Options for Allocating State Child Welfare Dollars to Wisconsin Counties

Abstract

The method by which the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families allocates funds to counties for child protective services may not be optimal for outcomes. This report examines two alternative methods: one based on the risk of child maltreatment each county faces and the other on the child welfare workload a county reports. After evaluating these alternatives for their effectiveness, equity, cost, and acceptability to counties, the authors recommend the risk factor method. They also detail ways DCF can encourage cross-county collaboration and thus use funds more efficiently.