[4] The Department is currently led by Secretary-designee Jeff Pertl, an appointee of Governor Tony Evers.

In the early years of Wisconsin statehood, welfare services were largely created and controlled at the local level.

By the time of the New Deal in the 1930s, Wisconsin had already pioneered a number of public welfare programs which would soon become national policy, including aid to children and pensions for the elderly.

In 1975, however, the Legislature abolished the board and vested control in a secretary, to be directly appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the State Senate.

[1]: 385 The 1960s and 70s saw an expansion of public welfare programs at both the state and federal level, including the establishment of Medicaid and Medicare, drug treatment programs, food stamps, Aid to Families with Dependent Children, and increased regulation of nursing homes and hospitals.

Bureaus include: The Division of Family and Economic Security (DFES) manages programs to provide short term welfare assistance and resources.

Bureaus include: Separate from the ordinary organizational structure of the Department, there are two commissions created by the Governor or acts of the Wisconsin Legislature to oversee, advise, or administer certain functions.

The board also recommends changes in statutes, policies, budges, or regulations to reduce child abuse and neglect.