Wisconsin Code § 938.38

Permanency planning
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(1) DEFINITIONS. In this
section:
(a) “Agency” means the department of children and families,
the department of corrections, a county department, or a licensed
child welfare agency.
(ag) “Family permanency team” means the team of individuals assembled under sub. (3m) to participate in a juvenile’s permanency planning.
(am) “Independent agency” means a private, nonprofit organization, but does not include a licensed child welfare agency that
is authorized to prepare permanency plans or that is assigned the
primary responsibility of providing services under a permanency
plan.
(ap) “Juvenile” includes a person 17 years of age or over for
whom a permanency plan is required under sub. (2).
(b) “Permanency plan” means a plan designed to ensure that a
juvenile is reunified with his or her family whenever appropriate,
or that the juvenile quickly attains a placement or home providing
long-term stability.
(bp) “Qualified residential treatment program” means a residential care center for children and youth, group home, or shelter
care facility certified under s. 48.675.
(2) PERMANENCY PLAN REQUIRED. Except as provided in
sub. (3), for each juvenile living in a foster home, group home,
residential care center for children and youth, juvenile detention
facility, shelter care facility, or supervised independent living arrangement, the agency that placed the juvenile or arranged the
placement or the agency assigned primary responsibility for providing services to the juvenile under s. 938.355 (2) (b) 6g. shall
prepare a written permanency plan, if any of the following conditions exists, and, for each juvenile living in the home of a
guardian or a relative other than a parent or in the home of likekin, that agency shall prepare a written permanency plan, if any
of the conditions under pars. (a) to (e) exists:
(a) The juvenile is being held in physical custody under s.
938.207, 938.208 or 938.209 (1).
(b) The juvenile is in the legal custody of the agency.
(c) The juvenile is under the supervision of an agency under s.
48.64 (2), under a consent decree under s. 938.32 (1) (c), or under
a court order under s. 938.355.
(d) The juvenile was placed under a voluntary agreement between the agency and the juvenile’s parent under s. 48.63 (1) (a)
or (5) (b) or under a voluntary transition-to-independent-living
agreement under s. 938.366 (3).
(e) The juvenile is under the guardianship of the agency.
(f) The juvenile’s care would be paid for under s. 49.19 but for
s. 49.19 (20), except that this paragraph does not apply to a juvenile whose care is being paid for under s. 48.623 (1).
(2m) CONSULTATION WITH JUVENILE 14 OR OVER. The
agency responsible for preparing the permanency plan for a juvenile 14 years of age or over shall prepare the plan and any revisions of the plan in consultation with the juvenile and, at the option of the juvenile, with not more than 2 persons selected by the
juvenile who are members of any child and family team convened
for the juvenile, except that the juvenile may not select his or her
caregiver or caseworker to consult in the preparation or revision
of the permanency plan and the agency may reject a person selected by the juvenile if the agency has good cause to believe that
the person would not act in the best interests of the juvenile. The
agency may designate one of the persons selected by the juvenile
to be the juvenile’s adviser and, as necessary, the juvenile’s advocate, with respect to application of the reasonable and prudent
parent standard to decisions concerning the juvenile’s participation in age or developmentally appropriate activities.
(3) TIME. Subject to sub. (4m) (a), the agency shall file the
permanency plan with the court within 60 days after the date on
which the juvenile was first removed from his or her home, except
under either of the following conditions:
(a) If the juvenile is alleged to be delinquent and is being held
in a juvenile detention facility, juvenile portion of a county jail, or
shelter care facility, and the agency intends to recommend that
the juvenile be placed in a juvenile correctional facility or a secured residential care center for children and youth, the agency is
not required to submit the permanency plan unless the court does
not accept the recommendation of the agency. If the court places
the juvenile in any facility outside of the juvenile’s home other
than a juvenile correctional facility or a secured residential care
center for children and youth, the agency shall file the permanency plan with the court within 60 days after the date of
disposition.
(b) If the juvenile is held for less than 60 days in a juvenile detention facility, juvenile portion of a county jail, or a shelter care
facility, no permanency plan is required if the juvenile is returned
to his or her home within that period.
(3m) FAMILY PERMANENCY TEAM. If a juvenile is placed in a
residential care center for children and youth, group home, or
shelter care facility certified under s. 48.675, the agency that
placed the juvenile or arranged the placement or the agency assigned primary responsibility for providing services to the juvenile under s. 48.355 (2) (b) 6g. shall invite all of the following to
participate in permanency planning and may invite others at the
agency’s discretion:
(a) All appropriate biological family members, relatives, and
like-kin of the juvenile, as determined by the agency. Notwithstanding s. 938.02 (12c) , in this paragraph, “like-kin” may include an individual who is or previously was the child’s licensed
foster parent.
