We are here to help provide the information you need to start your foster care and/or adoption process. We are happy to answer any foster care/adoption questions. Thank you for considering foster care and/or adoption!

Contact Information

Adoption Resources of Wisconsin

1-800-762-8063

(414) 475-1246

info@wiadopt.org

Para información en español, contacte:

Adoption Resources of Wisconsin

info@wiadopt.org

Licensing Requirements for Foster or Adoption

In general, foster and/or adoptive parents must be in good physical and mental health. They must also be able to raise the child in a safe, caring environment.

The following are some of the characteristics necessary to be a good foster or adoptive parent:

• Stability
• Maturity
• Commitment
• Patience
• Dependability
• Flexibility
• Sense of humor
• Enjoys children and is an advocate for them
• Team player willing to work with your social worker, the birth parents, as needed, and community services

Minimum Qualifications Include:

You can be a foster/adoptive parent if you…

• Are at least 21 years old
• Are single or married or divorced
• Already have children in your home or no children in the home
• Are of any race
• Have sufficient income to cover your financial needs
• Own or Rent your home or apartment
• Have enough room for the child
• Complete proper training requirements
• Pass criminal background checks

If you meet these basic qualifications then you’re off to a great start!

If you have questions regarding adoption or foster care please contact:

Adoption Resources of Wisconsin

www.wiadopt.org

www.wiadoptioninfocenter.org

6682 W. Greenfield, Suite 310

Milwaukee, WI 53214

(414) 475-1246 or 1-800-762-8063

info@wiadopt.org

Does it Cost to Foster or Adopt?

No.

Parent Support Groups

WI Foster and Adoptive Parents Association, Inc. (WFAPA)

Sherry Benson, President

(715) 735-3879

Fax: (715) 735-4396

tbwcrew@cybrzn.com

WFAPA is a non-profit organization that offers support and training to members. Members are adoptive and foster parents and those interested in child welfare. Two conferences a year provide training. A newsletter is sent to members four times a year. The membership fee is $5 per family per year. WFAPA board members meet quarterly with DCFS on foster and adoptive care issues.

A current list of support groups in Wisconsin can be accessed at www.wifostercareandadoption.org www.wiadopt.org.

Families often find additional materials about adoption and foster care to be helpful in their decision making process. A lending library of adoption and foster care related materials can be accessed at www.wifostercareandadoption.org or by contacting:

Adoption Resources of Wisconsin, Inc.

www.wiadopt.org

www.wiadoptioninfocenter.org

6682 W. Greenfield, Suite 310

Milwaukee, WI 53214

(414) 475-1246 or 1-800-762-8063

info@wiadopt.org

Agency Contact and Orientation Information

List of locations, dates, and times for orientation meetings can be accessed by contacting any of the agencies above depending on your location or contact Adoption Resources of Wisconsin (414) 475-1246 or 1-800-762-8063; info@wiadopt.org

Information on Children

There are 8,109 children in foster care in Wisconsin; 1,280 of these children are waiting for adoptive families. The children in care are from all cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. The children’s average ages are frequently school-aged: 5-14 years old.

Some children may be referred to as having “special needs” for reasons including:

• They are part of a sibling group and have sisters and/or brothers who must be placed together.
• The child is older than 5 years of age.

Upcoming Events

Although we don’t have any events to report right now, we hope that you will contact us about this. We are happy to help!