Children and Youth

Reporting Child Abuse and/or Neglect

• What is child abuse and neglect?
• What if I'm not sure if I should report?
• What will happen when I report child protection concerns?
• What will I be asked when reporting child abuse/neglect?
• Will the family know I reported?
• What will happen when the social worker sees the child and family?
• Traditional vs. Alternative Response Approaches and Outcomes
• Will the child be removed from their family?
• Will I learn what happened?

If you believe that a child (a boy or girl ages 0 to 17) has been

• abused (physically, sexually, or emotionally),
• neglected (physically or emotionally),
• or is at risk of abuse or neglect,

you should report your concerns to La Crosse County Department of Human Services:

  Phone:  608-784-4357 (HELP) or (608)785-6030

  Business Hours:  Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

  After Hours/Weekends/Holidays:  Call 911 in the event of an emergency

CALL 911 IF EMERGENCY!

WHAT IS CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
Child abuse is the physical, sexual, or emotional maltreatment of a child (ages 0 to 17) by a parent, family member, other caregiver, or non-caregiver. Physical abuse will involve cuts, broken or fractured bones, burns, internal injuries, or severe and frequent bruising inflicted on a child by other than accidental means. Sexual abuse will involve sexual intercourse, other sexual contact, or exploitation. Emotional damage means harm to a child's psychological or intellectual functioning, exhibited to a severe degree. Child neglect is the failure of a parent or other caregiver to provide necessary care (including supervision), food, clothing, shelter, and medical care - for reasons other than poverty - so as to seriously endanger the physical health of a child.

WHAT IF I'M NOT SURE IF I SHOULD REPORT?
Please report! A report requires only reasonable suspicion, NOT absolute certainty. Human Services staff will make follow-up decisions. We at Human Services cannot protect children unless they are brought to our attention.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN I REPORT CHILD PROTECTION CONCERNS?
A social worker will write up your report. They will ask for information such as dates of birth, addresses and phone numbers, regarding the child, parent/caregiver, household members and suspected maltreater. They will also ask questions about the suspected abuse or neglect. Please be prepared to provide information. The more information that you share, the better subsequent agency decision-making will be.

A supervisor will review the report for acceptance and urgency decision. The supervisor will make a response time decision if a case is opened or screened in. Response time is determined by several factors and level of imminent danger. Screened in cases are designated a response time varying from immediate/same day up to 5 business days.

If you make a report and it is not opened for investigation or screened out, it doesn't mean that your concerns are not valid. Screened out cases may have two outcomes: The case may be closed with no further action taken by our agency. Or the case could be referred to Community Response, a voluntary program through the agency. A Community Response worker would provide support and offer assistance with resources in regards to housing, food, child care resources, parenting assistance for children of all ages, activities to do with children, help with finances and many more!

Information You Will Be Asked When Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect

• Identifying Information (i.e. names, dates of birth, relationships and addresses of family and household members).
• Specifics of the injury/alleged maltreatment (such as time, place details of injury)
• Access to alleged maltreater (how often does the alleged maltreater have access to the child?)
• Description of the child including current locations (ie: school), functioning (ie: special needs) and vulnerability (ie: young age)
• Description of the parents functioning and parenting practices
• Description of the family, highlighting general functioning, current stresses and how the family might respond to intervention by social services
• Names and contact information for other people who may have information about the child or family.
• Any information you know or suspect about issues concerning the family or prior concerns you have had.

***Please be aware that all of the above information is not necessary to report abuse and neglect. The questions above are simply a guide to help prepare you for what will be asked. Even if you do not know all of the answers, please do not hesitate to report.

WILL THE FAMILY KNOW THAT I REPORTED?
State law protects reporter confidentiality. We will not disclose your name to the individuals whom you report. You should not be afraid of reprisals if you report.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN THE SOCIAL WORKER SEES THE CHILD AND FAMILY?
If at any time it is found that children are in a dangerous environment, Child Protective Services (CPS) has the legal obligation to take action to protect the children, to prevent further abuse and neglect and to preserve families whenever possible. When a social worker meets with the child and family, they will interview the children, parents and other household members regarding the maltreatment concerns, observe the family home, assess for the child's safety and risks as well as family strengths and needs. Based on the information collected, a determination will be made in accordance with state statutes as to whether maltreatment has occurred. Services that may benefit the child/ren and family will also be identified. A brochure has been developed Parent's Guide to Child Protective Service Assessments to help parents understand what to expect in the child protection process.