(b) Appropriate professionals who serve as a resource for the
family of the juvenile, such as teachers, medical or mental health
providers who have treated the juvenile, or clergy.
(c) Others identified by a juvenile over the age of 14 as provided under sub. (2m).
(4) CONTENTS OF PLAN. The permanency plan shall include
all of the following:
(ag) The name, address, and telephone number of the juvenile’s parent, guardian, and legal custodian.

(am) The date on which the juvenile was removed from his or
her home and the date on which the juvenile was placed in out-ofhome care.
(ar) A description of the services offered and any services
provided in an effort to prevent the removal of the juvenile from
his or her home, while assuring that the health and safety of the
juvenile are the paramount concerns, and to achieve the goal of
the permanency plan, except that the permanency plan is not required to include a description of the services offered or provided
with respect to a parent of the juvenile to prevent the removal of
the juvenile from the home or to achieve the permanency goal of
returning the juvenile safely to his or her home if any of the following applies:
1. Any of the circumstances under s. 938.355 (2d) (b) 1. to 4.
applies to that parent.
2. The juvenile has attained 18 years of age.
(b) The basis for the decision to hold the juvenile in custody
or to place the juvenile outside of his or her home.
(bm) A statement as to the availability of a safe and appropriate placement with a fit and willing relative of the juvenile and, if
a decision is made not to place the juvenile with an available relative, a statement as to why placement with the relative is not safe
or appropriate.
(br) 1. In this paragraph, “sibling” means a person who is a
brother or sister of a juvenile, whether by blood, marriage, or
adoption, including a person who has a brother or sister of a juvenile before the person was adopted or parental rights to the person
were terminated.
2. If the juvenile has one or more siblings who have also been
removed from the home, a description of the efforts made to
place the juvenile in a placement that enables the sibling group to
remain together and, if a decision is made not to place the juvenile and his or her siblings in a joint placement, a statement as to
why a joint placement would be contrary to the safety or well-being of the juvenile or any of those siblings and a description of the
efforts made to provide for frequent visitation or other ongoing
interaction between the juvenile and those siblings. If a decision
is made not to provide for that visitation or interaction, the permanency plan shall include a statement as to why that visitation
or interaction would be contrary to the safety or well-being of the
juvenile or any of those siblings.
(c) The location and type of facility in which the juvenile is
currently held or placed, and the location and type of facility in
which the juvenile will be placed.
(d) If the juvenile is living more than 60 miles from his or her
home, documentation that placement within 60 miles of the juvenile’s home is either unavailable or inappropriate.
(dg) Information about the juvenile’s education, including all
of the following:
1. The name and address of the school in which the juvenile
is or was most recently enrolled.
2. Any special education programs in which the juvenile is or
was previously enrolled.
3. The grade level in which the juvenile is or was most recently enrolled and all information that is available concerning
the juvenile’s grade level performance.
4. A summary of all available education records relating to
the juvenile that are relevant to any education goals included in
the education services plan prepared under s. 938.33 (1) (e).
(dm) If as a result of the placement the juvenile has been or
will be transferred from the school in which the juvenile is or
most recently was enrolled, documentation that a placement that
would maintain the juvenile in that school is either unavailable or
inappropriate or that a placement that would result in the juvenile’s transfer to another school would be in the juvenile’s best
interests.
(dr) Medical information relating to the juvenile, including all
of the following:
1. The names and addresses of the juvenile’s physician, dentist, and any other health care provider that is or was previously
providing health care services to the juvenile.
2. The juvenile’s immunization record, including the name
and date of each immunization administered to the juvenile.
3. Any known medical condition for which the juvenile is receiving medical care or treatment and any known serious medical
condition for which the juvenile has previously received medical
care or treatment.
4. The name, purpose, and dosage of any medication that is
being administered to the juvenile and the name of any medication that causes the juvenile to suffer an allergic or other negative
reaction.
(e) A plan for ensuring the safety and appropriateness of the
placement and a description of the services provided to meet the
needs of the juvenile and family, including a discussion of services that have been investigated and considered and are not
available or likely to become available within a reasonable time
to meet the needs of the juvenile or, if available, why such services are not safe or appropriate.
