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Adoption in Madison [Complete Guide]

Whether you're hoping to grow your family or you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, the adoption process can feel overwhelming.

That’s why we’ve created this complete guide to adoption in Madison. It’s designed for you, no matter where you’re coming from or what stage you're at in your journey.

Below, we cover how to start the adoption process, costs, financial assistance and more. If you have questions or want to talk to someone right away, contact us online to speak with an adoption specialist.

How to Put a Baby Up for Adoption in Madison

Are you pregnant and considering adoption in Madison? Here’s what you can expect during the process:

  • Step 1: Contact an adoption agency. Reach out to a licensed agency like American Adoptions of Wisconsin. They’ll provide guidance and help you begin your journey.

  • Step 2: Create an adoption plan. You’ll work with a specialist to choose what kind of adoption you want open, semi-open or closed — and what level of contact you’re comfortable with.

  • Step 3: Choose the right family. You can browse profiles of pre-screened adoptive families and choose the one that feels right for your baby.

  • Step 4: Prepare for delivery and placement. You’ll decide how you want the hospital stay to go. After birth, you’ll give your formal consent and your baby will be placed with the adoptive family.

  • Step 5: Receive post-placement support. You can get counseling and maintain a relationship with your baby and their adoptive family (if desired) as you begin your next chapter.

How to Adopt a Baby in Madison

If you're a hopeful adoptive family in Madison, here’s how to get started:

  • Step 1: Choose an adoption professional. A licensed agency like American Adoptions of Wisconsin can guide you through the process from start to finish.

  • Step 2: Complete a home study. A licensed social worker will evaluate your home, background and readiness to adopt.

  • Step 3: Create a family profile. This profile will be shared with prospective birth parents who are considering adoption.

  • Step 4: Wait for an adoption opportunity. Once you’re chosen by an expecting parent, you may have the opportunity to build a connection before the baby is born.

  • Step 5: Complete the legal process. After placement, legal steps like finalization will be completed to make the adoption official.

Adoption Agencies in Madison

There are several adoption agencies in Madison to help you, depending on your needs:

Private Domestic Adoption

Foster Care Adoption

International Adoption

Types of Adoption in Madison

Domestic Infant Adoption

This type of adoption involves adopting a newborn or infant in the U.S. It often includes some level of contact with the birth parents, depending on what both parties agree to.

Foster Care Adoption

Foster care adoption typically involves adopting older children, sibling groups or children with special needs. It usually requires the adoptive parents to become licensed foster parents first.

International Adoption

International adoption means adopting a child from another country. This process includes immigration steps, international travel and working with a Hague-accredited agency.

Stepparent Adoption

Stepparent adoption allows a stepparent to legally adopt their spouse’s child. This process is generally more straightforward than other types of adoption.

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Madison Adoption Laws

Financial Assistance

Expectant mothers may receive financial help for rent, groceries, medical bills, maternity clothing and more. This support helps ease the burden of pregnancy so you can focus on what’s best for you and your baby.

Birth Fathers

Wisconsin law outlines birth father rights in adoption. The birth father's consent is usually required, but there are exceptions.

Consent

In Wisconsin, expecting parents must wait until after birth before signing adoption consent forms. This ensures you’re fully confident in your decision.

ICPC

If the adoptive family lives in another state, the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) ensures all legal steps are taken before the baby can be brought across state lines.

Madison Adoption Requirements

There are no requirements for expecting parents when it comes to choosing adoption. Our goal is to get you the support you need and help you create a plan that works for your life and your baby’s future.

However, there are requirements to adopt in Wisconsin for hopeful families:

  • Be at least 21 years old.

  • Single individuals and married couples can adopt.

  • Complete 25 hours of preadoption training, including six hours of in-person or live webinar instruction.

  • Have sufficient income and space to support a child

  • Pass background checks with no violent or child-related offenses

  • Complete a home study with a licensed social worker

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt in Madison?

Private Domestic Adoption

Private domestic adoption starts at $30,000, according to research. This amount often includes services such as counseling, matching, legal fees and more. With American Adoptions of Wisconsin, you receive upfront pricing and financial protection through our Risk-Sharing Program.

Foster Care Adoption

Foster care adoption typically costs less than $3,000, and these expenses may be covered by the state. The primary costs usually involve the home study, legal fees and any necessary travel.

International Adoption

International adoption can cost $70,000 or more. These costs are due to international travel, dossier preparation, legal expenses and foreign agency fees. In recent years, increased regulations have been put in place to ensure ethical practices.

Financial Assistance for Adoption in Madison

Financial Assistance for Expecting Parents

If you're placing a baby for adoption in Wisconsin, you may qualify for:

  • Counseling

  • Maternity clothing (up to $300)

  • Transportation

  • Pregnancy-related medical expenses

  • Living costs (up to $5,000 if needed)

  • Birthing classes

  • A small gift (up to $100)

Financial Assistance for Hopeful Families

There are several ways adoptive families can offset the cost:

  • Grants

  • Loans

  • Fundraising

  • Savings

  • The Adoption Tax Credit

Other Adoption Professionals in Madison

There are various local professionals who can help you on your adoption journey.

  • Attorneys handle all the legal paperwork and ensure that the adoption process complies with Wisconsin laws.

  • Home study agencies evaluate your home environment and family life to determine your readiness and suitability to adopt.

  • Adoption social workers provide emotional support, offer guidance, and help you navigate each step of the adoption process.

  • Foster care services assist families who are interested in fostering or adopting children through the state system.

Start Your Madison Adoption Journey

Whether you’re placing a baby for adoption or hoping to grow your family, you don’t have to do it alone. We're here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact us today to speak with an adoption specialist and take the first step forward.

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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