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Milwaukee County Courts
 

Vel Phillips Youth & Family Justice Center

CHIPS/JIPS Petitions, Delinquency, Guardianship

Remote Court Appearance Instructions

Who We Are

Children's Court exercises jurisdiction over matters involving juveniles under the age of 17 regarding delinquencies. In addition, we have jurisdiction involving individuals under the age of 18 regarding neglect, abuse, guardianship, termination of parental rights, adoption, child abuse injunctions, civil harassments involving minors, ordinance violations and permanency plan review hearings.

Children's Court Directives, Standing Orders, Policies and Procedures

Location

Vel R. Phillips Youth & Family Justice Center (Children’s Court Center)

10201 W. Watertown Plank Rd.

Guardianship Forms

Become Standby or Successor Guardian - Chapter 48.9795

Petition for Guardianship of a Minor Instructions

Petition for Review of Conduct of Guardian

Petition to Terminate CHIPS 48.977 Guardianship

Note: This only applies to Chapter 48 (CHIPS) Guardianship Cases.

Petition to Termination 48.9795 (Formerly Ch. 54) Guardianship

Note: This only applies to Chapter 54 Guardianship Cases. 

Juvenile Delinquency Forms

Records

Generally, records of the circuit courts are open to the public. However, Children's Court records are NOT available to the public without the written approval of a judge. By state law, we are required to charge $1.25 per page for copies of court records. The Children's Court Record Center is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.

Forms

JD-1739: Authorization and Order to Open Court Records for Inspection

Guides

State Packet: Adoption Records Search Program

CHIPS/JIPS Petitions

For children/juveniles in need of protection and service

Milwaukee Family Intervention Services (MFIS)

Milwaukee Family Intervention Services (MFIS) is a case management program serving Milwaukee County children ages 10-17 in need of intervention services and their family. MFIS is specifically for caregivers and youth  experiencing mental health issues, behavioral concerns, truancy, educational concerns and CHIPS/JIPS petitions.

Additional information and access to the intake form are available online.

For questions or help completing the intake form, call (414) 949-3497

MFIS is a free and voluntary program!

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I want to go to court. What do I need to do?

The judges require parents seeking court intervention for a child ages 12-17 be referred to the MFIS Program. Going to court and filing a pro-se CHIPS/JIPS petition is limited to those families who have gone through a MFIS assessment and are assisted in filing by either the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare - Safety Service, or the Department of Human Services - Delinquency and Court Service.

How do I contact the MFIS Program?

Visit the Milwaukee Family Intervention Services (MFIS) website or call (414) 949-3497

Will this cost me anything?

No. An assessment is free.

When I call the MFIS Program, what will happen?

An assessment will be completed to determine what services and interventions would be appropriate for your child and

After the assessment is completed, what happens next?

For eligible children and families, a case manager will be assigned and family and group sessions will be started based on the needs of the child and family. Additional referrals will be made to outside providers based on the needs of the child and family as well. For families wishing to pursue a pro-se CHIPS or JIPS petition, a referral will be made to DMCPS for CHIPS cases and CYFS for JIPS cases

What if I don't want to go to the MFIS Program? I want to go to court.

You CANNOT file a pro-se CHIPS or JIPS case without being assessed by the MFIS program.

If my child is under 12 and I need help, what do I do?

Call (414) 220-SAFE (7233) and tell them you have been referred by the court as your child is under 12 and you need help.

My child is not going to school and I do not want to be fined or go to jail. If I file a CHiPS or JiPS petition, can I avoid being charged?

No.  Participating in the FISS Program will not stop the District Attorney's Office from charging you. However, under certain circumstances, the District Attorney's Office might recommend that you contact the FISS Program instead of charging you.

Other Children's Forms and Resources

Children's Court Resources