International Adoption Handbook

There is a handbook (PDF) available for individuals that provides information to Wisconsin families that are thinking about adopting a child from another country.  The handbook does not tell you everything you will need to know as you adopt, but it will give you the necessary information to start the adoption process. It gives you some information to start the process and suggests other information resources.

The handbook will briefly explain the laws governing international adoption and will outline four methods for Wisconsin residents to adopt a child from another country. Each of the four procedures involves compliance with child placement and emigration laws of your child's native country; the immigration laws of the United States; the adoption laws of Wisconsin; and, if an agency from another state is involved, the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children. Also, the handbook will provide general information on services available after an adoption is completed.

Before deciding to adopt a child from abroad, you should determine that a local adoption is not appropriate for your family. Local adoptions can be less complex and you may receive more background information about the child. For Wisconsin children with special needs and at risk of developing special needs, Adoption Assistance can help the family meet adoption expenses and future care costs. This financial support is not available for inter-country adoptions. Some families become foster parents for their county social service department, providing temporary care to help a child return home. For information about foster care and older child adoption, call 1-800-947-8074.

It is important for you to select a licensed Wisconsin child welfare agency specializing in international adoption. Both the State and the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) require that a child welfare agency be involved. A list of parent support groups is available from the department to give you the opportunity to talk with people who have experience with intercountry adoption. The agency will help you to understand and will guide you through the adoption process.

International adoption is complex, but you can complete this process successfully with the help of your Wisconsin licensed adoption agency. International adoption may involve Wisconsin agencies, international adoption agencies located in another state, the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), the U.S. State Department, and adoption agencies or other organizations in your child’s native country. You will need patience and a determination not to become discouraged with complex procedures. It may be easier if you remember that these requirements exist to protect your interests and those of your child, as well as those of the United States and your child’s native country.

Some activities in an intercountry adoption, such as developing international contacts, may be completed by either a Wisconsin licensed agency or by the family working on its own or through an international organization. While a family may reduce some costs by completing tasks on their own, this choice increases the risk of delays and extra costs if any of the complex procedures summarized below are not accurately completed.

You will want to rely on information from your Wisconsin agency about requirements of Wisconsin statutes and procedures of the local INS office. If you have questions about the adoption process, do not hesitate to ask the worker in your Wisconsin adoption agency. You will want to understand the process you will use and your agency is there to help you.   If you have any questions about the adoption process, do not hesitate to ask the worker in your Wisconsin adoption agency.

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Last Revised: June 16, 2008