Wisconsin Administrative Code
Department of Children and Families
DCF 021-99 - Safety and Permanence
Chapter DCF 57 - Group Homes
Subchapter II - Personnel
Section DCF 57.15 - Hiring and employment

(a) Conduct and document a caregiver background check pursuant to s. 48.685, Stats., and ch. DCF 12, on each applicant.

Note: DCF-F-2978-E, Background Information Disclosure, is available in the forms section of the department website, http://dcf.wisconsin.gov or by calling or writing any field office in Appendix A.

(b) Obtain favorable references from at least 3 non-relatives, with documentation by letter from the reference or by documentation in the record of verbal contact with a reference. Documentation shall include the date contact was made, the name of the individual conducting the reference, the name of the individual contacted, and a summary of the response.

(c) Upon hire and before working with residents, require each staff member, except relief help to have a tuberculosis test and provide certification from a physician, physician assistant, or a HealthCheck provider that the staff member meets the minimum physical requirements of the position and that the staff member is in general good health.

Note: A HealthCheck form may be obtained by contacting the local public health department. Physical examination report forms can be obtained by contacting the field office listed in Appendix A.

(d) Make a determination of whether the applicant is fit and qualified.

Note: The term "fit and qualified" is defined in s. DCF 57.04 (15) to mean a person who displays the capacity to successfully nurture and care for children and who does not have a history of a civil action or criminal conviction or administrative rule violation that substantially relates to the care of a child, or who exercises unsound judgment or who abuses alcohol or drugs. For help in determining whether a civil action, criminal conviction, or administrative rule violation substantially relates to the care of children, consult s. DCF 12.06.

(e) Nothing in this section requires a licensee to hire an applicant for employment or to retain any staff member.