Dane County Job Center Office & South Madison Office Renovate Family Visitation Rooms, Unveil Interactive Mural

August 27, 2025
execmedia@danecounty.gov, (608) 800-1127
County Executive

Today, the Dane County Executive Melissa Agard announced that the Dane County Department of Human Services has renovated three visitation rooms for family reunifications that take place through Child Protective Services (CPS). Two rooms are located at the department’s south Madison office. The other is located at the Dane County Job Center and includes an interactive mural by a local artist. The newly renovated rooms will provide comfortable amenities, as well as opportunities for play and bonding between children and their parents during visitations.

“Every child and family in Dane County deserves to feel supported as they work toward healing and reunification,” said County Executive Melissa Agard. “These updated visitation rooms provide safe, nurturing spaces that foster connection, resilience, and hope. By investing in thoughtful, family-centered environments, we are reinforcing our commitment to the well-being of children and parents alike.”

“It is critical for our families who are being reunited to have a positive parent and child interaction, in a space that is calm and inviting,” said Children, Youth, and Families Division Administrator Dr. Martha Stacker. “Our staff continue to create an environment that is nurturing and supports the children and their families as they look to a stronger and sustainable future together. The mural tells a story of resilience and endless possibilities. It is also interactive.”

The art installation at Dane County’s Job Center was created by T.L. Luke, a local artist.  The mural has accompanying “I spy” and blank coloring pages of the art panel available for children. The theme of change is represented through seasons, with families being at different seasons in their lives but remaining together. The hidden details encourage families to engage with the mural, so parents and children can interact playfully and curiously.

These visitation rooms are used by social service specialists and CPS social workers when supervising family contacts between parents and their child/children who have been placed outside of their parental home. Family interactions are necessary to ensure child safety and to observe parent-child verbal and non-verbal interaction. During these family interactions the social service specialists provide direct feedback and coaching to parents regarding child behavior, engagement, and management and promote positive parent and child interactions. The newly renovated rooms are now calm, nurturing spaces for the children and parents that CPS serves.