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Foster Care & Respite Homes What is Foster Care? Foster care is 24-hour care provided by licensed foster parents for children who cannot live with their parents because they are unsafe, have special care or treatment needs, or other circumstances exist where parents or family are unable to care for them. Generally, placement in foster care is temporary and intended to give the child's family time to make necessary changes so that the child can live safely in his or her home and community. Most children in foster care return home to their families. When children cannot return home, they find permanence through placement with relatives, adoption, or other means. Make the Difference in the life of a child…Become a Foster Parent! Eligibility Requirements: To become a foster parent, you must meet all of the following: Be 21 years of age of older Complete an application and home study/licensing process Complete and pass a criminal background check for applicants and all adult household members Be free of physical or mental conditions that would interfere with providing care for a foster child Have a stable income sufficient to meet the foster family’s obligations Have valid driver’s license and vehicle liability insurance coverage Have homeowner’s or renter’s liability insurance Your home must meet all of the physical environment requirements Cooperate with the agency and be willing and able to work with and respect the child's biological family Complete foster home licensing requirements as listed in Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter DCF 56 Clark County Department of Social Services 517 Court St. Room 502 Neillsville, WI 54456 Monday - Friday 8 AM - 4:30 PM Ph: (715) 743-5233 Fx: (715) 743-5242 Toll Free: (866) 743-5233 Emergency After Hours Sheriff's Office: (715) 743-3157 More Questions? Check out these additional resources Wisconsin Foster Care and Adoption Resource Center Wisconsin Department of Children and Families DCF 56, Foster Care Licensing Rules and Regulations Wisconsin Foster and Adoptive Parent Association Foster Parent Handbook Licensing Process: 1. Initial Inquiry Begin the licensing process by contacting the Foster Care Coordinator at Clark County Department of Social Services @ 715.743.5233 or 1.866.743.5233. 2. Complete an application packet The application packet consists of the following forms: o Application and References o Criminal background check forms o Questionnaire Additional required forms include: o DCF 56 Child Foster Care Licensing Checklist o Health Assessment forms o Firearms and Other Dangerous Weapons form o Fire Safety Inspection and Well water testing o Fire Evacuation and Floor Plan o Disaster Plan o Home and Auto Insurance Verification forms o Notice of Confidentiality o Verification of pet vaccinations (if applicable) 3. Complete the foster care home study A social worker will meet with you in your home to complete the foster care home study. The study process consists of several questionnaires and a series of face to face personal interviews with each applicant and some additional time with each child and/or household member. The social worker who studies your home is interested in learning the strengths and limitations of your family as well as your family dynamics and relationships. The home study process will be an in-depth assessment and cover a number of areas including but not limited to applicants’ history, marital/domestic partner relationships, and parenting practices and/or expectations. Based on the results of the assessment, the social worker will make a recommendation about foster care licensure and will identify any training or other needs that should be met by the family prior to licensure. The home study process also gives you and your family a chance to ask any questions, talk about any concerns you may have, and discuss how fostering might impact you and your family members. 4. Training Requirements Each foster parent is required to complete training in relation to their Level of Care certification. Training Requirements fall into three categories: *Pre Placement: Six-hour online training to be complete prior to the placement of the first child in a family's home. *Initial/Foundation: Thirty hours to be completed within initial licensing period (first two years of licensure). *Ongoing: Ten hours to be completed every year of a foster parent license after the initial licensing period. The time to complete the entire home study and licensing process varies depending on how quickly forms are completed, items are documented, and the availability of scheduled appointments. You can begin to take children in your home when your license and pre-placement training is complete. Licenses can be issued for a period up to two years and then must be renewed. Foster Parent Responsibilities: Foster parents play a central and valuable role in the child welfare system. Their primary task is to provide temporary care that is nurturing and supportive until plans can be made for the child's permanent living arrangement. In addition, foster parents are expected to: Comply with Departmental requirements Meet foster home licensing standards DCF - Foster Home Care for Children Communicate any important information about the child to the social worker and/or birth parent Work in partnership with birth families, including extended relatives and the Department to support the child during difficult times. For more information about the role of foster parents, please see the Foster Parent Handbook . What is a Respite Home? A respite home provides short-term care to a child or children who are in ongoing foster care. This service provides the ongoing foster care family with a break and/or assistance during planned or emergency absences. A certification process and several documents, including a Criminal Background Check, are required for those interested in becoming a respite care provider for the Child Foster Care program. Other Ways to Help Children in Foster Care We understand that not everyone is ready to become a foster parent, but there are many other ways that you, your business, church or service organization can help children in foster care and foster parents in your community. Provide overnight or weekend respite care to give foster parents a break from their responsibilities. To learn more about becoming a respite provider, email or call Clark County Foster Care Coordinator at (715)743-5233. Help recruit people you believe would make good foster parents. Refer them to our website and/or encourage them to contact us at 715.743.5233 for more information. Consider having your business donate door prizes to be used at various foster care appreciation events throughout the year. Contact Clark County Foster Care Coordinator for information. Plan a service project for your group that benefits children in foster care such as collecting donated items (school supplies or care packages are some examples) or making items to donate, such as blankets. For more ideas or information on this contact Clark County Foster Care Coordinator There are so many ways to help children—maybe you have your own unique ideas to help kids in your area. Your one (or several!) act of kindness may change children’s lives and give them hope they may not have had before. Any form of reaching out and supporting a youth in care makes a tremendous impact. Fostering a child or children who cannot safely live with parents or other family members is a challenging but rewarding job. To learn about becoming a foster parent, respite home or other ways you can help children in need, please contact Clark County Department of Social Services Foster Care Coordinator @ 715-743-5233 or 1-866-743-5233. Kinship Care What is Kinship Care? Kinship Care is a program to help support a child who lives outside of his or her home with the relative. The child may be living temporarily or for the long term with a relative such as: An adult brother or sister, a first cousin, a nephew or niece, an uncle or aunt or a grandparent, or others by blood or marriage. Kinship care helps a family support a child in the home of a relative that might be under stress or when the child has experienced abuse or neglect. With this support, placing a child in a foster home or another out-of-home care setting may be avoided. For children in the child welfare system who cannot continue living at home with his or her parents, Kinship Care may be another placement option. For more information about the Kinship Care Program visit the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families website . To access the Kinship Care Application, contact Clark County Department of Social Services at (715)743-5233 or 1-866-743-5233 24 Hour Mental Health and AODA Crisis Line (800) 863-3560 or (715) 743-3400

