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New State Agency Focuses On Children, Families
Department Brings Together Services
UPDATED: 7:35 am CDT July 1,
2008
MADISON, Wis. -- Gov. Jim Doyle on Monday launched a new state agency to promote safety and economic well-being for children and families.
VIDEO: Watch The ReportThe launch of the Department of Children and Families represents the biggest realignment of state services since the mid-1990s.The new department merges parts of the Department of Workforce Development with portions of the Department of Health and Family Services, such as child welfare.DCF brings together 30 services that are currently divided. The agency will focus on issues such as foster care, adoption, family violence prevention and access to high-quality child care."We obviously must do everything we can to protect our children. Every child deserves to grow up in a nurturing, safe, secure environment, free from the fear of abuses and neglect," Doyle said.Doyle said he hopes to increase the department's budget in 2009.Reggie Bicha, 38, of Eau Claire, was named secretary for the department in November 2007.For more information about the agency and a link to an online Web tool that helps research a child care provider, visit this Web site.
VIDEO: Watch The ReportThe launch of the Department of Children and Families represents the biggest realignment of state services since the mid-1990s.The new department merges parts of the Department of Workforce Development with portions of the Department of Health and Family Services, such as child welfare.DCF brings together 30 services that are currently divided. The agency will focus on issues such as foster care, adoption, family violence prevention and access to high-quality child care."We obviously must do everything we can to protect our children. Every child deserves to grow up in a nurturing, safe, secure environment, free from the fear of abuses and neglect," Doyle said.Doyle said he hopes to increase the department's budget in 2009.Reggie Bicha, 38, of Eau Claire, was named secretary for the department in November 2007.For more information about the agency and a link to an online Web tool that helps research a child care provider, visit this Web site. Copyright 2008 by Channel 3000. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
