Call or email us to set up a time when we can sit down and talk about your dream. Ask all of your questions. Here is an opportunity for us to learn more about each other.

The next step is to complete our application packet and submit it along with an application fee. This includes an application for a home study, our fee structure, and releases to obtain information from law enforcement, DMV and background checks. A completed, approved home study is necessary for you to take a child into your home. 

Once your home study is complete, you can join our family waiting list by turning in the fee agreement and deposit. Adoptive families experience an average wait of one year for a match in our program. 

Begin your Training 

All first-time prospective adoptive parents must receive preparation training. We will help you explore the training and education opportunities that fit your family best and you can submit your education plan to AOW Service Coordinator,Jenny Wagner for approval.  Preference is given to class-based education over internet courses. 

A family profile is a picture gallery and written summary that is used to introduce you to expectant birth parents. Here is your chance to connect with birth parents on a personal level and put into words the warmth and love you can offer to a child.  The profile should contain information on your personality, career, lifestyle, hobbies, religion and dreams for the future.

Many expectant birth parents need more than the family profile to look at, and may wish to connect with adoptive parents in person before making their decision. We will set up these meetings, and be there to facilitate.

Taking Baby Home

Adoptive families that have completed a home study and received a pre-adoptive foster care license can take the baby home from the hospital after birth. This is decided on by both birth family and adoptive family.  This is a very exciting time for adoptive families as well as a time of loss for birth parents.  Your social worker and the birth parent’s social worker will be providing assistance and support during this time.

Terminating Birth Parents’ Rights

Once the baby is born, an Adoptions of Wisconsin attorney or the birth parents’ attorney will petition the court for a termination of parental rights (TPR) hearing.  When the petition is received by the court, a hearing will usually be scheduled no later than 30 days after the petition has been filed.  Up until the court hearing, the birth parent holds all legal rights to the child.
Adoptive parents are not parties to the TPR case and are not required to be at the hearing. You may, however, attend the TPR hearing if you are invited by the birth parents. Once this hearing is over and the TPR order is signed, the birth family no longer has legal rights to the child and the child becomes free for adoption. 

Preparing to Adopt

Usually a child lives with the adoptive family for at least six months before the adoption is legally finalized. During this time, your social worker will visit you several times both in your home and at the AOW office to ensure that the child is well cared for and that you are receiving information and support.  We will then submit a written recommendation to the court to approve your adoption, and will assist you with filing the appropriate forms to the court so that the adoption can be finalized. 

Adoption Hearing!

Here is where you and your family will appear in court before a judge to finalize your adoption. Your child is now legally yours!

Don’t Forget Your Tax Credit

You can file a tax credit in the year of your adoption finalization.