AdoptUSKids For Families

Wisconsin Foster Care
and Adoption Guidelines

 

We are here to help provide the information you need to start your foster care or adoption process. We are happy to answer any questions.

Contact Information

  • Adoption Resources of Wisconsin
    Email (Correo Electrónico): info@wiadopt.org
    Phone (Teléfono): 414-475-1246
    Toll-Free Phone: 800-762-8063
 

Things You Should Know

 

Foster Care and Adoption

 

In general, foster and adoptive parents must be in good physical and mental health. They must also be able to raise the child in a safe, caring environment.

The following are some of the characteristics necessary to be a good foster or adoptive parent:

  • Stability
  • Maturity
  • Commitment
  • Patience
  • Dependability
  • Flexibility
  • Sense of humor
  • Enjoys children and is an advocate for them
  • Team player willing to work with your social worker, the birth parents, as needed, and community services

Minimum Qualifications Include:

  • Are at least 21 years old
  • Are single or married or divorced
  • Already have children in your home or no children in the home
  • Are of any race
  • Have sufficient income to cover your financial needs
  • Own or rent your home or apartment
  • Have enough room for the child
  • Complete proper training requirements
  • Pass criminal background checks

If you meet these basic qualifications then you’re off to a great start!

If you have questions regarding adoption or foster care please contact:

 

Costs to Foster and Adopt

 

None

 

Agency Contact and Orientation Information

 
  • WI DHFS Green Bay
    Address: 200 N. Jefferson, Suite 411, Green Bay, WI 54301
    Phone: 920-448-5312
    Eastern Regional Office
  • WI DHFS Madison
    Street Address: 1 West Wilson Room 550
    Mailing Address: P.O. Box 8916, Madison, WI 53708
    Phone: 608-264-6838
    Southern Regional Office
  • WI DHFS Eau Claire
    Address: 610 Gibson Street, Suite 2, Eau Claire, WI 54701
    Phone: 715-836-3399
    Western Regional Office

  • Children’s Service Society of Wisconsin / Milwaukee County
    Address: 620 S. 76th Street, Suite 120, Milwaukee, WI 53214
    Phone: 414-264-KIDS (414-264-5437)

List of locations, dates, and times for orientation meetings can be accessed by contacting any of the agencies above depending on your location or contact Adoption Resources of Wisconsin.

 

Parent Support Groups

 
  • WI Foster and Adoptive Parents Association, Inc. (WFAPA)
    Contact: Sherry Benson, president
    Phone: 715-735-3879
    Fax: 715-735-4396
    Email: tbwcrew@cybrzn.com
    WFAPA is a non-profit organization that offers support and training to members. Members are adoptive and foster parents and those interested in child welfare. Two conferences a year provide training. A newsletter is sent to members four times a year. The membership fee is $5 per family per year. WFAPA board members meet quarterly with DCFS on foster and adoptive care issues.
    View a list of support groups in Wisconsin:
  • www.wifostercareandadoption.org
  • www.wiadopt.org.
     
  • Adoption Resources of Wisconsin, Inc.
    Address: 6682 W. Greenfield, Suite 310, Milwaukee, WI 53214
    Phone: 414-475-1246
    Toll-Free Phone: 800-762-8063
    Email: info@wiadopt.org
 

Information on Wisconsin's Waiting Children

 

There are 6,568 children in foster care in Wisconsin; 1,280 of these children are waiting for adoptive families. The children in care are from all cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. The children’s average ages are frequently school-aged, 5 to14 years old.

Some children may be referred to as having “special needs” for reasons including:

  • They are part of a sibling group and have sisters and brothers who must be placed together.
  • The child is older than 5 years of age.

Get Social

Get started in your journey to foster or adopt by using our step-by-step information.
Join the Conversation
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