Wisconsin Statutes

Wis. Stat. § 55.06 (2026)

Protective services and protective placement; eligibility

✓ current as of July 2026

Find cases: SyfertCases citing this section WI-LEGdocs.legis.wisconsin.gov JustiaChapter on Justia CornellLII Search CasesGoogle Scholar

55.0655.06 Protective services and protective placement; eligibility. To be eligible for court-ordered protective placement or protective services, an individual shall have filed a petition to transfer a foreign guardianship, whether present in the state or not, or shall be a resident of the state; and shall have a need for protective placement or protective services. The individual shall have attained the age of 18, but an individual who is alleged to have a developmental disability may receive protective placement or protective services upon attaining the age of 14. Protective placement or protective services may be ordered under this chapter only for an individual who is adjudicated incompetent in this state or for a minor who is alleged to have a developmental disability, and only if there is a finding of a need for protective placement under s. 55.08 (1), and ss. 55.055 (5), 55.13, and 55.135 are inappropriate or do not apply. A procedure for court-ordered protective placement or protective services may be initiated 6 months before a minor attains age 18.

55.06 HistoryHistory: 1973 c. 284; 1975 c. 41; 1975 c. 94 s. 3; 1975 c. 189 s. 99 (2); 1975 c. 393, 421, 422; 1975 c. 430 ss. 67 to 71, 80; 1977 c. 26, 299, 428; 1977 c. 449 s. 497; 1979 c. 32 s. 92 (1); 1979 c. 110 s. 60 (1); 1979 c. 221; 1981 c. 314 s. 146; 1981 c. 379; 1983 a. 27; 1983 a. 189 s. 329 (19); 1983 a. 219; 1985 a. 29 ss. 1143, 3202 (23); 1987 a. 366; 1989 a. 31, 359; 1991 a. 269; 1993 a. 187, 451; 1995 a. 27, 92; 1997 a. 237, 283; 2001 a. 109; 2003 a. 33, 326; 2005 a. 253, 264, 387; 2007 a. 45.

55.06 AnnotationGuardianships & Protective Placements. Viney. Wis. Law. Aug. 1991.

55.06 AnnotationGuardianships and Protective Placements in Wisconsin After Agnes T. Fennell. Wis. Law. May 1995.

55.06 NoteNOTE: The above annotations relate to protective placements under this chapter prior to the revision of this chapter by 2005 Wis. Act 264.

55.06 AnnotationThe ch. 55 exclusion in s. 51.20 (1) (a) 2. e. includes an individual who is already subject to an order for protective placement or services, if there is another placement or additional services available under this chapter that would be effective in reducing the probability of the requisite harm to less than a substantial probability. This exclusion may apply to an individual who is not yet subject to an order under this chapter but who is eligible for one. Involuntary administration of medication under this section may be one of the additional services that would satisfy this exclusion, if the guardian consents and depending on the individual’s circumstances. Dane County v. Kelly M., 2011 WI App 69, 333 Wis. 2d 719, 798 N.W.2d 697, 10-1486.

55.06 AnnotationRehabilitation is a necessary element of treatment under ch. 51. Because there are no techniques that can be employed to bring about rehabilitation from Alzheimer’s disease, an individual with the disease cannot be rehabilitated. Accordingly, an Alzheimer’s patient is not a proper subject for ch. 51 treatment. Fond du Lac County v. Helen E.F., 2012 WI 50, 340 Wis. 2d 500, 814 N.W.2d 179, 10-2061.

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 54 cases (4 in the last 5 years), 1979–2023 · leading case: Grant Cnty. Dep't of Soc. Servs. v. Unified Bd. of Grant & Iowa Counties, 2005 WI 106 (Wis. 2005).

Sort: Relevance Newest Treatment

Grant Cnty. Dep't of Soc. Servs. v. Unified Bd. of Grant & Iowa Counties, 2005 WI 106 (Wis. 2005). · cites it 130× “[1] The court of appeals examined Wis. Stat. § 55.06 (3)(c) (2001-02), which requires a petition be filed in the county of residence of the person to be protected.”