TRADITIONAL VS. ALTERNATIVE RESPONSE APPROACHES AND OUTCOMES
Child Protective Services (CPS) has the flexibility to apply the response that best matches the needs of the families. La Crosse County CPS utilizes two approaches: Traditional Response and Alternative Response.

When there is a serious and immediate risk of harm to children, CPS responds with a Traditional Investigation. Once an investigation is completed, the social worker must decide if the child has been or is likely to be abused or neglected. If the social worker finds that child abuse or neglect did not occur, the report is unsubstantiated. If the social worker finds that child abuse or neglect did occur, the case is substantiated.

When a child is not in immediate danger, an Alternative Response (AR) is used. With Alternative Response, the goal is to help families get needed services, supports, and other help that will resolve concerns and stressors often associated with allegations of child maltreatment. Once an assessment has been completed, a case decision is made. There are two decisions that can be made: Services Not Needed and the case is closed or Services Needed and the family will receive ongoing services through the Department.

For more information regarding the Alternative Response approach in Wisconsin, please visit the Department of Children and Families website.

WILL THE CHILD BE REMOVED FROM THEIR FAMILY?
Human Services strives to keep families together. We serve most children and families in the family home. Court action is necessary whenever a child is removed from the parental home.

In removal situations, Human Service actions are guided by Wisconsin State Statutes. These statutes set forth agency child protection responsibilities, situations in which agencies may petition the Courts for involvement in children's lives, dispositions which Courts might enter on children's behalf, criteria which must be met in order to take children into custody, places in which children taken into custody may be held, and more. These Statutes closely circumscribe social workers' actions. Children and families are awarded many rights by these statutes.

WILL I LEARN WHAT HAPPENED?
You will receive follow up correspondence if you are a mandated reporter. Mandated reporters are professionals who are required by law to report suspected abuse and neglect of any child they see while in the course of their professional duties. The follow up letter will provide basic information about the intervention as state law provides for family confidentiality. The social worker will not send you a letter if you are a non-mandated reporter as state law prohibits this breach of family confidentiality.

Persons Required to Report Abuse & Neglect are Physicians, Coroners, Medical Examiners, Nurses, Dentists, Chiropractors, Acupuncturists, Optometrists, Day Care Providers, Chemical Dependency Counselors, Marriage/Family Therapists, Professional Counselors, Physical Therapist, including PT assistants, Occupational Therapists, Dietitians, Speech Therapists, Audiologists, EMTs/Paramedics, Social/Public Assistance Workers as defined under 49.141 (1) (d), School Administrators, Teachers/Counselors, Police/Law Enforcement Officers, Mediators under s.767.11, a child care worker in a child care center, group home or residential care center for children and youth, a child care provider, a member of a treatment staff employed by or working under contract with a county department or a residential care center for children and youth, Court-appointed special advocates (CASA).

For more information regarding mandated reporters, please read the State of Wisconsin Statute 48.981(2).


back to top

Foster Care in La Crosse County

Foster parents provide safe, stable, and caring temporary homes for children when their parents cannot safely care for them. If you're interested in learning more about foster care, respite care, or how you can support children in our community, we'd love to talk to you.

You don’t have to be perfect or have special training—we’ll help you learn everything you need to know and connect you with ongoing support.

Adults 21+ who live in La Crosse County and can provide a safe home are welcome to apply. Individuals, couples, and families of all backgrounds are encouraged.

What to Expect When you reach out, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step. There’s no pressure and no commitment.  We just provide information and support so you can decide whether fostering is right for you.

Licensing If you choose to move forward, you’ll complete an application, background checks, and a home study. We guide you through every form and every step, making the process clear and manageable.

Training New foster parents complete Virtual trainings provided through the State of Wisconsin. They give you the skills and confidence to support children who’ve experienced tough situations. We’ll help you get connected and stay on track.

Support You won’t foster alone. Our team provides ongoing guidance, connection groups, and resources so you always have someone to turn to. We’re here for you - from your first question to your first placement and beyond.

Contact Us
Phone: (608) 789‑4834
Email: [email protected]

Reach out - There’s no commitment - Just a conversation.

Kinship Care
Kinship Care provides financial support to relatives or close family friends who are caring for children who cannot safely remain with their parents. If you are currently caring for a child who is part of your extended family or someone you have a meaningful connection with, and you need assistance, we encourage you to reach out. We’re here to help you explore whether Kinship Care may be available to support your family.

