HISTORY

The County of Milwaukee has long held a statutory responsibility to provide mental health and related healthcare services to its residents. Under Section 51.42(1)(b) of the Wisconsin Statutes, the county board of supervisors is charged with ensuring the well-being, treatment, and care of individuals living with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders, including the provision of emergency services when needed.

Dating back to the late 19th century, Milwaukee County operated long-term institutional care settings for individuals with chronic psychiatric conditions. For decades, many of these individuals—referred to as “clients”—resided at the Mental Health Complex’s Rehab Central facility. These clients often faced multiple psychiatric challenges, including persistent emotional and behavioral disorders, cognitive impairments, and co-occurring medical conditions. While Rehab Central served as a long-term residence for some (one client lived there for 35 years), its institutional and sterile environment limited opportunities for personal growth, autonomy, and dignity.

In response to legal challenges and advocacy efforts, Milwaukee County began a major transition in 2013 to move clients out of institutional settings and into community-based homes. This three-year initiative culminated in the closure of Rehab Central in 2016.

In January 2014, the Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division (BHD) issued a public solicitation for community providers to develop residential programs and living skill opportunities for clients transitioning from Rehab Central. The goal was to create recovery-oriented, person-centered environments that would support long-term stability and independence.

Quest Behavioral Healthcare responded to this call with a proposal to construct two state-of-the-art Community-Based Residential Facilities (CBRFs): Uncas House and Franklin House. These facilities were designed from the ground up to reflect best practices in psychiatric care and residential design. Located in quiet, suburban neighborhoods with ample acreage, each home would serve no more than eight residents, ensuring a low-density, least-restrictive environment. Every resident would have a private suite with a personal bathroom, and the staff-to-client ratio would approach one-to-one.

Quest’s proposal emphasized the therapeutic value of the physical environment, the importance of individualized treatment planning, and the integration of community-based services—medical, social, and recreational. The homes would be equipped with modern safety features and technology, and staffed by a multidisciplinary team including occupational therapists, clinical psychologists, nurses, and a medical director.

Milwaukee County accepted the proposal, and in 2016, Uncas House and Franklin House officially opened their doors. Since then, they have provided long-term, dignified, and compassionate care to individuals with complex psychiatric needs—fulfilling the County’s mandate and advancing the mission of Quest Behavioral Healthcare.