Adoption in Kenosha[Complete Guide]

Whether you're considering placing your baby for adoption or you're hoping to adopt a child, understanding the process is the first step.

In the sections below, we walk you through how adoption works in Kenosha, including the costs, legal steps, professionals and more.

If you're ready to move forward with adoption or just need someone to talk to, contact us today. One of our adoption specialists can lend a listening ear or provide personalized guidance.

How to Put a Baby Up for Adoption in Kenosha

If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, placing your baby for adoption is one way to create a safe, loving future for them. Here's how the process typically works:

Step 1: Contact our agency. One of our adoption specialists can answer your questions and walk you through your options.
Step 2: Create an adoption plan. This plan puts you in control. You can choose what kind of family you want for your child, how much contact you want and more.
Step 3: Choose the perfect adoptive family and build a relationship. You can browse family profiles and start building a connection with the family you choose for your baby.
Step 4: Deliver your baby and provide consent. When the time comes, you’ll sign legal documents to consent to the adoption after birth.
Step 5: Move forward as a birth mother. Many birth mothers stay in touch with adoptive families and receive post-placement counseling.

How to Adopt a Baby in Kenosha

Adoption allows you to grow your family while providing a loving home for a child. Here are the general steps:

Step 1: Select an adoption agency. Choose a licensed agency that matches your values and offers comprehensive support, such as American Adoptions of Wisconsin.
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. Your profile will be shown to expectant mothers, and you’ll be chosen when there’s a match.
Step 4: Bring your child home after birth. Once the birth parents have given their legal consent, you’ll be able to begin bonding as a family.
Step 5: Finalize the adoption. After a post-placement period, you'll attend a court hearing to make the adoption legal.

Adoption Agencies in Kenosha

The right agency can make all the difference. In Kenosha, there are several options depending on the type of adoption you're pursuing.

Private Domestic Adoption

American Adoptions of Wisconsin

Foster Care Adoption

International Adoption

Types of Adoption in Kenosha

There are several types of adoption available in Kenosha. Understanding your options helps you decide what’s best for your family or situation.

This type involves the voluntary placement of a newborn baby, typically through a private agency. Expectant parents choose the family and can opt for open, semi-open or closed adoption.

Children in the foster system who are legally free for adoption are often older, part of a sibling group or have special needs. Families work with the state or local agencies to complete the process.

Adopting a child from another country includes extra steps like international law compliance and travel. This process is regulated to ensure the child’s safety and best interests.

This occurs when a stepparent adopts their spouse’s child, strengthening legal and emotional family ties. It's often simpler than other types of adoption.

Kenosha Adoption Laws

Financial Assistance

Expectant parents may qualify for adoption-related financial assistance. This can include rent, groceries, maternity clothing, medical bills and other pregnancy-related expenses.

Birth Fathers

Wisconsin law requires the birth father’s consent in certain situations. If the father is unknown or unsupportive, adoption may still be possible.

Consent

In Wisconsin, expectant parents can only give legal consent to place their child for adoption after the baby is born. This waiting period ensures that the decision is made with a clear mind and full understanding of what adoption means.

ICPC

The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) applies if the adoption crosses state lines. It ensures all legal requirements are met in both states.

Kenosha Adoption Requirements

There are no requirements when expectant parents choose adoption. It’s a personal decision that you can make to give your baby a life full of opportunity.

But for hopeful adoptive families, there are some state requirements:

You must be at least 21 years old.
You can adopt as a single adult or a married couple.
You will need to complete 25 hours of preadoption training, including six hours of live webinar or in-person training.
You must be able to provide a safe, adequate home environment.
You must have a stable income.
You cannot have convictions for violent crimes or crimes against children.
You must get a home study completed by a licensed professional.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt in Kenosha?

Adoption costs vary depending on the type you pursue. These fees cover professional services, legal work, counseling, and more.

Private domestic adoption starts at $30,000. Costs reflect the full scope of services, including matching, counseling and legal work. At American Adoptions of Wisconsin, there are no hidden fees. Our Risk-Sharing Program also helps protect your investment if an adoption doesn’t move forward.
Foster care adoption is usually under $3,000. Costs are minimal and often covered by the state, as the goal is to find permanent homes for children in need.
International adoption can reach $70,000 or more. Expenses include travel, foreign legal fees and document processing. Due to international regulations, this path requires careful planning.

Financial Assistance for Adoption in Kenosha

Financial Assistance for Expecting Parents

If you're pregnant and considering adoption, financial help is available. This may include:

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

Financial Assistance for Hopeful Families

Adoptive families can explore several support options:

Grants (Help Us Adopt, National Adoption Foundation, The Associates Home Loan of Florida Inc., etc.)
Loans (SoFi, LightStream, USAA, etc.)
Fundraising (GoFundMe, social media campaigns, bake sales, etc.)
Savings
The Adoption Tax Credit

Other Adoption Professionals in Kenosha

Several professionals may be involved in your adoption journey:

Attorneys handle the legal process, including adoption consent and finalization.
Home study agencies evaluate your home and prepare your report.
Adoption social workers provide emotional support, education and coordination between parties.
Foster care services offer temporary homes and help facilitate foster-to-adopt placements.

Moving Forward With Adoption in Kenosha

Whether you're placing a baby for adoption or hoping to adopt, you deserve to feel informed and supported every step of the way. The process can feel complex, but you don’t have to do it alone.

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.

Request Free Information