Marriage Licenses Christina M. Jensen Clark County Clerk 517 Court Street Neillsville, WI 54456 (715) 743-5148 WHERE TO APPLY: County Clerk’s Office, Courthouse – Room 301 Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday Closed Saturdays and legal holidays Please arrive prior to 4:00 p.m. to allow time for processing. Marriageable Age: Any person who has attained the age of 18 years may marry. If a person is between the ages of 16 and 18 years, the license will be issued only with the written consent of the parents, guardian or custodian. Consent forms are available. Persons who may not marry: Blood relatives nearer of kin than second cousins, except when the female is 55 years of age or older, or where either party submits an affidavit signed by a physician stating that either party is permanently sterile. A person under the age of 16. Persons who have not been divorced at least 6 months. Persons who are not competent. Residence: No county residency requirements. Applicants may obtain a marriage license in any county in Wisconsin. The marriage ceremony can be held in any county in Wisconsin. Waiting Period: A 3-day waiting period is required by law, but may be waived for a good cause by the clerk for an additional fee of $10.00. Requirements: Must show proof of current address. All applicants must present a certified copy of a birth certificate, original with raised seal. Copies of judgment of divorce, legal annulment papers, or death certificate from previous marriage must be presented. Must know name of village, city, or township where presently residing. Must know name of officiate and place of ceremony. Must know parent’s middle names, mother’s maiden name, and how to spell them. Both persons must sign before the County Clerk or Deputy when applying for their license. Expiration: The license is valid for 60 days after the date of issuance. The marriage must be performed within that period. Cost: $75.00 Ceremony: Any judge, ordained clergyman, court commissioner, municipal judge or licentiate of a denomination body. Clark County Contacts: Bonnie Wachsmuth, Court Commissioner (715) 229-2284 Judy Kalepp, Abbotsford Municipal Judge (715) 223-3444 Richette Elmhorst, Neillsville (715) 379-3368 Terri Wiersma, Dorchester (715) 613-8467 Mary Ellen Hughes, Owen (715) 229-2368 Eau Claire County Court Commissioner Eau Claire Courthouse, free of Charge Nathan Novak (715) 839-6029 Witnesses: Must be 18 years of age to sign the marriage certificate. Clark County Courthouse | 517 Court Street Room 301 | Neillsville, WI 54456 | Ph: (715) 743-5148 Fx: (715 743-5154

