Conditional Release Program

The Conditional Release Program provides community supervision and supports to people living with a mental illness who have committed a crime. It is a national leader in the community supervision and support of people found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect. The majority of clients on conditional release in Wisconsin committed a felony crime.

Court-ordered community placement

Conditional Release Program clients are committed to the Department of Health Services. The committing court determines placement. Options include one of the mental health institutes managed by the Department of Health Services or direct placement into the community. Individuals placed at Mendota Mental Health Institute and Winnebago Mental Health Institute can petition for conditional release every six months.

The standard for conditional release in Wisconsin is dangerousness. That is, the court will deny conditional release if it finds clear and convincing evidence that the person would pose a significant risk of bodily harm to their well-being or to others or there is a significant risk of serious property damage if conditionally released.

Statewide program

A team of case managers provide services across all Wisconsin counties. These case managers assist clients in becoming successful and productive while keeping communities safe. A client's conditional release may be revoked if they violate the terms of their conditional release.

Victim notification

The Department of Health Services manages victim notification for people found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.

Notifications are sent to enrolled victims when:

• A court grants conditional release. 
• A court grants discharge from conditional release. 
• A not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect commitment expires.

Enrolled victims are notified when the committed individual dies if the person is in the care of the Department of Health Services at the time of death.

Enrollment in victim notification services is optional. The person found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect will not be given your contact information.

Complete this form—Victim Notification Request, F-03273—to request enrollment in the victim notification system.

If you have questions or concerns about victim notification for people found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect, contact the Bureau of Community Forensic Services.

• Phone: 608-261-0646 (Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
• Email: dhsdctsvictimservices@dhs.wisconsin.gov 

Contact the Bureau of Community of Forensic Services if you have enrolled for victim notification but no longer wish to be contacted or your contact information has changed.

Resources for case managers and clients

Select an option below to view publications and forms for case managers and clients. 

Related topics

• Opening Avenues to Reentry Success Program
• Outpatient Competency Examination Program
• Outpatient Competency Restoration Program
• Supervised Release Program