(f) A description of the services that will be provided to the
juvenile, the juvenile’s family, and 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 to carry out the dispositional order, including services planned to accomplish all of
the following:
1. Ensure proper care and treatment of the juvenile and promote safety and stability in the placement.
2. Meet the juvenile’s physical, emotional, social, educational and vocational needs.
3. Improve the conditions of the parents’ home to facilitate
the safe return of the juvenile to his or her home, or, if appropriate, obtain for the juvenile a placement for adoption, with a
guardian, or with a fit and willing relative, or, in the case of a juvenile 16 years of age or over, obtain for the juvenile, if appropriate, a placement in some other planned permanent living arrangement that includes an appropriate, enduring relationship with an
adult.
(fg) The goal of the permanency plan or, if the agency is engaging in concurrent planning, as defined in s. 938.355 (2b) (a),
the permanency and concurrent permanency goals of the permanency plan. If a goal of the permanency plan is to place the juvenile for adoption, with a guardian, or with a fit and willing relative, the permanency plan shall include the rationale for deciding
on that goal and the efforts made to achieve that goal, including, if
appropriate, through an out-of-state placement. If the agency determines under s. 938.355 (2b) (b) to engage in concurrent planning, the permanency plan shall include the rationale for that determination and a description of the concurrent plan. The agency
shall determine one or more of the following goals to be the goal
or goals of a juvenile’s permanency plan:
1. Return of the juvenile to the juvenile’s home.
2. Placement of the juvenile for adoption.
3. Placement of the juvenile with a guardian.
4. Permanent placement of the juvenile with a fit and willing
relative.
5. In the case of a juvenile 16 years of age or over, placement
of the juvenile in some other planned permanent living arrangement that includes an appropriate, enduring relationship with an
adult.

(fm) If the agency determines that there is a compelling reason why it currently would not be in the best interests of a juvenile 16 years of age or over to return the juvenile to his or her
home or to place the juvenile for adoption, with a guardian, or
with a fit and willing relative as the permanency goal for the juvenile, the permanency goal of placing the juvenile in some other
planned permanent living arrangement. If the agency makes that
determination, the plan shall include the efforts made to achieve
that permanency goal, including, if appropriate, through an outof-state placement, a statement of that compelling reason, and,
notwithstanding that compelling reason, a concurrent plan under
s. 938.355 (2b) towards achieving a goal under par. (fg) 1. to 4. as
a concurrent permanency goal in addition to the permanency goal
under par. (fg) 5. The plan shall also include a plan to ensure that
the juvenile has regular, ongoing opportunities to engage in age or
developmentally appropriate activities determined in accordance
with the reasonable and prudent parent standard.
(g) The conditions, if any, upon which the juvenile will be returned safely to his or her home, including any changes required
in the parents’ conduct, the juvenile’s conduct or the nature of the
home.
(h) If the juvenile is 14 years of age or older, a plan describing
the programs and services that are or will be provided to assist the
juvenile in preparing for the transition from out-of-home care to a
successful adulthood. The plan shall include all of the following:
1. The anticipated age at which the juvenile will be discharged from out-of-home care.
2. The anticipated amount of time available in which to prepare the juvenile for the transition from out-of-home care to a
successful adulthood.
3. The anticipated location and living situation of the juvenile on discharge from out-of-home care.
4. A description of the assessment processes, tools, and
methods that have been or will be used to determine the programs
and services that are or will be provided to assist the juvenile in
preparing for the transition from out-of-home care to a successful
adulthood.
5. The rationale for each program or service that is or will be
provided to assist the juvenile in preparing for the transition from
out-of-home care to a successful adulthood, the time frames for
delivering those programs or services, and the intended outcome
of those programs or services.
6. Documentation that the plan was prepared in consultation
with the juvenile and any persons selected by the juvenile as required under sub. (2m).
7. A document that describes the rights of the juvenile with
respect to education, health, visitation, and participation in court
proceedings, the right of the juvenile to receive the documents
and information specified in s. 938.385 (2), the right of the juvenile to receive a copy of the juvenile’s consumer report, as defined in 15 USC 1681a (d), and the right of the juvenile to stay
safe and to avoid exploitation, together with a signed acknowledgement by the juvenile that he or she has been provided with a
copy of that document and that the rights described in that document have been explained to him or her in an age-appropriate and
developmentally appropriate way.
