Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that you may have many questions while going through the process of adopting. Please know that we are here for you every step of the way. If the questions and answers provided on this page do not fit your needs, please contact us at any time at 800-762-8063.

Who Can Adopt?
Do I have to be a foster parent if I want to adopt a child from foster care?
Isn't adoption expensive?
Why do I have attend an informational meeting?
What is an adoption home study?

Who Can adopt?

Agencies are looking for the family most appropriate to a particular child’s needs. They take great care to “match” parents and children.

You can be:

• Any race
• Single
• Married
• Without children
• Experienced in caring for children

You can:

• Already have children in your home or be an “empty nester.”
• Have a small income or a large income, as long as it’s adequate to care for a child.
• Rent your home or apartment.
• Own your own home or condominium.
• Work outside of the home.

Do I have to be a foster parent if I want to adopt a child from foster care?

No. You do not have to be a foster parent before you pursue an adoption. During the home study process, prospective parents can identify their choice to become a foster parent or to be considered only as an adoptive resource. Foster care and adoption are two totally different processes, and it is not required to be a foster parent before adopting.

Isn’t adoption expensive?

Some children will require expensive services or equipment. This is particularly true of children who have been abused or neglected or who have special medical needs. Many families rely on the Adoption Assistance program, their income and their family insurance plans to help cover costs.

Adoption Assistance
The Adoption Assistance program is a three-part program that assists families with adoption related costs of special needs children. Discuss the application procedure with your agency to determine if a specific child meets eligibility requirements for the program. An Adoption Assistance Agreement must be signed prior to the legal adoption. The program consists of:

• Medical Assistance (Title 19) coverage for eligible special needs children.
• A monthly maintenance payment based on the severity of a child’s needs that may be sued to defray extraordinary costs involved in raising a special needs child.
• Reimbursement of up to $2,000 of necessary adoption expenses.

Insurance
Ask your private insurance carrier about the extent of coverage, pre-existing condition clauses, periods of coverage, etc. Federal, State and Wisconsin insurance law provide coverage for adopted children from the time of placement for adoption. Coverage cannot be restricted because of pre-existing conditions. Only a few employers (governments, military and some churches) are not subject to Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) standards. Be sure to check all limits of coverage – especially psychotherapy.

Adoption Expense Tax Credit
Both state and federal laws have tax credit provisions for certain expenses involved in adopting a child. Consult a tax advisor for more information.

Long Term Financial Issues
Families need to consider the long-term costs of raising a child. It is important to be prepared if there is illness, death in the family or loss of employment.

Why do I have to attend an informational meeting?

Attendance at an informational meeting is a good way to learn more about the process of adopting as well as information about the kinds of kids in care who need homes. Time and time again, we hear, "I wish I would have known about ______ when I adopted my first child." Topics covered in the informational meeting will include:

• Who are the children in foster care?
• Who can adopt?
• What is the adoption home study process?
• What are the specific requirements of the agency?
• When you attend the informational meeting, ask questions!
• What types of adoptions does this agency do?
• How many adoptions from foster care are done yearly?
• Does the agency have any requirements of age, family size or other factors?
• What are the adoption home study procedures?
• How long will a study take?
• What type of education process does the agency use?
• What types of post-adoption services does the agency provide?

What is an adoption home study?

An adoption home study is the process to inform and educate you about adopting from foster care. This process also evaluates your family to make sure that you are ready and prepared for adoption.