Adoption Option Wisconsin FAQ

1. Tell us a little about the founding and development of your organization?
   Adoption Option Wisconsin was founded in 2017 as a State of Wisconsin licensed child placing agency that provides domestic adoption home studies, home study updates and post placement supervision. Adoption Option Wisconsin identified the need to provide adoption home studies for families working with adoption consultants or agencies outside of the State of Wisconsin who would not be able to complete a home study for Wisconsin residents.
2. How are your adoption home study and your organization unique?
   Adoption Option Wisconsin completes domestic adoption home studies, home study updates and post placement supervision throughout the entire State of Wisconsin. All contact with families is done in the comfort of the family’s home at times that are most convenient for them, including nights and weekends. Our staff has a combined total of over 35 years of experience in the areas of child welfare, child development and child safety in the state of Wisconsin.
3. Why are you passionate about adoption and the home study process?
   Adoption Option Wisconsin has a belief that every child deserves a safe and loving home in which he or she may thrive and develop to his/her fullest potential. We utilize Wisconsin’s required Structured Analysis Family Evaluation (SAFE) home study model in which a potential adoptive family is thoroughly assessed, and any issues are identified and discussed. Every home licensed through Adoption Option Wisconsin is assessed to be safe and appropriate for placement of children.
4. How long is an adoption home study valid?
   A home study is valid for one year from the date of completion of the required medical exams and criminal background checks. Adoption Option Wisconsin works closely with applicants and establishes a pace that is accommodating to the applicant’s requests and schedule to complete the home study process and maximize the time for which the home study is valid
5. Approximately how much time is necessary to complete an adoption home study by your organization?
   Adoption Option Wisconsin works closely with applicants at their individual pace to complete the home study. On average, Adoption Option Wisconsin staff will complete 2-4 home visits for a total of several hours over the course of the home study process. The accompanying paperwork that needs to be completed by the applicant can be time consuming and staff will support applicants throughout the process. Once all information is obtained, a home study can be completed in a matter of weeks!
6. Can adoptive parents use a home study completed by your organization to adopt a child born in another state?
   Yes! Adoption Option Wisconsin’s adoption home studies are valid in all 50 states. We utilize the Structured Analysis Family Evaluation (SAFE) home study model and meet the requirements of the Interstate Compact for Placement of Children (ICPC) in all states.
7. If you complete my home study, do you also have to complete my post-placement visits?
   At the completion of your approved home study, Adoption Option Wisconsin will provide a written statement that the agency agrees to provide post placement supervision until your adoption is finalized.
8. How many post-placement visits does your organization require?
   Adoption Option Wisconsin will provide monthly post placement supervision until your child’s adoption is finalized. This varies with each state’s requirements, but typically the time frame is 3-6 months.
9. What is some advice you can give to potential adoptive families about the home study process? What should they be prepared for?
   Potential adoptive families will be asked specific questions regarding their childhood, family of origin, relationships, functioning, marriage, employment and reasons for choosing adoption among other questions. Open and honest conversations will be had, some being difficult or emotional, but all working toward the goal of building families through adoption. Adoption Option Wisconsin staff will answer questions throughout the home study process and offer guidance and support when needed. Potential adoptive families will be required to complete 16 hours of online adoption training, provide verification of employment, finances, medical status, and criminal background clearances. A physical inspection of the home for safety is also completed.
10. What do your home study social workers look for in a home and a family when they visit potential adoptive families' homes?
    Adoption Option Wisconsin will complete a safety assessment of the home which includes all rooms as well as the basement of the home. Smoke alarms will be manually checked, fire extinguishers verified, a furnace inspection will be required and septic and well inspections, if applicable. Gun safety, pool safety, safe sleep practices and others will be discussed. Adoption Option Wisconsin will complete a home study in accordance with the Structured Analysis Family Evaluation (SAFE) home study model which assesses personal history, personal characteristics, marriage and domestic partnerships, other individuals residing in the home, extended family relationships, general and specialized parenting, social environment and adoption issues.
11. Are you Hague accredited, and if not, does your international home study comply with Hague International Standards?
    Adoption Option Wisconsin does not complete international home studies.
12. Do you have experience in completing the home study and working with international placement companies?
    Adoption Option Wisconsin does not complete international home studies.
13. Are there other services and benefits you would like to share about your company?
    Adoption Option Wisconsin completes all face-to-face contact with potential adoptive families in their homes. Our staff is available days, nights and weekends to accommodate schedules for individual applicants. We work with families throughout the State of Wisconsin!