Dunn Cnty. v. JUDY K., 2002 WI 87 (Wis. 2002). · cites it 90× “[2] The County asserts that under Wis. Stat. § 55.06 (9)(a), it cannot be required to contribute any funds to Judy K.”

Cnty. of Dunn v. Goldie H., 2001 WI 102 (Wis. 2001). · cites it 58× “We hold that a person is entitled to a hearing on the record before his or her protective placement is continued, and that the circuit court must make factual findings to support the need for continuation, as required by Wis. Stat. § 55.06 (1) (1999-2000). [1] Here the circuit…”

In Re Guardianship of Catherine P., 2006 WI App 105 (Wis. Ct. App. 2006). · cites it 84× “On December 30, 2004, Collis filed a petition, pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 55.06 (9)(b) (2003-04), 4 to *645 review the transfer of placement.”

Kindcare, Inc. v. JUDITH G., 2002 WI App 36 (Wis. Ct. App. 2002). · cites it 47× “appeals from an order for protective placement under Wis. Stat. § 55.06 , which directed that she be "placed in the least restrictive placement commensurate with her needs as designated by the Milwaukee County Department on Aging.”

State Ex Rel. Watts v. Combined Cmty. Servs. Bd. of Milwaukee Cnty., 362 N.W.2d 104 (Wis. 1985). · cites it 10× “284, Laws of 1973, creating sec. 55.06, Stats.). All three of these laws authorize court ordered institutionalization of mentally disabled individuals for the purpose of care and custody.”

Walworth Cnty. v. THERESE B., 2003 WI App 223 (Wis. Ct. App. 2003). · cites it 6× “01 (4) and requires protective placement under Wis. Stat. § 55.06 . A discussion of the standard of review we apply is in Coston v.”

In Matter of Guardianship of Agnes T., 507 N.W.2d 373 (Wis. Ct. App. 1993). · cites it 38× “Because the nursing home contains more than 16 beds, however, the applicable statutes do not allow the guardian to consent to such a placement without court-ordered protective placement under sec. 55.06, Stats. Thus, the guardian ad litem argues, that by denying her objection to…”

Matter of Guardianship of Tamara LP, 503 N.W.2d 333 (Wis. Ct. App. 1993). · cites it 14× “, determining that she is a proper subject for guardianship, and protectively placing her pursuant to sec. 55.06, Stats. She claims that the trial court erroneously exercised its discretion when it appointed as guardian ad litem protecting her best interests in those…”

Ethelyn I.C. v. Waukesha Cnty., 584 N.W.2d 211 (Wis. Ct. App. 1998). · cites it 27× “Under § 55.06(1) and (2), notice of a petition for placement is to be served ten days prior to a hearing.”

In Matter of Guardianship & Prot. Placement of Shaw, 275 N.W.2d 503 (Wis. Ct. App. 1979). · cites it 9× “We must also consider the total legislative scheme relat *511 ing to alcoholics, and harmonize sec. 55.06, Stats., with other statutes dealing with alcoholics.”

Knight v. Milwaukee Cnty., 2001 WI App 147 (Wis. Ct. App. 2001). · cites it 7× “Moreover, Wis. Stat. § 55.06 (18), upon which the Knights also rely as authority for their appeal, does not apply here.”

Show all 54 citing cases →

— Wis. Stat. § 55.06(1) — 9 cases

Matter of Guardianship of Tamara LP, 503 N.W.2d 333 (Wis. Ct. App. 1993). “, determining that she is a proper subject for guardianship, and protectively placing her pursuant to sec. 55.06, Stats. She claims that the trial court erroneously exercised its discretion when it appointed as guardian ad litem protecting her best interests in those…”

In Matter of Guardianship of Agnes T., 507 N.W.2d 373 (Wis. Ct. App. 1993). “Because the nursing home contains more than 16 beds, however, the applicable statutes do not allow the guardian to consent to such a placement without court-ordered protective placement under sec. 55.06, Stats. Thus, the guardian ad litem argues, that by denying her objection to…”

Ethelyn I.C. v. Waukesha Cnty., 584 N.W.2d 211 (Wis. Ct. App. 1998). “Under § 55.06(1) and (2), notice of a petition for placement is to be served ten days prior to a hearing.”

