Governor Tony Evers has signed a kinship care bill into law. The bill, authored by Republican state senator Joan Ballweg of Markesan expands the state’s kinship care program to include ‘like-kin’. “I am proud to have this bill signed into law,” said Ballweg. “This legislation will be especially impactful for teens in Wisconsin who are in need of guardianship. Act 119 will also provide clarity for the placement, when necessary, of Native American children.” This legislation defines like-kin as an individual who has a significant emotional connection with a child or the child’s family that is similar to a familial relationship and who is not and has not previously been the child’s licensed foster parent. This bill was supported by children and family organizations in Wisconsin as well as the tribal nations in the state.
