4), (6), (6m), or (7), the Indian juvenile’s Indian custodian and tribe. The court shall make the findings specified in sub. (5) (c) 7. on a case-by-case basis based on circumstances specific to the juvenile and shall document or reference the specific information on which those findings are based in the findings of fact and conclusions of law prepared under this paragraph. Findings of fact and conclusions of law that merely reference sub. (5) (c) 7. without documenting or referencing that specific information in the findings of fact and conclusions of law or amended findings of fact and conclusions of law that retroactively correct earlier findings of fact and conclusions of law that do not comply with this paragraph are not sufficient to comply with this paragraph.

938.38(5m)(f) (f) If the findings of fact and conclusions of law under par. (e) conflict with the juvenile’s dispositional order or provide for any additional services not specified in the dispositional order, the court shall revise the dispositional order under s. 938.363, order a change in placement under s. 938.357, or order a trial reunification under s. 938.358, as appropriate.

938.38(6) (6) Rules. The department shall promulgate rules establishing the following:

938.38(6)(a) (a) Procedures for conducting permanency reviews.

938.38(6)(b) (b) Requirements for training review panels.

938.38(6)(c) (c) Standards for reasonable efforts to prevent placement of juveniles outside of their homes, while assuring that their health and safety are the paramount concerns, and to make it possible for juveniles to return safely to their homes if they have been placed outside of their homes.

938.38(6)(d) (d) The format for permanency plans and review panel reports.

938.38(6)(e) (e) Standards and guidelines for decisions regarding the placement of juveniles.

938.38 History History: 1995 a. 77, 275, 352; 1997 a. 35, 237, 296; 1999 a. 9; 2001 a. 59, 69, 109; 2003 a. 321; 2005 a. 156, 344, 448; 2007 a. 20, 97; 2009 a. 28, 79, 94, 185; 2011 a. 32, 181, 258; 2011 a. 260 s. 80; 2013 a. 165, 334, 335; 2015 a. 55, 128, 373; 2017 a. 251; 2017 a. 364 s. 49; 2017 a. 365; 2021 a. 42; 2021 a. 240 s. 30; 2023 a. 119.

938.38 Annotation The time limits in sub. (3) are not a prerequisite to trial court jurisdiction. Interest of Scott Y., 175 Wis. 2d 222, 499 N.W.2d 219 (Ct. App. 1993).

938.38 Note NOTE: The above annotation cites to s. 48.38, the predecessor statute to s. 938.38.

938.383 938.383 Reasonable and prudent parent standard.

938.383(1) (1) Use of standard by out-of-home care providers. An out-of-home care provider shall use the reasonable and prudent parent standard in making decisions concerning a juvenile’s participation in age or developmentally appropriate extracurricular, enrichment, cultural, and social activities. In making decisions using the reasonable and prudent parent standard, an out-of-home care provider shall consider the restrictiveness of the juvenile’s placement and whether the juvenile has the necessary training and safety equipment to safely participate in the activity under consideration and may not make any decision that is in violation of any court order or any state or federal law, rule, or regulation.

938.383(2) (2) Juvenile-specific considerations required.

938.383(2)(a) (a) At the time of placement of a juvenile with an out-of-home care provider, the agency that places, or that arranges the placement of, the juvenile or the agency assigned primary responsibility for providing services to the juvenile under s. 938.355 (2) (b) 6g. provide to the out-of-home care provider the information that is required to be provided to an out-of-home care provider under the rules promulgated under s. 895.485 (4) (a) and information that is specific to the juvenile for the out-of-home care provider to consider in making reasonable and prudent parenting decisions concerning the juvenile’s participation in age or developmentally appropriate extracurricular, enrichment, cultural, and social activities. In preparing that information or any revisions of that information, the agency shall do all of the following:

938.383(2)(a)1. 1. If reasonably possible to do so, consult with the juvenile’s parent and other members of the juvenile’s family concerning the juvenile’s participation in extracurricular, enrichment, cultural, and social activities and the juvenile’s cultural, religious, and tribal values and advise the parent that those values will be considered, but will not necessarily be the determining factor, in making decisions concerning the juvenile’s participation in those activities.

938.383(2)(a)2. 2. Consult with the juvenile in an age-appropriate manner about the opportunities of the juvenile to participate in age or developmentally appropriate activities.

938.383(2)(b) (b) At the time of placement of a juvenile with an out-of-home care provider, the agency providing the information under par. (a) shall explain to the out-of-home care provider the parameters of the considerations that the out-of-home care provider is required to take into account when making decisions concerning the juvenile’s participation in age or developmentally appropriate extracurricular, enrichment, cultural, and social activities. In explaining those parameters, the agency shall explain the considerations and prohibitions specified in sub. (1) and shall advise the out-of-home care provider that in case of any disagreement over the application of the reasonable and prudent parent standard, the agency having placement and care responsibility for the juvenile is ultimately responsible for decisions concerning the care of the juvenile.

938.383(2)(c) (c) In preparing or revising the permanency plan for a juvenile, the agency responsible for preparing or revising the permanency plan shall consult with the juvenile and the juvenile’s parent as provided in par. (a) 1. and 2. At the time the permanency plan is prepared and each time the permanency plan is revised, that agency shall explain to the out-of-home care provider the parameters of the considerations that the out-of-home care provider is required to take into account when making decisions concerning the juvenile’s participation in age or developmentally appropriate extracurricular, enrichment, cultural, and social activities as provided in par. (b).

