Fostering a child can be one of the most rewarding experiences you can imagine. There are typically about 8,000 children in foster care in Wisconsin at any given time. These children are in need of a family to provide the love, support, and care they need to thrive. In many instances, foster children have suffered abuse or neglect and are in desperate need. In some cases, a foster parent may want to adopt a foster child in Wisconsin.
What is Foster Care?
Foster care is a program that provides for the care and well-being of children whose parents are unable to care for them. The goal of foster care for a child in Wisconsin is the ultimate reunification with their families. However, only slightly more than half of children in foster care end up back with their birth parents or other family members. About a quarter of kids in foster care are adopted. Before a child may be placed for adoption, the parental rights must be terminated.
Fostering to Adopt
Fostering to adopt is the process in which people foster a child with the intent of adoption. Only a small percentage of foster children will ever be eligible for adoption, so you may not be able to legally adopt a foster child in your care. Those who wish to adopt a child should consider fostering a child whose parental rights have already been terminated. This will increase the chance that the child might be available for adoption. Wisconsin requires a foster care license to be able to foster a child.
Adoption Requirements in Wisconsin
There are some basic requirements that you must fulfill in order to be eligible to adopt a child in Wisconsin. You must be at least 21 years of age and be in good health. You must have a home that is a good environment for a child. You must have the financial resources necessary to provide for a child. A person who wishes to adopt must complete training requirements and must pass a background check. It is important to note that your marital status, sexual orientation, and race or ethnic background do not matter when it comes to adoption.
Get Approved for Foster Care and Adoption
The first step in the process is to get approved to be a foster parent. You must attend training that provides you with the basic parenting skills necessary. Sometimes foster children have particular needs that you will need to prepare for. A home study is required for adoption. The home study is a process that includes interviews with potential parents, background checks, document reviews, and visits to your home. The purpose of the home study is to ensure that you are properly prepared financially, physically, and emotionally to care for a child. After you are approved, you will be matched with a child.
The adoption process can be complex, so it is helpful to seek legal guidance from an adoption attorney. Call us at Moen Sheehan Meyer, Ltd. at (608) 784-8310 or online to schedule a consultation.