(i) A statement as to whether the juvenile’s age and developmental level are sufficient for the court to consult with the juvenile at the permanency hearing under sub. (4m) (c) or (5m) (c) 2.
or for the court or panel to consult with the juvenile at the permanency review under sub. (5) (bm) 2. and, if a decision is made that
it would not be age appropriate or developmentally appropriate
for the court to consult with the juvenile, a statement as to why
consultation with the juvenile would not be appropriate.
(im) 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), all of the following:
1. The name, address, and telephone number of the Indian
juvenile’s Indian custodian and tribe.
2. A description of the remedial services and rehabilitation
programs offered under s. 938.028 (4) (d) 2. in an effort to prevent the breakup of the Indian juvenile’s family.
3. A statement as to whether the Indian juvenile’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, a statement as to
whether there is good cause, as described in s. 938.028 (6) (d), for
departing from that order.
(j) If the juvenile is placed in the home of a relative or other
person described in s. 48.623 (1) (b) 1. who will be receiving subsidized guardianship payments, a description of all of the
following:
1. The steps the agency has taken to determine that it is not
appropriate for the juvenile to be returned to his or her home or to
be adopted.
2. If a decision has been made not to place the juvenile and
his or her siblings, as defined in par. (br) 1., in a joint placement,
the reasons for separating the juvenile and his or her siblings during the placement.
3. The reasons why a permanent placement with a fit and
willing relative or other person described in s. 48.623 (1) (b) 1.
through a subsidized guardianship arrangement is in the best interests of the juvenile. In the case of an Indian juvenile, the best
interests of the Indian juvenile shall be determined in accordance
with s. 938.01 (3).
4. The ways in which the juvenile and the relative or other
person described in s. 48.623 (1) (b) 1. meet the eligibility requirements specified in s. 48.623 (1) for the receipt of subsidized
guardianship payments.
5. The efforts the agency has made to discuss adoption of the
juvenile by the relative or other person described in s. 48.623 (1)
(b) 1. as a more permanent alternative to guardianship and, if that
relative or other person has chosen not to pursue adoption, documentation of the reasons for not pursuing adoption.
6. The efforts the agency has made to discuss the subsidized
guardianship arrangement with the juvenile’s parents or, if those
efforts were not made, documentation of the reasons for not making those efforts.
(k) If the juvenile is placed in a qualified residential treatment
program, all of the following:
1. Documentation of reasonable and good faith efforts to
identify and include all required individuals on the family permanency team.
2. The contact information for the members of the family
permanency team.
3. Information showing that meetings of the family permanency team are held at a time and place convenient for the family
to the extent possible.
4. If reunification is the juvenile’s permanency goal, information demonstrating that the parent from whom the juvenile
was removed provided input on the members of the family permanency team or why that input was not obtained.
5. Information showing that the standardized assessment, as
determined by the department, was used to determine the appropriateness of the placement in a qualified residential treatment
program.
6. The placement preferences of the family permanency
team, including a recognition that a juvenile should be placed
with his or her siblings unless the court determines that a joint

placement would be contrary to the safety or well-being of the juvenile or any of those siblings.
7. If placement preferences of the family permanency team
are not the placement recommended by the qualified individual
who conducted the standardized assessment, the reasons why
these preferences were not recommended.
8. The recommendations of the qualified individual who
conducted the standardized assessment, including all of the
following:
a. Whether the recommended placement in a qualified residential treatment program is the placement that will provide the
juvenile with the most effective and appropriate level of care in
the least restrictive environment and how that placement is consistent with the short-term and long-term goals for the juvenile, as
specified in the permanency plan.
b. Whether and why the juvenile’s needs can or cannot be
met by the juvenile’s family or in a foster home. A shortage or
lack of foster homes is not an acceptable reason for determining
that the juvenile’s needs cannot be met in a foster home.
9. Documentation of the approval or disapproval of the
placement in a qualified residential treatment program by a court,
if such a determination has been made.
(L) If the juvenile is a parent or is pregnant, all of the
following:
1. A list of the services or programs to be provided to or on
behalf of the juvenile to ensure that the juvenile, if pregnant, is
prepared and, if a parent, is able to be a parent.
2. The out-of-home care prevention strategy for any juvenile
born to the parenting or pregnant juvenile.
(4m) REASONABLE EFFORTS NOT REQUIRED; PERMANENCY
HEARING. (a) If in a proceeding under s. 938.21, 938.32,
938.355, 938.357, or 938.365 the court finds that any of the circumstances in s. 938.355 (2d) (b) 1. to 4. applies with respect to a
parent, the court shall hold a hearing within 30 days after the date
of that finding to determine the permanency plan for the juvenile.
