Suspension of Face-to-Face Requirements

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Bureau of Children's Services

Suspension of Face-to-Face Requirements

As Wisconsin has seen more cases of COVID-19 in recent days, it is increasingly important to take measures to protect vulnerable populations at an elevated risk of becoming seriously ill should they become infected: health care workers, individuals with co-occurring health conditions, and elders. Close contact with individuals increases risk of infection.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is committed to reducing the risk of COVID-19 exposure to our applicants and participants, as well as the staff who support them.

Effective immediately, the Bureau of Children's Services is suspending the requirement for in-person face-to-face contacts for the Children's Community Options Program (CCOP), the Children's Long-Term Support (CLTS) Waiver Program, and Katie Beckett Medicaid:

  • Intake (initial home visits)
  • Eligibility and enrollment (functional screens and service planning)
  • Service coordination (monthly contacts)

In-person contacts can be replaced by phone or online contact that will not jeopardize the health and safety of the child and family.

We will continuously reevaluate the suspension of in-person contacts and update the status every 30 days until the pandemic has passed. Further flexibilities are being explored during this time. We will continue to update as new information becomes available.

All time frame requirements for intake, eligibility, service coordination, etc. remain in place.

For more information regarding COVID-19, visit the DHS website.

A separate communication will be issued to Birth to 3 programs regarding COVID-19.

Please contact your technical assistance lead with any questions.