Adoption Steps

Home Study

To ensure that infants and children available for adoption are placed in stable, loving homes, the State of Wisconsin requires a home study assessment in order to receive a foster family license, which each family needs prior to the placement of a child in your home.  A foster family license is needed for the six months after placement of a child in your home because post termination of parental rights, the adoption is not finalized.  This six-month period is NOT an opportunity for a birthparent to change his or her mind, but for the family caseworker to support and help the new adoptive family adjust to becoming parents through adoption.  Additionally, if there are any concerns about the care the child is receiving, the licensing agency is able to step in and provide the necessary support and assistance.

A social worker will complete the home study assessment, which eventually takes the form of a written document.  A home study assessment is comprised of the following parts:

• Criminal background check
• State child abuse and neglect clearance
• Medical history
• Financial assessment
• Autobiography
• References
• Home visits
• Parent/adoption education classes
• A series of interviews with an adoption counselor designed to get to know you and educate you about adoption

Post-Placement
For a few months after the placement of a child, your social worker will visit you in your home.  These visits are intended to help you and your child better adjust to one another.  You finalize or legally adopt the child approximately six months after placement.  LSS will be there to support you and assist in the post placement process.

For some international adoptions, finalization occurs when you are in the country.  For these countries, LSS recommends that you re-finalize the adoption.

We know adoption is a lifelong journey.  LSS is a resource for your family long after your child is in your home and the legal process has been completed.   

See LSS Post-Adoption Services. 

Please call your nearest LSS office to connect you with the appropriate services. Click here to read about the adoption process.