If a hearing is held under this paragraph, the agency responsible
for preparing the permanency plan shall file the permanency plan
with the court not less than 5 days before the date of the hearing.
At the hearing, the court shall consider placing the juvenile in a
placement outside this state if the court determines that such a
placement would be in the best interests of the juvenile and appropriate to achieving the goal of the juvenile’s permanency plan.
(b) At least 10 days before the date of the hearing the court
shall notify the juvenile; any parent, guardian, and legal custodian
of the juvenile; any foster parent, or other physical custodian described in s. 48.62 (2) of the juvenile, the operator of the facility
in which 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 or is alleged to be in need of protection or services 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 shall have a right to be heard at the hearing.
(c) 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.
(d) The court shall give a foster parent, other physical custodian described in s. 48.62 (2), operator of a facility, relative, or
like-kin who is notified of a hearing under par. (b) a right to be
heard at the hearing by permitting the foster parent, other physical
custodian, operator, relative, or like-kin to make a written or oral
statement during the hearing, or to submit a written statement
prior to the hearing, relevant to the issues to be determined at the
hearing. The foster parent, other physical custodian, operator of a
facility, relative, or like-kin 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.
(5) PERMANENCY REVIEW. (a) Except as provided in s. 48.63
(5) (d), the court or a panel appointed under par. (ag) shall review
the permanency plan for each juvenile for whom a permanency
plan is required under sub. (2) in the manner provided in this subsection not later than 6 months after the date on which the juvenile was first removed from his or her home and every 6 months
after a previous review under this subsection for as long as the juvenile is placed outside the home, except that for the review that
is required to be conducted not later than 12 months after the juvenile was first removed from his or her home and the reviews
that are required to be conducted every 12 months after that review, the court shall hold a hearing under sub. (5m) to review the
permanency plan. The hearing may be instead of or in addition to
the review under this subsection. The 6-month and 12-month periods referred to in this paragraph include trial reunifications under s. 938.358.
(ag) If the court elects not to review the permanency plan, the
court shall appoint a panel to review the permanency plan. The
panel shall consist of 3 persons who are either designated by an
independent agency that has been approved by the chief judge of
the judicial administrative district or designated by the agency
that prepared the permanency plan. A voting majority of persons
on each panel shall be persons who are not employed by the
agency that prepared the permanency plan and who are not responsible for providing services to the juvenile or the parents of
the juvenile whose permanency plan is the subject of the review.
(am) The court may appoint an independent agency to designate a panel to conduct a permanency review under par. (a). If the
court appoints an independent agency under this paragraph, the
county department of the county of the court shall authorize and
contract for the purchase of services from the independent
agency.
(b) The court or the agency shall notify 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; 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 review, of the issues to be determined as part of the review, and of the fact that they shall have
a right to be heard at the review as provided in par. (bm) 1. The
court or agency shall notify the person representing the interests
of the public, the juvenile’s counsel, the juvenile’s guardian ad
litem, and the juvenile’s school of the time, place, and purpose of
the review, of the issues to be determined as part of the review,
and of the fact that they may have an opportunity to be heard at
the review as provided in par. (bm) 1. The notices under this

paragraph shall be provided in writing not less than 30 days before the review and copies of the notices shall be filed in the juvenile’s case record. 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.
(bm) 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.
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.
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.
(c) The court or the panel shall determine each of the
following:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 outof-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:
a. Being returned safely to his or her home.
b. Having a petition for the involuntary termination of
parental rights filed on behalf of the juvenile.
c. Being placed for adoption.
cg. Being placed with a guardian.
cm. Being placed in the home of a fit and willing relative of
the juvenile.
d. Being placed in some other planned permanent living arrangement that includes an appropriate, enduring relationship
with an adult.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
(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:
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.
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.
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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(5m) PERMANENCY HEARING. (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.
(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.
(c) 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.
2. If the juvenile’s permanency plan includes a statement un-

der 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.
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.
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.:
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.
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.
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.
(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.
(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 likekin 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.
(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.
(6) RULES. The department shall promulgate rules establishing the following:
(a) Procedures for conducting permanency reviews.
(b) Requirements for training review panels.
(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.
(d) The format for permanency plans and review panel
reports.
(e) Standards and guidelines for decisions regarding the
placement of juveniles.

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