Milwaukee Cnty. Prot. Servs. Mgmt. Team v. K.S., 405 N.W.2d 78 (Wis. 1987).

Matter of Guardianship of KNK, 407 N.W.2d 281 (Wis. Ct. App. 1987).

— Wis. Stat. § 55.06(1)(d) — 1 case

— Wis. Stat. § 55.06(10) — 3 cases

In Matter of Guardianship of Agnes T., 525 N.W.2d 268 (Wis. 1995).

In Matter of Guardianship & Prot. Placement of Shaw, 275 N.W.2d 503 (Wis. Ct. App. 1979). “We must also consider the total legislative scheme relat *511 ing to alcoholics, and harmonize sec. 55.06, Stats., with other statutes dealing with alcoholics.”

— Wis. Stat. § 55.06(10)(a) — 1 case

— Wis. Stat. § 55.06(11) — 3 cases

Ethelyn I.C. v. Waukesha Cnty., 584 N.W.2d 211 (Wis. Ct. App. 1998). “Under § 55.06(1) and (2), notice of a petition for placement is to be served ten days prior to a hearing.”

Kindcare, Inc. v. JUDITH G., 2002 WI App 36 (Wis. Ct. App. 2002). “appeals from an order for protective placement under Wis. Stat. § 55.06 , which directed that she be "placed in the least restrictive placement commensurate with her needs as designated by the Milwaukee County Department on Aging.”

H.K. Mallak, Inc. v. Fairfield FMC Corp., 33 F. Supp. 2d 748 (E.D. Wis. 1999).

— Wis. Stat. § 55.06(11)(b) — 2 cases

— Wis. Stat. § 55.06(11)(c) — 6 cases

State Ex Rel. Marberry v. MacHt, 2002 WI App 133 (Wis. Ct. App. 2002).

F.T. v. State, 441 N.W.2d 322 (Wis. Ct. App. 1989).

In Matter of Guardianship of NN, 409 N.W.2d 388 (Wis. Ct. App. 1987).

State v. RRE, 470 N.W.2d 283 (Wis. 1991).

In Interest of FT, 441 N.W.2d 322 (Wis. Ct. App. 1989).

— Wis. Stat. § 55.06(13) — 2 cases

D.E.R. v. La Crosse Cnty., 455 N.W.2d 239 (Wis. 1990).

Matter of Prot. Placement of Der, 455 N.W.2d 239 (Wis. 1990).

— Wis. Stat. § 55.06(17)(c) — 2 cases

Milwaukee Cnty. Prot. Servs. Mgmt. Team v. K.S., 405 N.W.2d 78 (Wis. 1987).

Matter of Guardianship & Placement of Ks, 405 N.W.2d 78 (Wis. 1987).

— Wis. Stat. § 55.06(18) — 2 cases

Knight v. Milwaukee Cnty., 2001 WI App 147 (Wis. Ct. App. 2001). “Moreover, Wis. Stat. § 55.06 (18), upon which the Knights also rely as authority for their appeal, does not apply here.”

Waukesha Cnty. DH&HS v. M. A. S. (Wis. Ct. App. 2023).

— Wis. Stat. § 55.06(2) — 12 cases

Coston v. Joseph P., 586 N.W.2d 52 (Wis. Ct. App. 1998).

State Ex Rel. Watts v. Combined Cmty. Servs. Bd. of Milwaukee Cnty., 362 N.W.2d 104 (Wis. 1985). “284, Laws of 1973, creating sec. 55.06, Stats.). All three of these laws authorize court ordered institutionalization of mentally disabled individuals for the purpose of care and custody.”

