2.8.2.2 Coordinating Services with the Child Welfare Agency

The temporary absence policies for child welfare situations require significant communication and collaboration between the W-2 Wisconsin Works agency and Child Welfare agency.

The W-2 agency must develop and implement procedures to ensure ongoing communication and coordination with the Child Welfare agency, including, but not limited to:

Identification of families receiving services from both agencies;

Contact with the Child Welfare agency’s primary worker for the family a minimum of every other week, including more frequent contact when there are changes that may impact W-2 participation or goals developed with the Child Welfare agency;

Coordinating with the Child Welfare agency to include activities assigned by the Child Welfare agency for the parent’s reunification with the child(ren) as part of the parent’s W-2 EP Employability Plan , when the activities are approvable W-2 activities; and

Exchange of relevant information between both agencies to improve services and reduce duplication, including: Updates on out-of-home placement or legal orders impacting the custodial parents ongoing care and control of the child(ren); Sharing of assessment results; and Coordination of referrals to other resources (e.g., AODA, mental health support programs, community programs, etc.).

Confidential information should be shared in accordance with federal and state confidentiality laws.