After Learning From Mistakes, Wisconsin Builds Strong Safeguards Against Child Care Fraud

Friday, January 16th, 2026 -- 11:01 AM

(Gray) Wisconsin officials say the state has learned from past mistakes and built strong safeguards against child care fraud.

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families responded Wednesday to concerns following Minnesota’s child care fraud scandal. Federal funding for childcare in Minnesota was frozen after a viral video alleged some of the state’s child care centers were improperly taking funds meant for low-income families. Wisconsin reports a 2.9% error rate for childcare payments, well below the federal limit of 10%.

“We have a strong system that has navigated these issues, that has high integrity, that addresses these things when they come, and so I’m confident in our ability to run a great and robust childcare system,” said Jeff Pertl, secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families.

Wisconsin’s current protections stem from lessons learned after a 2009, a Pulitzer Prize-winning Milwaukee Journal Sentinel investigation revealed widespread fraud in the state's system.

The state responded with reforms, including whistleblower protections for government employees and improved attendance tracking and reporting.

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