Phone: (608) 789-4834

Child Care (becoming a provider, finding a provider, help paying for child care)

Becoming a Provider
To talk with someone about becoming a certified child care provider call The Parenting Place at 784-8125, ext. 220, or for more information go to http://www.theparentingplace.net/providers/becoming-a-provider/certification/. If interested in opening a child care center please go to https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/cclicensing/startcc. 

Finding a Provider
Searching for safe, quality and regulated child care in Wisconsin has never been easier. Many providers are rated by YoungStar so that you can know how they measure up against research-based quality indicators. Contact The Parenting Place at  784-4519 for a customized child care referral to meet your needs or go to this link  https://www.theparentingplace.net/find-child-care/. To visit the state Department of Children and Families' website search feature, please click on the following link: http://childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov/Search/BasicSearch.aspx?YoungStarProviders=true.

Help Paying for Child Care
Child care assistance helps pay the cost of child care for persons who are working or for persons going to school and working.

For information on eligibility guidelines and qualifying activities, visit the Wisconsin Shares website at:

https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/wishares

To apply online, go to: https://access.wisconsin.gov
To apply by phone or to apply in person, call: 1-888-627-0430

Information on MyWIChildCare EBT Payment System:

Parent Portal

Provider Portal

For more information, go to: https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/mywichildcare


back to top

• Eligibility: Children/youth who are significantly impacted by Severe Emotional Disturbance, Physical Disability, or Developmental Disability that have a level of care required for the program, reside in an eligible setting, and be eligible for Wisconsin Medicaid. You may apply to have your eligibility determined by contacting The Parenting Place Family Navigation Program at 608-784-8125 ext 235 or making an online referral at The Parenting Place-Family Navigation Referral. More information can be found at: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/clts/waiver/family/index.htm.
• Cost: Parental cost share system based on family income.
• Potential CLTS Providers

Autism Treatment Services became Medical Assistance card services in 2016.  Families may directly contact an Autism Treatment Provider in the area to discuss their child’s needs.  The provider will complete the Medical Assistance Prior Authorization process to ascertain if the child is eligible and can benefit from treatment. 

• Eligibility: Children ages birth to three with significant medical diagnosis or developmental delays. Eligibility determined via a state required screen.
• Cost: Most costs are funded through Federal and State sources but there is a Parental Cost share system which is based on family income.

• Eligibility: Children who meet an institutional care level, are living at home or in foster care who have substantial limitations in multiple daily activities as a result of one or more of the following disabilities: Developmental Disabilities (DD), Severe Emotional Disturbances (SED) or Physical Disabilities (PD).  You may apply to have your eligibility determined, by contacting Compass Threshold Wisconsin, at 608-397-8850.  More information can be found at: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/ccop/index.htm.
• Cost: Parental cost share system based on family income.

Mobile Crisis Emergency Services
608-785-HELP (4357) or 608-785-6030

Provided 24 hours – 7 days per week
Face-to-face and/or telephone response to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
For more information see Mental Health Crisis Program brochure.

• Eligibility: La Crosse County residents with Medical Assistance who have moderate-high intensity mental health and/or substance use service needs.
• Referral process: Contact the La Crosse County Human Services Department at 608-784-HELP (4357) or 608-785-6030.
• Cost: No cost to M.A. consumers.

• Basic living skills (e.g., money management, cooking, decision making)
• Job seeking, work experience and employment
• Obtaining high school diplomas and higher education
• Obtaining health care
• Financial self-sufficiency
• Obtaining safe and stable living environments
• Access to and knowledge of local resources (e.g., human service agencies, medical and mental health facilities, food pantries)

More information about independent living in Wisconsin is available at https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/cwportal/il. Specifically, regional service provider contract information is available at  https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/map/il-r. 

Education & Training Voucher Program
The federal Chafee Act was later amended to include the Education and Training Vouchers (ETV) Program. The purpose of this program is to help youth make the transition to self-sufficiency and receive the education, training, and services necessary to complete schooling and obtain employment. As of 2019, in Wisconsin the ETV program is called Brighter Star and is part of the state’s independent living program. As an independent living service provider, Family & Children’s Center also administers Brighter Star funding to eligible La Crosse County young adults.

More information about ETV/Brighter Star is available at https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/cwportal/il and https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/files/youthservices/pdf/bs-funding-guidelines.pdf.