938.383(3) (3) Rules. The department of children and families shall promulgate rules to implement this section.

938.383 History History: 2015 a. 128.

938.385 938.385 Plan for transition to independent living. During the 90 days immediately before a juvenile who is placed in a foster home, group home, or residential care center for children and youth, in the home of a relative other than a parent, in the home of like-kin, or in a supervised independent living arrangement attains 18 years of age or, if the juvenile is placed in such a placement under an order under s. 938.355, 938.357, or 938.365 that terminates under s. 938.355 (4) (am) after the juvenile attains 18 years of age or under a voluntary transition-to-independent-living agreement under s. 938.366 (3) that terminates under s. 938.366 (3) (a) after the juvenile attains 18 years of age, during the 90 days immediately before the termination of the order or agreement, the agency primarily responsible for providing services to the juvenile under the order or agreement shall do all of the following:

Effective date note NOTE: Section 938.385 (intro.) is shown as amended by 2023 Wis. Act 119 eff. 7-1-25 or on the date specified in the Department of Children and Families notice published in the Wisconsin Administrative Register under 2023 Wis. Act 119, section 122 (1), whichever is earlier. Prior to that date s. 938.385 (intro.) reads:

938.385 Note 938.385 Plan for transition to independent living. During the 90 days immediately before a juvenile who is placed in a foster home, group home, or residential care center for children and youth, in the home of a relative other than a parent, or in a supervised independent living arrangement attains 18 years of age or, if the juvenile is placed in such a placement under an order under s. 938.355, 938.357, or 938.365 that terminates under s. 938.355 (4) (am) after the juvenile attains 18 years of age or under a voluntary transition-to-independent-living agreement under s. 938.366 (3) that terminates under s. 938.366 (3) (a) after the juvenile attains 18 years of age, during the 90 days immediately before the termination of the order or agreement, the agency primarily responsible for providing services to the juvenile under the order or agreement shall do all of the following:

938.385(1) (1) Transition plan. Provide the juvenile with assistance and support in developing a plan for making the transition from out-of-home care to independent living. The transition plan shall be personalized at the direction of the juvenile, shall be as detailed as the juvenile directs, and shall include specific options for obtaining housing, health care, education, mentoring and continuing support services, and workforce support and employment services.

938.385(2) (2) Identification documents and other information. Except as provided in this subsection, ensure that the juvenile is in possession of a certified copy of the juvenile’s birth record, a social security card issued by the federal social security administration, information on maintaining health care coverage, a copy of the juvenile’s health care records, and either an operator’s license issued under ch. 343 or an identification card issued under s. 343.50. If the juvenile is not in possession of any of those documents or that information, the agency shall assist the juvenile in obtaining any missing document or information. This subsection does not apply to a juvenile who has been placed in out-of-home care for less than 6 months.

938.385 History History: 2013 a. 334; 2015 a. 55, 128; 2017 a. 334; 2023 a. 119.

938.39 938.39 Disposition by court bars criminal proceeding. Disposition by the court of any violation of state law within its jurisdiction under s. 938.12 bars any future criminal proceeding on the same matter in circuit court when the juvenile reaches the age of 17. This section does not affect criminal proceedings in circuit court that were transferred under s. 938.18.

938.39 History History: 1995 a. 77; 2005 a. 344.

938.39 Annotation The extension of a previously entered dispositional order due to the juvenile’s participation in an armed robbery while subject to the order was not a “disposition” of the armed robbery charge, and the subsequent prosecution of the armed robbery charge in adult court did not violate s. 48.39 [now s. 938.39] or the constitutional protection against double jeopardy. State v. Stephens, 201 Wis. 2d 82, 548 N.W.2d 108 (Ct. App. 1996), 95-2103.

938.396 938.396 Records.

938.396(1) (1) Law enforcement records.

938.396(1)(a) (a) Confidentiality. Law enforcement agency records of juveniles shall be kept separate from records of adults. Law enforcement agency records of juveniles may not be open to inspection or their contents disclosed except under par. (b) or (c), sub. (1j), (2m) (c) 1p., or (10), or s. 938.293 or by order of the court.

938.396(1)(b) (b) Applicability. Paragraph (a) does not apply to any of the following:

938.396(1)(b)1. 1. The disclosure of information to representatives of the news media who wish to obtain information for the purpose of reporting news. A representative of the news media who obtains information under this subdivision may not reveal the identity of the juvenile involved.

938.396(1)(b)2. 2. The confidential exchange of information between a law enforcement agency and officials of the public or private school attended by the juvenile. A public school official who obtains information under this subdivision shall keep the information confidential as required under s. 118.125, and a private school official who obtains information under this subdivision shall keep the information confidential in the same manner as is required of a public school official under s. 118.125.

938.396(1)(b)2m. 2m. The confidential exchange of information between a law enforcement agency and officials of the tribal school attended by the juvenile if the law enforcement agency determines that enforceable protections are provided by a tribal school policy or tribal law that requires tribal school officials to keep the information confidential in a manner at least as stringent as is required of a public school official under s. 118.125.