Adoptions of Wisconsin FAQ

1. Tell us a little about the founding and development of your organization?
   Adoptions of Wisconsin was established in 2001 by three experienced adoption attorneys who wanted to make sure adoptions were handled ethically and legally, and with a focus on the child’s needs.
2. How are your adoption home study and your organization unique?
   Adoptions of Wisconsin is unique in that we are not affiliated with any religion and do not discriminate based on age, gender, income, sexual orientation, marital status or fertility status. We understand the concerns of birth parents and prospective adoptive parents, and we strive to serve our clients both with empathy and compassion.
3. Why are you passionate about adoption and the home study process?
   Adoptions of Wisconsin is passionate about adoption because our focus is first and foremost on the needs and best interest of the child. We focus on finding families for children, not children for families. The home study process is an integral part of this process as it lets our social workers form a strong relationship with adoptive parents that lasts long after the adoptive process is completed. Adoptions of Wisconsin prides itself in maintaining long-term relationships with both birth and adoptive parents.
4. How long is an adoption home study valid?
   One year.
5. Approximately how much time is necessary to complete an adoption home study by your organization?
   4-6 weeks after we received all needed paperwork and background checks. We may be able to expedite the process if needed.
6. Can adoptive parents use a home study completed by your organization to adopt a child born in another state?
   Yes. Adoptions of Wisconsin utilizes the SAFE (Structured Analysis Family Evaluation) home study method. This method is very thorough and is accepted by most states. If necessary Adoptions of Wisconsin will create an addendum to comply with the expectations of another state.
7. If you complete my home study, do you also have to complete my post-placement visits?
   No. Our home study and post-placement services are separate but most clients choose Adoptions of Wisconsin for both.
8. How many post-placement visits does your organization require?
   Adoptions of Wisconsin conducts monthly post-placement visits until finalization. If finalization occurs in Wisconsin, there are six face-to-face visits required, but less may be required if finalization happens in the sending state.
9. What is some advice you can give to potential adoptive families about the home study process? What should they be prepared for?
   The best advice we can give to potential adoptive parents is to relax and just be themselves. A home study is not a white glove test—it is a series of face-to-face meetings in which a social worker engages with potential adoptive parents to learn about their lives, discuss issues inherent to adoption, explore what characteristics they are open to in a child and what type of relationship they would like to have, if any, with the birth parents after the adoption is finalized.
10. What do your home study social workers look for in a home and a family when they visit potential adoptive families' homes?
    Adoptions of Wisconsin looks for safe, loving families. We look for families who are prepared emotionally and financially to care for a child and have realistic parenting expectations. We also look for families who have a strong support system, or potential for a strong support system, to help them through their parenting journey.
11. Are you Hague accredited, and if not, does your international home study comply with Hague International Standards?
    Adoptions of Wisconsin is not Hague accredited.
12. Do you have experience in completing the home study and working with international placement companies?
    Adoptions of Wisconsin does not provide international services.
13. Are there other services and benefits you would like to share about your company?
    In addition to adoptive parent home studies and post-placement services, Adoptions of Wisconsin also offers: home studies for embryo adoptions, step-parent and relative adoption screenings; LGBT adoption services; birth parent introductions; birth parent counseling; guardianship services; and home evaluations for custody cases.