AdoptUSKids For Workers

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

 

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

 

There are no costs to foster and adopt in Wisconsin.

 

Agency Contact and Orientation Information

 

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

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

Parent Support Groups

 
 

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

Find out about our array of free services for families and child welfare professionals.
Register with AdoptUSKids to search our database of families who are home studied and approved to adopt
Join the conversation in AdoptUSKids online communities to connect and share with families and child welfare professionals.
Read our news and announcements to learn what is new in the field of adoption and foster care.
Use our free resources to strengthen your efforts to recruit foster and adoptive families, facilitate interjurisdictional placements, and enhance your agency’s ability to provide good customer service.