Ethelyn I.C. v. Waukesha Cnty., 584 N.W.2d 211 (Wis. Ct. App. 1998). “Under § 55.06(1) and (2), notice of a petition for placement is to be served ten days prior to a hearing.”

Cnty. of Dunn v. Goldie H., 2001 WI 102 (Wis. 2001). “We hold that a person is entitled to a hearing on the record before his or her protective placement is continued, and that the circuit court must make factual findings to support the need for continuation, as required by Wis. Stat. § 55.06 (1) (1999-2000). [1] Here the circuit…”

— Wis. Stat. § 55.06(2)(a) — 2 cases

Matter of Guardianship of KNK, 407 N.W.2d 281 (Wis. Ct. App. 1987).

K.N.K. v. Buhler, 407 N.W.2d 281 (Wis. Ct. App. 1987).

— Wis. Stat. § 55.06(2)(c) — 5 cases

Matter of Guardianship of KNK, 407 N.W.2d 281 (Wis. Ct. App. 1987).

K.N.K. v. Buhler, 407 N.W.2d 281 (Wis. Ct. App. 1987).

Enis v. Dept. of Health & Soc. Servs. of Wisc., 962 F. Supp. 1192 (W.D. Wis. 1996).

N.N. v. Cnty. of Dane, 409 N.W.2d 388 (Wis. Ct. App. 1987).

In Matter of Guardianship of NN, 409 N.W.2d 388 (Wis. Ct. App. 1987).

— Wis. Stat. § 55.06(2)(d) — 3 cases

Wisconsin Dep't of Corr. v. Saenz, 2007 WI App 25 (Wis. Ct. App. 2007).

Matter of Guardianship of KNK, 407 N.W.2d 281 (Wis. Ct. App. 1987).

K.N.K. v. Buhler, 407 N.W.2d 281 (Wis. Ct. App. 1987).

— Wis. Stat. § 55.06(3) — 2 cases

Grant Cnty. Dep't of Soc. Servs. v. Unified Bd. of Grant & Iowa Counties, 2005 WI 106 (Wis. 2005). “[1] The court of appeals examined Wis. Stat. § 55.06 (3)(c) (2001-02), which requires a petition be filed in the county of residence of the person to be protected.”

Dept. of Soc. Servs. v. Unified Bd., 2004 WI App 153 (Wis. Ct. App. 2004).

— Wis. Stat. § 55.06(3)(a) — 2 cases

Matter of Guardianship of KNK, 407 N.W.2d 281 (Wis. Ct. App. 1987).

K.N.K. v. Buhler, 407 N.W.2d 281 (Wis. Ct. App. 1987).

— Wis. Stat. § 55.06(3)(b) — 3 cases

Ethelyn I.C. v. Waukesha Cnty., 584 N.W.2d 211 (Wis. Ct. App. 1998). “Under § 55.06(1) and (2), notice of a petition for placement is to be served ten days prior to a hearing.”

Matter of Guardianship of KNK, 407 N.W.2d 281 (Wis. Ct. App. 1987).

K.N.K. v. Buhler, 407 N.W.2d 281 (Wis. Ct. App. 1987).

— Wis. Stat. § 55.06(3)(c) — 3 cases

Grant Cnty. Dep't of Soc. Servs. v. Unified Bd. of Grant & Iowa Counties, 2004 WI App 153 (Wis. Ct. App. 2004).

Dept. of Soc. Servs. v. Unified Bd., 2004 WI App 153 (Wis. Ct. App. 2004).

— Wis. Stat. § 55.06(5) — 3 cases

Ethelyn I.C. v. Waukesha Cnty., 584 N.W.2d 211 (Wis. Ct. App. 1998). “Under § 55.06(1) and (2), notice of a petition for placement is to be served ten days prior to a hearing.”

Matter of Guardianship of KNK, 407 N.W.2d 281 (Wis. Ct. App. 1987).

K.N.K. v. Buhler, 407 N.W.2d 281 (Wis. Ct. App. 1987).

