August 9, 2024 – Kewaskum, WI – Investigation of Forever Friend’s Learning Center – On July 23, 2024, the Kewaskum Police Department received information in regards to possible physical abuse to a child that occurred at Forever Friend’s Learning Center in the Village of Kewaskum.
The Kewaskum Police Department was assisted by Washington County Child Protective Services and the Department of Children and Families.
The initial investigation led to the owner agreeing to a voluntary closure of the facility while the investigation was ongoing.
After a lengthy investigation involving multiple child and adult interviews, the Kewaskum Police Department did arrest a 20-year-old female employee and requested the following charges with the Washington County District Attorney’s Office:
– (2) Two counts of Physical Abuse of a Child / Reckless Causation – Wis. Stats 948.03(3)(b)
– (2) Two counts of Failure to Report Abuse / Neglect as Required – Wis. Stats 48.981(2)
The Kewaskum Police Department is also requesting charges on the owner of the facility as follows:
– (1) One count of Failure to Report Abuse / Neglect as Required – Wis. Stats 48.981(2)
This incident affects many families in and around the Village of Kewaskum and I appreciate the community’s patience through this process. Confidentiality was important in this case due to the nature of the investigation, and I ask for continued respect for those families affected and allow them the privacy they deserve in this case.
Pursuant to the directive of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule 20:3.6, Trial Publicity, be advised that a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty.
Authority:
Thomas F Bishop
Chief of Police
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July 26, 2024 – Kewaskum, Wi – More details are being released regarding the 60-day closure of Forever Friends Learning Center, 1623 Fond du Lac Avenue, Kewaskum, WI. An initial statement was released Wednesday, July 25, 2024, that the learning center in the Village of Kewaskum had been “closed while an investigation was conducted.”
Kewaskum Police Chief Tom Bishop said Friday, July 26, 2024, the “police department did not shut down” the facility.
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“I don’t have the power to shut them down. Only certain people with certain authority can do that,” he said.
The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families was the one who closed the facility, according to Bishop. The reason, he said, was because of a criminal investigation into possible child abuse.
Bishop made clear the allegation had nothing to do with sexual abuse.
Questioned if the allegations involve one child or multiple children, Bishop declined comment at this time.
“We’ve had some parents reach out,” he said. “Because when the news came out they said they had something to share. So it’s been helpful.”
Bishop said the reason for closing the facility was safety.
“It’s closed at the moment, because we think children are safer if they’re not there,” he said.
Neighbors in Kewaskum expressed frustration on multiple levels. Many parents who used the learning center are trying to find other child-care agencies.
“The young parents don’t know where to go with their kids,” said one woman who wished to remain anonymous. “Daycare is hard to find to begin with for working parents.”
The business community in Kewaskum was also concerned about the closure. “The people at the learning center are very involved in the community and they’re always giving back,” she said. “The owner and staff volunteer for events so I’m super concerned for them.”
Neighbors said the learning center watched children from infant to school age up to fifth grade for Club Cool.
This is a working story and more information will be posted when details are available.
July 25, 2024 – Kewaskum, WI – Forever Friends Learning Center in the Village of Kewaskum has been closed while an investigation is conducted.
The Kewaskum Police Department is coordinating the investigation with the appropriate authorities and the daycare will be closed until the investigation in complete.
Any families impacted by this closure can contact 211 to locate alternative resources in the county.
This is an ongoing investigation, and no further information will be released at this time.
Authority:
Chief Thomas F Bishop
Kewaskum Police Department
