FAQ’s

Who Can Adopt?

Our primary focus is finding stable, loving homes for children within the state of Wisconsin and facilitating the placement of children domestically and abroad. We are an open door agency that accepts all applicants over the age of 21 no matter their race, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, etc. that meet the requirements set forth by state standards and mandates.

How long does a Home Study take?

A typical agency Home Study can take roughly about 8-12 weeks to complete. This all depends on whether or not you have all of the documents that are needed to start the process. Some of these documents include birth certificates, Marriage Licenses (where applicable), fingerprints, and medical and financial reports. We do work diligently on making sure all of your Home Study needs are met in a timely manner.

Is there a waiting list?

Though we see many that come through our doors seeking to start the process we have an adequate amount of adoption counselors to meet your needs throughout the state. We understand how anxious one can become going through the adoption process so why should we add to your anxiety by making you wait? We can even accommodate expedited home studies on a case-by-case scenario.

What should we consider when choosing an agency?

The most important thing to consider is whether the agency is licensed to provide adoption services (or as a child-placing agency). Adoption Choice Inc. has been licensed as an adoption agency for more than 35 years in Wisconsin. Another consideration is to determine what type of services the agency provides. We can provide home study assessment, resources, and referrals to satisfy state educational requirements for prospective parents, post-placement supervision, and apply for adoption assistance. We also work directly with birth mothers and birth fathers. This means that Adoption Choice Inc is well versed in all aspects of the adoption process. We also work with a network of other agencies domestically and internationally so if for some reason we cannot accommodate all of your needs we can refer you to one that will be more suited. Since many of our adoption counselors have a personal relationship will adoption, we can empathize with your situation.

Can I adopt a newborn?

Yes, our Agency Infant Program would be your best option for wanting to adopt a child from 0 to 12 months old.

Can I adopt an older child?

Yes, we do have birth parents that, for whatever reason, have decided they are unable to parent their young children, however, this is not common. We do also recommend other agencies, foster to adopt, and some out-of-state programs that we are aligned with.

What is TPR (Termination of Parental Rights)?

TPR is a court hearing in which birth parents permanently terminate all legal parental rights to the child. After this occurs the agency legally serves as a guardian for this child until finalization and you would then be responsible for the child’s well being. It is your responsibility to finalize the adoption and we at Adoption Choice Inc. process your adoption paper work for no additional cost.

What is Finalization?

Finalization is the legal process that transfers guardianship of a child from the adoption agency to the adoptive parents. For any Agency Infant Adoption in Wisconsin, guardianship of the child is given to us even though the child is placed in your home at the time of the Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) hearing. We supervise the placement for approximately six months, until the finalization hearing when you receive guardianship of the child.

What do I need to do to Start the Process?

At Adoption Choice Inc, we are excited to help you and your family grow in any way possible, but we want to make sure you are ready for the challenging and rewarding process of adoption. Since we believe that everyone should make an informed decision, we ask that you contact us in regards to attending an informational meeting in your area. This free 2-hour session can be applied toward the 25 hours of adoption education that the State of Wisconsin requires. Please click here to find out when our next info session nearest you is being held.

What information about the birth parents and the child are provided to me before, during, and after the adoption takes place?

Medical/genetic history and pregnancy/delivery information forms filled out by birth parents are provided to the adoptive parents. We also conduct background checks on all parties involved including criminal checks. With this also being said we do not under any circumstance share your confidential information.

What expenses can I expect to pay on behalf of the birth mother and child?

Some of the potential expenses related to adoption that are allowable by Wisconsin law include counseling for the birth mother, medical & hospital care received by the mother and child, legal services, care for the child, transportation related to the pregnancy or adoption, living expenses of the birth mother not to exceed $5,000, and maternity clothes.

For more details, we recommend contacting us directly or contacting an adoption attorney’s office for any further explanations.

What is the Adoption Tax Credit?

The Adoption Tax Credit can be used for domestic and foreign adoptions. The credit cannot be claimed for step-parent adoptions. For adoptions finalized in 2021, there is a federal adoption tax credit of up to $14,300 per child. The 2021 adoption tax credit is NOT a refundable credit, which means taxpayers can only get the credit refunded if they have a federal income tax liability.