Supports and Services for Expectant and Parenting Youth in Foster Care - Wisconsin

Date: October 2025

Youth's Parental Rights
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 48.63(3)(b)(5)

No person may coerce a birth parent of the child or any alleged or presumed father of the child into consenting to the termination of his or her parental rights to the child, to have reasonable visits or contact with the child, or to otherwise exercise his or her parental rights to the child.

Placement Options
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 48.345

When it is consistent with the best interests of the child expectant mother or unborn child in terms of physical safety and physical health, the family unit shall be preserved, and a child expectant mother shall be placed outside of her home only when there is no less drastic alternative. If there is no less drastic alternative for a child than transferring custody from the parent, the judge shall consider transferring custody to a relative whenever possible.

When placement with a parent or other family member is not in the child's best interests, the court may place the child in a licensed foster home or a group home for expectant mothers needing a safe and structured living arrangement.

Older expectant youth (ages 17+) may be allowed to live independently under supervision if they demonstrate sufficient maturity and have a reasonable plan for support.

Health Services 
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 48.647

Expectant mothers in group homes or second-chance homes receive prenatal and other health-care services, including mental health and substance abuse treatment if needed.

Parent Preparation for Expectant Youth
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 48.345

Agencies must provide a care and treatment plan that may include the following: 

  • Individual, family, or group counseling
  • Parenting skills training
  • Prenatal education

Education and Services to Support Parenting Youth
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 48.345

Expectant mothers must be enrolled in secondary school, vocational/technical programs, or working, unless there is good cause for exemption.

Economic and Concrete Supports 
Citation: Ann. Stat. §§ 48.345

The care and treatment plan may include the following:

  • Individual, family, or group counseling
  • Parenting skills training
  • Prenatal development education
  • Homemaker or parent aide services
  • Respite care, housing assistance, and child care 
  • Transportation support 

Services and Supports for Parenting Youth That Promote Self-Sufficiency
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 48.647

Expectant mothers in group homes receive skills development in economic self-sufficiency, parenting, adult living, and decision-making.

Foster Care Prevention Strategy for any Child Born to the Youth

This issue is not addressed in the laws and policies reviewed.