How does stepparent adoption work?
A stepparent adoption is the adoption of a child by the spouse of the biological parent. It usually involves four steps as required by Wisconsin law:
Terminating parental rights of the birth parent (only if applicable)
A petition to adopt and order for investigation
A stepparent screening by an adoption agency
Court hearing on the adoption
Our role is to provide the stepparent screening. A social worker will interview both spouses with a focus on the spouse/parent who is applying to adopt. We will also conduct background checks and request other documents such as letters of reference and up-to-date medical records for all members of the household. The screening interview usually takes about two hours and is conducted in the home of the applicant.