CLARK COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE Emergency, Life Threatening, & Crimes in Progress - 911 Non Emergency (715) 743-3157 | Toll Free (800) 743-2420 SHERIFF SALES DIVISIONS ADMINISTRATION RECORDS & SERVICES COUNTY JAIL Email Ph. (715) 743-5358 Kerry L. Kirn Sheriff Sheriff Kerry L. Kirn obtained his Associate Degree in Police Science and has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. He started with the Clark County Sheriff's Office part-time in July of 1991. He started his full-time career in March 1993 working as a Communications/Corrections Deputy and ultimately was promoted to a Patrol Deputy in May 1996. In December of 1998, Kerry was promoted to Detective for the Sheriff's Office and worked in that position until he was again promoted to Detective Captain in March 2019. Kerry L. Kirn was appointed Sheriff of Clark County, Wisconsin by Governor Tony Evers, assuming the role on January 1, 2025. Email Ph. (715) 743-5370 James Hirsch Chief Deputy Chief Deputy James Hirsch grew up in Marshfield and currently lives in the Abbotsford area with his wife and two boys. He obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh before attending the Law Enforcement Recruit Academy in Wausau. He was hired in March of 1997 and held a variety of positions in the Sheriff’s Office: Dispatcher/Jailer, Patrol Deputy and Training Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Communications/Corrections Captain, Patrol Captain and finally Chief Deputy in April of 2014. Email Ph. (715) 743-5377 Louise Hackel Corrections Captain Captain Louise Hackel began her law enforcement career with the Clark County Sheriff's Office in October of 1998. She started as a Communications/Corrections deputy. In 2007, Louise was promoted to a Corrections Sergeant. Louise has held several positions and assignments within the agency to include Validations Officer, Field Training Officer, Huber/EMP Officer, Program Coordinator, Corrections Emergency Response Team (CERT), and a member of the Clark County Sheriff's Office Peer Support Team. In October 2025, Louise promoted to Captain of the corrections division. Email Ph. (715) 743-5364 Wade Hebert Patrol Captain Captain Wade Hebert is from the Loyal WI area. He has a Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Mid-State Technical College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Central State University. He has been with the Sheriff’s Office since 2006, starting as a reserve deputy. He was hired full time as a corrections deputy, then transferred to a patrol deputy shortly after. In 2015, he was promoted to Patrol Sergeant, overseeing a patrol shift. Since 2008 he has held several positions and assignments within the agency. He is a field training officer, training new hires for several years, and attained the role of field training coordinator, overseeing the program. He has been a member of the county’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) for several years, where he currently is the team commander. He has conducted pre-employment background investigations and over sees the program. He also is a state of Wisconsin certified instructor in various law enforcement topics and trainings. In 2020, he was promoted to his current position as Patrol Captain, overseeing the patrol division. Email Ph. (715) 743-5367 Lea Sterry Communications Captain Captain Lea Sterry graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Steven Point with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Natural Resources while attending the Law Enforcement Recruit Academy at Mid-State Technical College. She began her career with the Sheriff Office in June of 2003 as a Communications/Corrections Deputy where she also assisted as a Training Officer and member of C.E.R.T. In April of 2019, Lea was promoted to Captain of the Communication’s Center. Email Ph. (715) 743-5371 Nathan Schreiber Detective Captain Captain Nathan Schreiber grew up in the Abbotsford/Athens area. He obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Mount Senario College in Ladysmith, WI. He started as a patrol officer for Athens Police Department and then was hired full time with the Colby-Abbotsford Police Department in 2003. In 2021, he was hired as a detective within Clark County Sheriff’s Office, with his main focus being internet crimes against children and other related investigations. In 2024, he was promoted to Detective Captain where he oversees the Detective division. He is also a State of Wisconsin instructor in various law enforcement topics and is a Taser Instructor. Email Ph. (715) 743-5278 Heidi Ashbeck Administrative Supervisor Administrative Supervisor Heidi Ashbeck grew up in the Lublin area and graduated high school from the School District of Gilman. She obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Heidi was hired at the Sheriff’s Office in August 2015 as the Administrative Supervisor, overseeing the clerical division within the office. She currently lives in Greenwood with her husband and their three kids. Clark County Sheriff's Office | 517 Court St, Room 308 | Neillsville, WI 54456

Energy Assistance Clark County Department of Social Services is no longer a host site for the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP). Western Dairyland is now the host site for WHEAP. Western Dairyland is located at 418 Wisconsin Street, Eau Claire, WI 54703. Their phone number is (715)836-7511. For any heat and/or energy assistance or crisis, after hours emergencies or weatherization, please contact Western Dairyland. If you are not a previous WHEAP customer and are in need of an application to apply for assistance, you may contact Western Dairyland or Clark County Department of Social Services. Clark County Department of Social Services will assist you in obtaining and completing a WHEAP application. If you are in need of assistance, with submitting your application and/or verifications for the WHEAP program, Clark County Department of Social Services is available, during normal business hours. Western Dairyland will also assist you with the application and verification process. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Clark County Department of Social Services at (715)743-5233. If you have a heat or energy emergency/crisis situation, please contact Western Dairyland at (715)836-7511. If you have an after-hours heat or energy emergency or crisis situation, please contact Western Dairyland at (715)836-7511. 24 Hour Mental Health and AODA Crisis Line (800) 863-3560 or (715) 743-3400

