Deciding to adopt from foster care is one of the most meaningful choices a family can make. To do so, you will need to go through a process that requires patience, preparation and an understanding of the steps involved.
What the typical timeline process will look like
Before you are eligible to adopt, you first need to be licensed by a county department of human or social services, a private child placing agency (CPA) or a tribal child welfare agency in Wisconsin. This licensing process typically takes between three to six months to complete.
Once you become licensed, you may wait anywhere from a few weeks to several months for a placement. The timeline depends on the age range you are open to, whether you can accept sibling groups and how many children in your area are waiting for families.
What each stage of the process involves
Several key milestones determine how long the adoption will take:
- Pre-service training and application: You will complete six hours of initial pre-placement training and submit your formal application.
- Home study evaluation: A licensed social worker will conduct interviews, review documents and visit your home.
- Matching and placement: Your caseworker will work to find a child whose needs align with your family.
- Post‑placement supervision and finalization: After your post-placement period concludes, you will attend a court hearing where a judge reviews your case and issues the final adoption decree.
Laws generally require states to pursue the termination of parental rights when a child has been in care for 15 of the most recent 22 months. Important exceptions apply, such as when a relative cares for the child.
What can speed up or slow down your journey
Cases involving children who are already legally free for adoption typically move faster. Once the court terminates parental rights, you avoid the uncertainty of reunification efforts and appeals.
Your preparation matters as well. You can reduce delays by completing paperwork promptly, attending all training sessions, and staying in close contact with your caseworker. While these steps speed things up, cases involving sibling groups, older children, or children with special needs may require extra time for matching and transitions.