Adopting in Wisconsin

Families who live in Wisconsin and want to learn more about adoption can contact the Adoption Resources of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, Division of Children and Family Services. The department has a guide that is available for all families wanting more information about adoption in Wisconsin. The guide is called, Guide to Special Needs Adoption in Wisconsin.

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The first step in the adoption process is to get information about adoption through the Division of Children and Family Services or through a licensed-child placing agency. Agencies work with families who want to adopt infants whose birthmothers create an adoption plan for them. They also work with orphanages in other countries to help find adoptive parents.

Those who choose to adopt through the Division will not have to pay adoption fees, while those who choose an agency will have several fees to pay. Agency fees can get very expensive, however, many families choose agencies because they want to raise a child from infancy. Choosing an agency is an important step in the adoption process.

All families are required to submit an initial application. If the application is approved, then the family will get a list of additional requirements that must be met, including: getting a medical report from the family's doctor, submitting a financial report, proof of employment, marriage or divorce certificates, getting finger printed, having a background check, and completing The Adoption Study Process. A social worker will visit the family to conduct informal interviews and to see the home environment. They will use the information they gain from their visits and the required paperwork that the family submits to complete The Adoption Study Process.

Families who are approved to adopt a child will begin the matching process. Children who are matched with a family will be placed in their care and a period of supervision will begin. The adoption can be finalized after the supervision and positive reports from the social worker.

Back to the main Wisconsin Adoption page.