Wisconsin Commission on Children, Families and the Courts

family preparing a meal togetherThis multi-disciplinary commission was created in March 2007 as part of the Children's Court Improvement Program, a federal grant initiative focused on improving the processing of child abuse and neglect cases in the court system.

The group is charged with developing and institutionalizing meaningful collaboration across systems to identify and address barriers to safety, permanency and child and family well-being at the state and local levels. Members are appointed by the Chief Justice.

Committee membership

Name Affiliation/Location
Chief Justice Annette Kingsland Ziegler (chair) Wisconsin Supreme Court
Hon. Marshall Murray Milwaukee County Circuit Court (vice chair)
Secretary Emilie Amundson Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
Hon. R. Alan Bates (Ret.) Rock County Circuit Court
Patrick Brummond, District Court Administrator Seventh Judicial District
Oriana Carey, Chief Executive Officer Coalition for Children, Youth and Families
Comm. Kevin Costello Waukesha County Circuit Court
Mr. John Elliott, Deputy Administrator for the Division of Safety and Permanence Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
Ms. Emily Erickson, Child Welfare Program and Policy Section Chief Department of Children and Families
Attorney Michael Fugle Oneida County Corporation Counsel's Office
Attorney Matthew Giesfeldt Wisconsin State Public Defender's Office
Ms. Wendy Henderson, Administrator for the Division of Safety and Permanence Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
Ms. Sarah Henery, Administrator Division of Milwaukee Child Protective Services
Ms. Julie Incitti, Education Consultant Department of Public Instruction
Attorney Molly Jasmer Grady, Hayes & Neary
Attorney Jeffrey Jazgar Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin
Hon. Wendy Klicko Sauk County Circuit Court
Attorney Duke Lehto Lehto Law Office
Ms. Stephanie Lozano, Tribal Liaison Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
Bridget Mauerman, Director Children's Court Improvement Program
Ms. Rebecca Murray, Executive Director Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Board
Mike Nelson, Supervisor Marathon County Department of Social Services
Hon. Troy Nielsen Waupaca County Circuit Court
Mr. Ron Rogers, Division of CPS Director Kenosha County Department of Human Services
Hon. Audrey Skwierawski, Director of State Courts Wisconsin Court System
Attorney Michelle Swardenski Outagamie County District Attorney's Office
Ms. Bregetta Wilson, Lived Experience Coordinator Wisconsin Department of Children and Families

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