To get additional information or apply for any of these benefits, contact Family & Children's Center at 608-785-0001 and ask to speak with the Independent Living Coordinator.

Juvenile Detention Facility

Western Regional Adolescent Services

We serve children lawfully detained in Wisconsin that are at least 10 years old but less than

18 years old.

Our facilities are located at:        Health and Human Services Building
                                                300 4th Street North, 4th Floor
                                                La Crosse, WI  54601

CORE Academy is a court ordered program for male youth aged 10-17, used as a secure placement option.  Youth can only be referred to the program through a court order at the recommendation of their county social worker.  The maximum length of stay allowed can be up to 365 days (per Wisconsin Statue Section 938.34(3)(f)).  The program focuses on four key areas of intervention/treatment: orientation, exploration, integration, and reentry.

CORE Academy is a family based, therapeutic treatment program that includes individual and family counseling.  Parental involvement is a key component to the program and parents are expected to participate.  There are several groups offered in the CORE Academy program.  These topics include, but are not limited to:  ART, Life Skills, AODA, Change Journals, DBT, and MRT.  Group participation is a required component of the program.  CORE Academy also provides year round school and summer school through the School District of La Crosse.

CORE Academy has a social worker that coordinates each resident’s treatment plan with the placing county social worker and monitors the youths progress in the program.  This includes monthly team meetings, service coordination, case plan development and management, as well as assess progress throughout the program. 

For additional information on the CORE Academy, click on the links below:

• CORE Academy HANDBOOK for program description, benefits, rules on visitation and personal items, education/program phases, expectations, and referral form/signature page for youth, parent, and social worker.

Secure Unit

(608) 785-6407 

Names and Phone Numbers to Remember:
Facility Superintendent
Ben Trolinger
Phone: (608) 386-7028 
[email protected] 

Facility Supervisor
Jarrell Tarr

Jail Inspector
John Peterlik
3099 E. Washington Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
Phone: (715) 944-7860
Email:  [email protected]

Visiting and Phone Calls

• Youth may receive non-professional phone calls or visitors from 1pm – 4 pm and 6pm – 8pm daily.
• Youth may call out during any scheduled free time, which may not coincide with these hours.
• Professionals may call in or visit daily from 8:30am – 12:00pm and 1:00pm – 5:00pm.
• Family visitors may include parents, step-parents, foster parents, grandparents and siblings. Visitors should be prepared to produce I.D. and may be subject to search by metal detector.
• Visitors arriving during business hours should enter through the main entrance of the building. Visitors arriving after 5pm daily or on weekends or holidays must use the north entry to the secure elevator.

Secure Unit Protocols

• All detained children’s hygiene and clothing needs are taken care of by the facility. They need bring nothing with them.
• Children in secure may do schoolwork from their own classes if the work is brought to the facility.
• Children may not have any personal belongings in secure, including but not limited to, makeup, books and magazines, hygiene products, snacks, etc.
• Medications taken by residents shall be brought to the detention facility in their original labeled containers. Any medication not brought in the original labeled container may not be given to the child.

(608) 785-6435

Names and Phone Numbers to Remember:

Facility Superintendent
Ben Trolinger
Phone: (608) 386-7028
[email protected] 

Facility Supervisor

Jarrell Tarr

Licensor
Dana Sadlemyer
1681 2nd Ave S
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495
Phone: (715) 997-6630
Email:   [email protected]

Visiting and Phone Calls

• Youth may receive non-professional phone calls from 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. daily.
• Youth may receive non-professional visitors from 3:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. on the weekdays and from 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. on the weekends.
• Youth may call out during any scheduled free time.
• Family visitors may include parents, step-parents, foster parents, grandparents and siblings. Visitors should be prepared to produce I.D.
• Visitors arriving during business hours should enter through the main entrance of the building. Visitors arriving after 5pm daily or on weekends or holidays must use the north entry to the secure elevator.

Shelter Unit Protocols

• All detained children’s hygiene and clothing needs are taken care of by the facility. They need bring nothing with them.
• Children in the Shelter Unit may do schoolwork from their own classes if the work is brought to the facility. Internet access for educational purposes is available during school hours and study time, M-F, 8:30am-4:00pm.
• Children may have up to four changes of their own clothing. All other necessities are taken care of by the facility.
• Medications taken by residents shall be brought to the Shelter Unit in their original labeled containers. Any medication not brought in the original labeled container may not be given to the child.

back to top