Adoption and Guardianship in Wisconsin Adoption establishes a legal parent and child relationship when the adopting parent is not a child's biological or birth parent. Adoptive parents have the same rights and obligations as a child's birth parents. Legal Guardianship is another way to provide a child with permanency. A relative, a person who is kin, or a foster parent (in certain circumstances) can become the legal guardian when it is determined that adoption or reunification with one's parents may not be the best option for a child. Birth Parent Options Adoption Options for Pregnant Parents or Birth Parents For parents or soon-to-be parents thinking about adoption for their child(ren). Learn about birth parent support at the Wisconsin Adoption Information Center or call 1-800-571-1105 Safe Haven for Newborns in Wisconsin Safe Haven, also known as “infant relinquishment,” allows a parent to leave their newborn in a safe place in certain circumstances with certain individuals. Adoption Records Search Learn more about how to look for birth relatives and the rights of the: Adoptee Birth Parent(s) Adoptive Parent(s) How to Adopt Become an Adoptive Parent Learn about the different types of adoptions in Wisconsin, and how to become an adoptive parent. For more information visit the Wisconsin Adoption Information Center or call 1-800-762-8063. Public Adoption Information Public Adoption is the adoption of a child who is under the guardianship of the State of Wisconsin. There are many children in Wisconsin waiting to be adopted. Children who are waiting for a family may come from a variety of situations. Many children are currently living in foster homes. To find out more about Public Adoptions, go to http://wiadopt.org Wisconsin Licensed Adoption Agencies Directory Access a list of licensed adoption agencies in Wisconsin. Different agencies can help with private domestic adoptions, international adoptions, step-parent adoptions, and relative adoptions. Adoptive Parent Information I am an Adoptive Parent Find information on things like adoption resources, amending an Adoption Assistance Agreement, and what to do if you are moving out-of-state. Adoption Assistance Checks Calendar Find out when Adoption Assistance checks will be mailed or direct deposited. Adoption Records Search Learn more about how to look for birth relatives and the rights of the: Adoptee Birth Parent(s) Adoptive Parent(s) Amend an Adoption Assistance Agreement Adoption Assistance Amendments can be requested when an adoptive parent feels the special care needs of their child has increased since adoption. This page also has access to the forms required to request an Adoption Assistance Amendment. Death of an Adoptive Parent Learn more about how death of an adoptive parent(s) can affect Adoption Assistance. Post Adoption Resources Adoptive parents in Wisconsin have post-adoption resources available to them. Learn about what resources are offered and how to access them. Contact a Post-Adoption Resource Center near you . Guardianship Kinship Kinship Care is a program to help support a child who lives outside of his or her home with a relative. Sometimes this relative is a guardian of the child. Learn more about kinship care eligibility and who to contact to become a kinship care provider. Subsidized Guardianship Guardianship is a way for children in foster care to reach permanence. Adoption or reunification with one's parents may not be the best options for a child. A relative, a person who is kin, or a foster parent (in certain circumstances) can become the legal guardian. Some guardians may be eligible for a subsidy for caring for a child. Additional Information Possible Fatherhood (Paternal Interest) The process of declaring possible fatherhood of a child in the event of it’s adoption. Find out how to register.
