Adoption in Green Bay [Complete Guide]

Adoption is a life-changing journey. It offers a path forward for expectant mothers who want the best for their babies and for families hoping to welcome children into their lives.

No matter where you're starting from, knowing your options and understanding the process can help you take the next step with confidence. In this guide, we’ll walk through the adoption process in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

If you have questions or want to speak directly with an adoption specialist, you can contact us online.

How to Put a Baby Up for Adoption in Green Bay

If you’re pregnant and considering adoption, you’re not alone. Many women have found strength and peace by choosing adoption, and there’s a clear process to guide you. Here’s what that typically looks like in Green Bay:

Step 1: Contact an adoption specialist. You can reach out to a licensed agency like American Adoptions of Wisconsin. A specialist will walk you through your options.
Step 2: Create an adoption plan. You get to make decisions about the kind of family you want for your baby, what kind of relationship you’d like after placement and more.
Step 3: Choose the perfect adoptive family and build a relationship. You can browse profiles of pre-screened families, and you can pick the family that aligns with the future you imagine for your baby.
Step 4: Deliver your baby and provide consent. After your baby is born, you’ll give legal consent for the adoption according to Wisconsin law.
Step 5: Move forward as a birth mother. You can maintain contact with your baby and their adoptive family and access post-placement counseling.

How to Adopt a Baby in Green Bay

If you’re ready to grow your family through adoption, it helps to know what the process involves. Here’s how adoption typically works for hopeful parents in Green Bay:

Step 1: Select an adoption agency. Choose a licensed agency like American Adoptions of Wisconsin that can guide you through the entire process.
Step 2: Complete the home study. This involves background checks, documentation, home visits and interviews to ensure you're ready to adopt.
Step 3: Wait for an adoption opportunity. Once your profile is active, you’ll wait to be chosen by an expectant parent.
Step 4: Bring your child home after birth. After the baby is born and legal consent is provided, you’ll be able to bring your child home.
Step 5: Finalize the adoption. You’ll attend a court hearing to make the adoption legal. This marks the beginning of your life together as a family.

Adoption Agencies in Green Bay

There are several adoption agencies in Green Bay. Your choice may depend on the type of adoption you're pursuing.

Private Domestic Adoption

American Adoptions of Wisconsin

Foster Care Adoption

International Adoption

Types of Adoption in Green Bay

There are several ways to build your family or make an adoption plan, and each comes with its own process and considerations.

Domestic infant adoption involves a birth parent voluntarily placing a newborn with an adoptive family. This is often done through a private domestic agency.
Foster care adoption involves adopting a child who is in the state’s foster care system. These children may be older, part of a sibling group or have special needs.
International adoption is when a child is adopted from another country. These adoptions can be complex, involving both U.S. and foreign laws, and generally come with higher costs.
Stepparent adoption occurs when a stepparent adopts their spouse’s child. This process is usually simpler and faster than other forms of adoption.

Green Bay Adoption Laws

Financial Assistance

Expectant parents can receive financial support to help cover pregnancy-related costs. This can include rent, groceries, medical bills, transportation, maternity clothes and more.

Birth Fathers

Wisconsin law outlines specific rights and responsibilities for birth fathers in adoption. Depending on the situation, consent or legal notice may be required.

Consent

In Wisconsin, consent can only be given after the baby is born. The law ensures that birth parents fully understand their decision.

ICPC

The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) governs adoptions that cross state lines. It ensures legal compliance and protects the child’s best interests

Green Bay Adoption Requirements

There are no legal requirements for expectant mothers choosing adoption. The focus is on making the best decision for you and your baby, without judgment or pressure.

However, Wisconsin has the following requirements for hopeful adoptive families:

Be at least 21 years old.
You can adopt as a single individual or as a married couple.
Complete 25 hours of preadoption training, including six hours of in-person or live webinar instruction.
Have enough space in your home for an adopted child.
You must be able to meet basic financial needs.
You cannot have a history of violent crimes or offenses involving children.
Complete a home study with a licensed professional.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt in Green Bay?

Adoption involves a range of services and professionals. Because of this, adoption costs can vary significantly depending on the path you choose and what's included.

Private domestic adoption starts at $30,000. American Adoptions of Wisconsin offers a flat-fee estimate and a Risk-Sharing Program in case of an adoption disruption.
Foster care adoption is often under $3,000. These adoptions are often supported by the state to make it easier for children in foster care to find permanent homes.
International adoption can cost up to $70,000 or more. Expenses include travel, dossier prep, foreign legal fees and more. These adoptions also follow strict ethical and legal guidelines.

Financial Assistance for Adoption in Green Bay

Financial Assistance for Expecting Parents

If you’re placing a baby for adoption, financial help may be available for:

Counseling sessions
Maternity clothing (up to $300)
Transportation to appointments
Medical expenses
Living costs (up to $5,000 if needed)
Birthing classes
A small gift (up to $100)

Financial Assistance for Hopeful Families

Families hoping to adopt may find help through:

Grants
Loans
Fundraising
Savings
The Adoption Tax Credit

Other Adoption Professionals in Green Bay

In addition to agencies, several professionals support your adoption journey:

Start Your Adoption Journey

Whether you're considering adoption for your baby or ready to grow your family, you don’t have to do it alone. With the right support, adoption can be a positive and empowering choice for everyone involved.

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.

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