If you are thinking of adopting a child, you not only need to assess your own readiness — you also need to make sure you meet the requirements to adopt in Wisconsin. This can lead to undue stress for some hopeful parents, who wonder, “Can I adopt a child in Wisconsin? How hard is it to adopt a baby in Wisconsin?”

First of all, you should know that you do not need to be a “perfect” parent in order to adopt. Wisconsin adoption requirements are simply in place to ensure all children are placed in safe, stable homes with parents who are fully prepared to meet their needs.

You can learn more about the basic qualifications for adoption in Wisconsin below. However, this article does not serve as legal advice, and you should always talk to an adoption professional to determine whether adoption is possible for you in your circumstances. You can always reach an adoption specialist at 1-800-ADOPTION or request free information online to learn more.

The Basic Requirements to Adopt a Child in Wisconsin

Every state has certain requirements for adoption, and Wisconsin is no different. State residents may be eligible to adopt jointly as a married couple or individually as a stepparent or unmarried adult.

To become a licensed foster or adoptive parent, hopeful parents should meet the following minimum adoption qualifications in Wisconsin:

• Be at least 21 years old

• Have sufficient income to cover their financial needs

• Have adequate space for the child

• Complete adoption training

• Pass criminal background checks

• Be in generally good physical and mental health

• Be able to provide a safe, caring environment for a child

As long as they meet these basic Wisconsin adoption requirements, adoptive parents may:

• Be of any race

• Be married, single or divorced

• Own or rent their home

• Be first-time parents or parents currently raising other children in the home

While these are the basic requirements for adopting a child in Wisconsin, adoptive parents will also need to meet the requirements of their chosen adoption agency. You can learn more about the requirements for adoption in WI through our programs here.

Common Questions About the Qualifications for Adoption in Wisconsin

To determine whether they meet the qualifications to adopt a child in Wisconsin, many hopeful parents have specific questions about the requirements to adopt in WI. The following are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

How old do you have to be to adopt in Wisconsin?

In general, foster and adoptive parents in Wisconsin should be at least 21 years old.  There is no upper adoption age limit in Wisconsin.

However, different adoption professionals often have different age requirements for hopeful adoptive parents. American Adoptions, for example, requests that adoptive parents be between 22 and 50 years old, though exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.

Do you have to be married to adopt in Wisconsin?

You do not have to be married to adopt in Wisconsin; married couples can adopt jointly, while single parents and stepparents can adopt on their own.

However, marriage requirements may vary based on the adoption professional that you use. Contact American Adoptions at 1-800-ADOPTION to learn more about single parent adoption in Wisconsin.

Can a felon adopt a child in Wisconsin?

All hopeful adoptive parents must complete a home study for adoption, which includes criminal background checks. A prior felony conviction will not always disqualify you from adopting, however. Your home study worker and the court will take a number of factors into account, including the nature of the felony and the time that has passed since it was committed, when determining whether you meet the qualifications to adopt a child in Wisconsin.

What do I need to adopt a child in Wisconsin?

In addition to meeting the above legal requirements to adopt in Wisconsin, your adoption home study will take into account various other types of preparedness when determining whether you are eligible to adopt. To be approved for adoption, you will need to meet:

• Health Requirements: You don’t need to be in perfect health, but you do need to be generally healthy enough to keep up with a new child. You will be asked to submit recent physicians’ statements verifying that you are physically and mentally healthy enough for adoption and parenthood.

• Financial Requirements: While you certainly do not need to be wealthy to adopt, your home study professional will want to make sure you have the financial stability and means to meet the needs of a new child. You will need to submit certain financial documents proving your ability to adequately provide for a child.

• Emotional Requirements: Before any hopeful parent starts the adoption process, he or she should be fully committed to and have a positive attitude toward the process. In order for an adoption to be successful, hopeful parents need to fully grieve the losses associated with infertility and turn their undivided attention toward the excitement of adopting and raising an adopted child.

If these requirements sound overwhelming, or if you are still wondering, “How hard is it to adopt a child in Wisconsin?” know that you are not alone. With American Adoptions, you will have an adoption specialist to guide you through every step of the screening process. He or she will provide the information and education you need and ensure you are fully prepared to bring your adopted child home.

To learn more about the legal, financial and emotional requirements for adoption in Wisconsin, call 1-800-ADOPTION or request free information online.

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