Black River Rec Area Admission Fee: Park use is free Other Links: Range of allowable Firewood Fishing Fishing Access Kayak and Canoe Launch Area Parking Black River Recreational Area is a 29 acre semi-developed day use area that provides 1/2 mile of access to the Black River for fishing, canoeing and other water based recreation. Other allowable activities include: hunting, hiking and picnicking. Online Reservation System Black River Recreational Area W6591 County Hwy X Withee, WI . 54498 Contact: (715) 743-5140 County Forest Camping Application Extended Stay Camping Policy Beach Water Quality

Storm Salvage Timber Sales: Bid Openings and Direct Sales On May 21, 2024, a severe storm with embedded tornadoes swept across Clark County. The resulting damage from this storm impacted over 600 acres of Clark County Forest and 100’s more acres of private land throughout Clark County. Salvaging storm damaged timber quickly and efficiently is critical to capture the value of the timber and protect the surrounding forest from risks associated with fire, insects, and disease. The Clark County Forestry and Parks Department set storm salvage harvest areas and advertised them for sealed bid and special bid opening on July 15, 2024. The results from the bid opening is linked below. There may be remaining salvage areas set and sold via direct purchase. July 2024 - Prospectus (Storm Salvage Sales) July 15, 2024 - BID RESULTS (Storm Salvage Sales) *Contact the Clark County Forestry Department for more information* Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM | 517 Court St., Room 103 | Neillsville, WI 54456 | Phone: (715) 743-5140

Clark County Human Resources Human Resources | 517 Court Street, Room 574 | Neillsville, WI 54456 | (715) 743-5224 Fax (715) 743-5159 STAFF Staff Heather Murray , Human Resources Director Email (715) 743-5298 Amanda James , Human Resources Advisor Email (715) 743-5144 Breana Guldan , Human Resources Generalist Email (715) 743-5224

Recreational and Educational Camps Recreation facilities include ‘Recreational and Educational Camps’, ‘Campgrounds’ and ‘Public Swimming Pools’ or ‘Whirlpools’. The application for all Lodging and Recreation facilities can be found here: Lodging and Recreation License ATCP 78-Rec and Educational Camp To report a public health emergency or communicable disease after hours, please contact Clark County Dispatch at (715) 743-3157. Our office is closed on significant holidays & days of recognition. Please click here for more information.

ADS | Adult Development Services | Greenwood, WI Providing Quality Rehabilitative Work Services Our pinback buttons are a great economical way to promote your upcoming event, sports team, organization, or other special occasion. ADS manufactures 2 ¼" and 3" buttons using your custom artwork or photo, and in any quantity. Please contact our production manager for more information. Clark Pizza Green Woods Candles Green Woods Bird Cakes Green Woods Firestarter Buttons Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.

Acknowledgements Attachments Attachment B- Corrective and Disciplinary Action Civil Rights Compliance Plan Acknowledgement Acknowledgements #202 Corrective and Disciplinary Action #203 Employee Conduct & Performance #301 Social Media

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE Procedure Grievance Procedure Form Forms Discipline / Termination Grievance Form Request for Extension to File Grievance Unsafe Condition or Hazard Report Unsafe Condition / Work Place Safety

What is CISM Services Who We Serve Resources Get Involved Contact Us About Us Clark & Jackson County CISM Resources We provide a range of educational materials, self-help tools, and research-backed guides to help individuals and organizations navigate critical incident stress and trauma recovery. Crisis Self-Help Guides Recognizing signs of acute stress & PTSD How to practice psychological first aid (PFA) Coping strategies for grief & trauma recovery Workplace & Leadership Resources Developing a trauma-informed workplace culture How leaders can support employees post-crisis Managing organizational stress & morale Emergency Contacts & Referral Networks 24/7 crisis helplines & suicide prevention hotlines Mental health service providers specializing in trauma Peer support networks for first responders & veterans Downloadable PDFs & Training Materials Crisis Response Checklist Self-Care Strategies for High-Stress Professions How to Build Resilience in Trauma-Exposed Roles Contact Us 📞 Crisis Support Helpline: (715-743-3400) for immediate assistance. 📧 Email: CISM@co.clark.wi.us 📍 Office Location: 517 Court Street, Room 503, Neillsville, WI 54456 🌐 Website: https://www.clarkcountywi.gov/ We are here for you—because mental health matters in every crisis.