Types of Adoption
Agency Adoption
A full-service, licensed adoption agency, such as AOW, matches birth parents and adoptive parents, provides education, counseling, home studies, post-placement services and takes legal guardianship of the child until the adoption is finalized.
Independent Adoption
In independent adoptions, the birth parents and adoptive parents locate each other. A Wisconsin-licensed agency must be involved to perform the other legally required services such as counseling for birth parents and a home study of prospective adoptive parents.
Interstate Adoption
When a child is adopted into or from another state, the rules of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children must be followed. This means that we need to comply with the legal requirements of both states. In an interstate adoption, AOW can provide the following services:
- Home study for prospective adoptive families in Wisconsin
- Birth parent counseling and services
- Adoptive parent counseling and services
- Guardianship
- Post placement services
- Preparation of ICPC materials
- Finalization report
Step-Parent
When a parent remarries, a stepparent often assumes the emotional and financial responsibility of a spouse's children. An adoption can protect a child's relationship with a stepparent. We can help with the required screening and court report.
Relative Adoptions
Birth parents may place a child for adoption in the home of a relative. If the relative has a completed home study, the adoption can be finalized immediately following the termination of parental rights. AOW can provide the required screening and court report.
A Word about Adoption “Facilitators”
You may see information on the Internet about adoption facilitators, who promise to find you a child. Be wary of working with such unlicensed people or entities. In Wisconsin, it is illegal for any person or organization, which is not a Wisconsin-licensed adoption agency, to accept payment for matching adoptive parents and birth parents.
For more information please see the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys website
(www.adoptionattorneys.org).
Questions?