— Wis. Stat. § 55.06(6) — 2 cases

— Wis. Stat. § 55.06(7) — 2 cases

In Matter of Guardianship of Agnes T., 525 N.W.2d 268 (Wis. 1995).

Ethelyn I.C. v. Waukesha Cnty., 584 N.W.2d 211 (Wis. Ct. App. 1998). “Under § 55.06(1) and (2), notice of a petition for placement is to be served ten days prior to a hearing.”

— Wis. Stat. § 55.06(8) — 4 cases

Milwaukee Cnty. Prot. Servs. Mgmt. Team v. K.S., 405 N.W.2d 78 (Wis. 1987).

Matter of Guardianship & Placement of Ks, 405 N.W.2d 78 (Wis. 1987).

— Wis. Stat. § 55.06(9) — 8 cases

In Re Guardianship of Catherine P., 2006 WI App 105 (Wis. Ct. App. 2006). “On December 30, 2004, Collis filed a petition, pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 55.06 (9)(b) (2003-04), 4 to *645 review the transfer of placement.”

Dunn Cnty. v. JUDY K., 2002 WI 87 (Wis. 2002). “[2] The County asserts that under Wis. Stat. § 55.06 (9)(a), it cannot be required to contribute any funds to Judy K.”

D.E.R. v. La Crosse Cnty., 455 N.W.2d 239 (Wis. 1990).

— Wis. Stat. § 55.06(9)(a) — 10 cases

Dunn Cnty. v. JUDY K., 2002 WI 87 (Wis. 2002). “[2] The County asserts that under Wis. Stat. § 55.06 (9)(a), it cannot be required to contribute any funds to Judy K.”

D.E.R. v. La Crosse Cnty., 455 N.W.2d 239 (Wis. 1990).

City of Milwaukee v. Washington, 2007 WI 104 (Wis. 2007).

— Wis. Stat. § 55.06(9)(b) — 2 cases

Jefferson Cnty. v. Joseph S., 2010 WI App 160 (Wis. Ct. App. 2010).

— Wis. Stat. § 55.06(l)(d) — 2 cases

In Matter of Guardianship of Agnes T., 525 N.W.2d 268 (Wis. 1995).

— Wis. Stat. § 55.06(ll)(a) — 4 cases

Ethelyn I.C. v. Waukesha Cnty., 584 N.W.2d 211 (Wis. Ct. App. 1998). “Under § 55.06(1) and (2), notice of a petition for placement is to be served ten days prior to a hearing.”

State Ex Rel. Sandra D. v. Getto, 498 N.W.2d 892 (Wis. Ct. App. 1993).

Winnebago Cnty. v. Harold W., 573 N.W.2d 207 (Wis. Ct. App. 1997).

— Wis. Stat. § 55.06(ll)(b) — 3 cases

State Ex Rel. Sandra D. v. Getto, 498 N.W.2d 892 (Wis. Ct. App. 1993).

— Wis. Stat. § 55.06(ll)(c) — 4 cases

State Ex Rel. Sandra D. v. Getto, 498 N.W.2d 892 (Wis. Ct. App. 1993).

State v. R.R.E., 470 N.W.2d 283 (Wis. 1991).

N.N. v. Cnty. of Dane, 409 N.W.2d 388 (Wis. Ct. App. 1987).

State v. R.A.R., 432 N.W.2d 685 (Wis. Ct. App. 1988).

— Wis. Stat. § 55.06(ll)(d) — 1 case

Ethelyn I.C. v. Waukesha Cnty., 584 N.W.2d 211 (Wis. Ct. App. 1998). “Under § 55.06(1) and (2), notice of a petition for placement is to be served ten days prior to a hearing.”

— Wis. Stat. § 55.06(llXc) — 1 case

Schoenwald ex rel. L.M.C. v. M.C., 430 N.W.2d 352 (Wis. Ct. App. 1988).

Annotations are extracted automatically from the opinions in the Syfert caselaw corpus and ranked by authority, recency, and treatment. Dots show Syfertize treatment of the citing case itself.