1. (1) Definition. In this section, “treatment team” means those who evaluate the resident’s progress and provide input into and implement the resident’s treatment plan. A resident’s “treatment team” includes the placing agency; the resident; the resident’s parent, guardian, legal custodian, or Indian custodian; and the persons who will provide the required services to the resident.

2. (2) Resident assessment.

   1. (a) Within 30 calendar days after the date a resident is admitted to a group home, the program director shall complete a written assessment of the resident based on referral information provided by the placing agency, including the forms required under ch. DCF 37.

   2. (b) The resident assessment shall contain information on all of the following:

      1. 1. Basic demographic details.
      2. 2. Reason for placement.

      3. 3. Strengths and needs based on the placing agency’s assessment or another assessment conducted by the program director.

         Note: The placing agency is required to complete an assessment of a resident and the resident’s identified permanent resource no later than 30 days after the resident is placed in a group home. The placing agency conducts the assessment using the department’s standardized assessment tool, the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths tool. Information on the CANS can be found on the department website https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/cans.

      4. 4. Mental health history and any presenting symptoms.
      5. 5. Medical treatments, medication, special diet, or accommodations, if applicable.
      6. 6. Risk assessment for self-harm or suicidal ideation.

3. (3) Initial treatment plan.

   1. (a) Within 30 calendar days after the date a resident is admitted to a group home, the program director shall develop an initial treatment plan in collaboration with the resident’s treatment team.

   2. (b) Preparation for a resident’s discharge shall begin at the time of admission with the outlining of treatment goals to be achieved during the resident’s placement at the group home. A resident’s initial treatment plan shall be dated and include all of the following:

      1. 1. A summary of the strengths and needs of the resident and the resident’s parent, guardian, legal custodian, or Indian custodian based on the assessments under sub. (2) (b) 3.

      2. 2. Measurable treatment goals, time frames, and objectives for the placement in all areas of the resident’s life, including all of the following:

         1. a. Supervision and safety.
         2. b. Health, emotional, and behavioral stability.
         3. c. Daily living and community integration.
         4. d. Education.
         5. e. Communication skills.
         6. f. Legal status, including permanency planning issues.
      3. 3. Projected length of stay and conditions for discharge.
      4. 4. A description of behavior interventions to be used with the resident.
      5. 5. Specific services and supports, including names of persons or agencies responsible for providing services or supports to achieve the treatment goals.
      6. 6. The decision regarding room sharing under s. DCF 57.39 (11) (b).

      7. 7. If a resident is 14 years of age or over, a description of the programs and services that are or will be provided to assist the resident in preparing for the transition from out-of-home care to independent living as required under s. 48.38 (4) (h) or 938.38 (4) (h), Stats.

         Note: DCF-F-CFS2430, Treatment Plan – Group Home, is a voluntary form that may be used to comply with this subsection. This form is available in the forms section of the department website at https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/forms.

4. (4) Treatment plan review. At least once every 3 months, the program director shall conduct a review of the treatment plan with the treatment team members and revise the treatment plan. The review and revised treatment plan shall include all of the following:

   1. (a) Updates to sub. (3) (b).
   2. (b) Specific indicators of progress toward treatment goals or that the goals have been achieved.
   3. (c) Any barrier to achieving treatment plan goals and efforts made to mitigate the barrier.

   4. (d) Recommendations for continuing or additional services upon discharge and the name of the person or agency to receive the resident upon discharge.

      Note: DCF-F-5382-E, Treatment Plan Review – Group Home, is a voluntary form that may be used to comply with this subsection. This form is available in the forms section of the department website at https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/forms.

5. (5) Treatment plan distribution. The program director shall ensure that a copy of a resident’s initial treatment plan and any treatment plan review is placed in the resident’s record under s. DCF 57.21 (1) (g) and given to each member of the treatment team.

History

History: CR 26-005: cr. Register May 2026 No. 845, eff. 6-1-26.