U.S. Ratifies the Hague Convention

Beginning Steps to Adoption

Adopting a Child Isn't as Easy as 1, 2, 3. . .

But then, most worthwhile things take time and effort. For prospective adoptive parents, the adoption process may seem very complicated. In truth, it is an involved process. The decision to adopt is life changing for you, your family and the adopted child.

Adoption professionals work with you throughout the process to provide what’s best for both you and the child. Because there are many important decisions to be made, the adoption process is lengthy.

As you proceed with an adoption, remember, there is no one route for families to follow on their way to becoming adoptive parents. It is most important to understand who the children are, where you will find them and what steps are necessary to link up with them. The following pages will help you start your journey.

1. Decide if Adoption is Right for You

If you are thinking about becoming an adoptive parent, you must decide if adoption is right for you. Here are a few questions you should consider:

• How comfortable are you with the idea of adoption and its effect on your family life?
• Do you have the ability to support a child?
• Do you have enough time to meet the needs of a child?
• Are you prepared to answer the questions your adopted child may have in the years ahead?
• Can you see yourself with a child who may not look like you?
• Will you be able to meet the cultural needs of a child with a different ethnic background than you?

2. Consider the Different Types of Adoption

Infant Adoption

If you are interested in adopting a newborn, you will want to pursue an infant adoption. You will choose a licensed private adoption agency that works with birth parents. You will have the option of seeking out birth parents independently, but you will still need to work with a licensed agency to get an adoption study done. A large number of infant adoptions are open adoptions. Open adoptions are structured so that you and the birth parents have knowledge of each other. There is no assurance that a birth parent will choose to place the infant for adoption. Birth parents have the right to decide to parent their child up until the time they legally end their parental rights in court. You will need to be prepared that this change of heart may happen.

Most adoption agencies provide counseling both before and after the adoption for the adoptive parents and birth parents. Fees for each agency will vary and there will be other additional costs.

Relative/Stepparent Adoption

In Wisconsin, a parent having physical custody of a child can place the child in the home of a relative for the purpose of adoption. “Relative” means a parent, stepparent, grandparent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew or first cousin that is related to the child by birth, marriage or adoption. You might adopt a child who is a relative or adopt a child of your spouse.

Contact a licensed private adoption agency. Agency fees will vary. Other fees will include attorney fees, court fees, court costs and miscellaneous costs (such as the fee for an amended birth certificate).

International Adoption

While adoption of newborns is unlikely, about 75% of international adoptions are children under two years of age. Some of these children have spent considerable time in orphanages. Other children have lived with foster families before they leave for the United States.

There is a great deal of paperwork involved with an international adoption. You will need to satisfy the requirements of a foreign government, the United States federal government, and the State of Wisconsin. Costs could be substantial because there will be expenses in both the United States and abroad. You may need to spend some time abroad completing the adoption. If you are interested in an international adoption, contact a licensed private adoption agency. Obtain a list of licensed adoption agencies from the Wisconsin Adoption Information Center.

Special Needs Adoption

Children with special needs are often school age or part of a sibling group. Some of the children have mental, physical or emotional disabilities. They are children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse and neglect; most are in foster care.

There are many children waiting to be adopted. Parenting a child with special needs will be challenging. Parents will need to acquire skills and knowledge about special issues. You can attend an informational meeting through a public or licensed private adoption agency, or contact the Adoption Resources of Wisconsin for information on special needs adoptions at (800) 762-8063. There are usually no fees for this kind of adoption if you work with a public agency, and financial assistance is available depending on the child's disability level after the adoption is completed.

3. Choose an Adoption Agency

To choose an adoption agency, you should take the following steps:

1. Make yourself a good consumer. Gather as much information as possible about adoption, agencies and state requirements. Investigate all alternatives before deciding what is right for you.
2. Learn about agencies. Find out which agencies offer the kind of programs you are looking for. Most agencies will offer informational meetings throughout the year. Ask questions (see a suggested list of questions on the back page).
3. Connect with other adoptive parents and support groups in your area. Parents who have been through the process can tell you about their personal experiences working with an agency.
4. Make sure you are aware of and understand the fees charged by agencies and attorneys.

About Wisconsin’s Public Adoption Agency

The Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services provides special needs adoption services through its staff and contract agencies. The majority of children with special needs are under Department care. They will provide a free adoption study for families selected through a screening process for special needs adoption and will assist families after adoption. Contact the Adoption Resources of Wisconsin at (800) 762-8063 for a list of all the public offices.

About Wisconsin’s Licensed Private Adoption Agencies

Wisconsin licensed agencies provide various types of adoptions that can include infant, independent, stepparent, relative, international and special needs. Services include counseling both before and after the adoption, & the adoption study process. Agencies charge a fee for an adoption study, placement supervision and other services. There may be reimbursement for some adoption costs through adoption tax credits or through Adoption Assistance for children with special needs.

Call the Wisconsin Adoption Information Center at 1-800-571-1105 for a list of licensed agencies, or access a list through our website: www.wiadoptioninfocenter.org

Questions to Ask as You Select an Adoption Agency
Placement Information:

• How many child placements did you do last year?
• How many children did you place from each of the programs?
• What is your experience with placing children from other countries?
• (For single parents) How many children have you placed in a single parent home?

Timing of the Adoption Process

• How soon after I apply will my adoption study begin? How long will it take to complete?
• When will I be notified of approval?
• In the event that I am not approved, can I find out why? Can I appeal the decision?
• How long will it take from the adoption study approval to the referral of a child?
• What do I do if I feel I can’t accept the child referred?
• (For international adoptions) Once I accept a referral, how long must I wait for the child to arrive or until I travel to adopt my child?

Costs of the Adoption:

• What will be the total cost of adopting through each program?
• What services do the fees cover?
• Are there any additional fees I will be responsible for?

Other Important Questions:

• What kind of support services do you offer before, during and after adoption?
• How will you help prepare me for parenting a child of a different racial and/or cultural background?
• How will you help prepare me for the special challenges of parenting children who have been abused or neglected?
• What services do you provide in case of difficulties after a child is in my home?
• What type of counseling do you provide for birth parents – and how much do you provide?
• Will you explain current tax credits for adoption and the adoption assistance program to me?

 

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For More Help

Please contact us at the Wisconsin Adoption Information Center with your questions. We are glad to assist you throughout the adoption process. We encourage you to visit our web site at http://wiadoptioninfocenter.org. We also encourage you to visit the web site of the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services for adoption information at http://dhfs.state.wi.us. The Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, Division of Children and Family Services funds the Wisconsin Adoption Information Center. It is operated by the Adoption Resources of Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Adoption Information Center
6682 W. Greenfield Ave., Suite 310
Milwaukee, WI 53214
1-800-571-1105 in Milwaukee or (414) 475-0596
www.wiadoptioninfocenter.org