Adoption in Wisconsin [Complete Guide]

Whether you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy or hoping to grow your family through adoption, understanding how adoption works in Wisconsin can help you move forward with confidence and clarity.

Adoption is not a one-size-fits-all journey. That’s why it’s so important to work with trusted professionals who can guide you through the process step by step.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through how to place a baby for adoption, how to adopt a child, the types of adoption available, adoption laws and costs and where to find support. Whether you’re exploring your options or ready to take the next step, you can contact us anytime to speak with an adoption specialist.

You can also visit one of our local offices:

Da Pere

444 Reid St., Ste. 300

Da Pere, WI 54115

1-800-ADOPTION

Eau Claire

3402 Oakwood Mall Drive, 2nd Floor

Eau Claire, WI 54701

1-800-ADOPTION

Milwaukee

9000 W. Chester St., Ste. 100

Milwaukee, WI 53214

1-800-ADOPTION

How to Put a Baby Up for Adoption in Wisconsin

If you're pregnant and thinking about adoption in Wisconsin, here are the key steps to placing your baby for adoption:

Step 1: Contact an adoption specialist in Wisconsin. A licensed agency or adoption specialist can explain your options and help you understand the adoption process.
Step 2: Create an adoption plan. You get to make decisions about the type of adoption you want (open, semi-open or closed) and the kind of family you're looking for.
Step 3: Choose the perfect adoptive family and build a relationship. You’ll review adoptive family profiles and select the one you feel is the best fit. If you choose open adoption, you can get to know the adoptive parents during your pregnancy.
Step 4: Deliver your baby and provide consent. Your adoption specialist will help coordinate your hospital plan and make sure your wishes are respected. After the birth, you can consent to the adoption once you're emotionally and physically ready, according to state laws.
Step 5: Move forward as a birth mother. You’ll continue to receive emotional support and counseling as you move forward.

How to Adopt a Baby in Wisconsin

Hopeful parents who want to adopt in Wisconsin typically follow these steps:

Step 1: Select an adoption agency. To start, you will need to find a reputable adoption agency based on your family-building goals.
Step 2: Complete the home study. A licensed social worker will assess your home and readiness to adopt through documentation, home visits and interviews.
Step 3: Wait for an adoption opportunity. Once approved to adopt, you’ll wait for a pregnant woman to choose you as her baby's parents.
Step 4: Bring your child home after birth. Get ready to welcome your child into the world and complete legal paperwork with your adoption specialist.
Step 5: Finalize the adoption. A judge will legally complete the adoption after at least six post-placement visits.

Adoption Agencies in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has a wide range of adoption agencies based on the type of adoption you're pursuing. Whether you’re placing a child for adoption or hoping to adopt, these professionals can help guide you through the process.

Private Domestic Adoption

American Adoptions of Wisconsin

Foster Care Adoption

International Adoption

Local Wisconsin Adoption Information

Adoption laws and resources may vary depending on where you live. If you're looking for adoption services in your city, check out these local resources:

Types of Adoption in Wisconsin

Domestic Infant Adoption

This is when a newborn is placed with adoptive parents shortly after birth. Typically arranged through a private agency, infant adoptions may be open, semi-open or closed based on the pregnant woman's preferences.

Foster Care Adoption

Foster care adoption generally costs under $3,000. Most of the required expenses — such as the home study, legal fees, and travel — can be reimbursed by the state. This makes it one of the most affordable adoption paths available in Wisconsin.

International Adoption

International adoption can cost between $30,000 and $70,000 or more. These expenses typically include international travel, legal fees in the child’s country of origin, dossier preparation, and U.S. immigration processing. Because of increased regulations, this process requires careful planning and the help of a qualified agency.

Stepparent Adoption

This occurs when a stepparent adopts their spouse’s child. The process is usually simpler but still requires legal steps, including the termination of the other biological parent’s rights (if applicable).

Wisconsin Adoption Laws

Financial Assistance

Expecting parents can receive adoption financial assistance for things like rent, groceries, medical costs and maternity clothing. These benefits are available through licensed adoption agencies to ensure safe and ethical support.

Birth Fathers

Wisconsin law requires either the consent of the birth father or legal steps to terminate his parental rights. Learn more about birth father rights online.

Consent

Expecting parents must wait until after birth to give legal consent for adoption. The law protects your right to make an informed, voluntary decision.

Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC)

If the adoption crosses state lines, this law ensures that the child’s placement is legal and safe across both states involved.

Wisconsin Adoption Requirements

There are no requirements for expecting mothers to place a baby for adoption in Wisconsin. You won’t be judged based on your age, background or financial situation. The goal is to support you, not add pressure during your pregnancy.

For hopeful families, there are some basic adoption requirements:

You must be at least 21 years old.
You can adopt as a single individual or as a married couple.
You must complete 25 hours of preadoption training, including six hours of in-person or live webinar instruction.
Your home must meet basic safety and space requirements.
Your income should be sufficient to support your household.
You must not have any convictions for violent crimes or offenses involving children.
A licensed professional must complete your home study.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt in Wisconsin?

Adoption costs vary depending on the type of adoption you pursue:

According to The Child Welfare Information Gateway, private adoptions start at $30,000. Fees cover services like counseling, matching, legal work and post-placement support. At American Adoptions of Wisconsin, we offer clear, upfront pricing and a Risk-Sharing Program that protects families in case of an adoption disruption.

Foster care adoption generally costs under $3,000. Most of the required expenses — such as the home study, legal fees and travel — can be reimbursed by the state. However, the primary purpose of foster care is to provide temporary care for children whose biological families are working toward reunification.

International adoption can cost up to $70,000 or more. These expenses typically include international travel, legal fees in the child’s country of origin, dossier preparation and U.S. immigration processing. Because of increased regulations, this process requires careful planning and the help of a qualified agency.

Financial Assistance for Adoption in Wisconsin

Financial Assistance for Expecting Parents

If you're pregnant in Wisconsin, you may qualify for financial help. This support can ease the financial burden of an unplanned pregnancy:

Here's what you could get assistance with:

Counseling and emotional support
Maternity clothing (up to $300)
Transportation to appointments
Pregnancy-related medical care
Living expenses (up to $5,000)
Birthing classes
A small gift (up to $100)

Financial Assistance for Hopeful Families

Adoption can be a large upfront cost, especially for private or international adoptions. Fortunately, there are several ways to make the process more affordable.

Hopeful families can fund their adoptions through:

Grants
Loans
Fundraising
Savings
The Adoption Tax Credit

Other Adoption Professionals in Wisconsin

Here are the key people who may be involved in your adoption journey:

These professionals handle all legal aspects of the adoption process, including paperwork, consent and finalization.

These agencies assess whether a hopeful adoptive family and their home meet all safety, emotional and financial standards.

Social workers guide both expectant parents and adoptive families through the emotional and logistical aspects of adoption.

These services support families who are adopting through the Wisconsin foster care system.

Moving Forward with Adoption in Wisconsin

Whether you're placing a child for adoption or building your family through adoption, you deserve guidance and support at every step. Adoption is a deeply personal journey — but you don’t have to navigate it alone.

If you’re ready to explore your options or take the next step, contact us today to speak with a trusted adoption specialist.

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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