How do I match with an expectant birth parent?
As part of the application process Adoptions of Wisconsin asks each adoptive parent what circumstances they are open to in regards to an expectant birth parent circumstances (race, mental health issues, drug and alcohol exposure). This information is used to match expectant birth parents and adoptive parents.
When an expectant birth parent contacts Adoptions of Wisconsin a counseling session with a social worker is scheduled. The focus of this meeting is to get to know the expectant birth parent, her circumstances and to discuss her reasons for contacting Adoptions of Wisconsin.
Once an expectant birth parent feels ready, she is provided with profiles of families. Expectant birth parents review the profiles and discuss with their social worker which families they would like to meet. Some expectant birth parents choose to meet with only one family and some choose to meet with several. Meetings between expectant birth parents and adoptive parents take place at Adoptions of Wisconsin’s office and a social worker is always present. When an expectant birth parent feels confident with their choice of adoptive family a social worker will contact the adoptive family and ask them if they would like to match with the expectant birth parent. Just like the expectant birth parent is given a choice as to who they feel is the best fit for their situation, the adoptive family is also given a choice as to whether they feel the expectant birth parent is a good match for them. If everyone feels comfortable, the next step is to formalize the match through Adoption of Wisconsin’s our program.
What happens at the hospital?
If time permits, a hospital plan is created and sent to the hospital approximately one month before an expectant birth mother goes into labor. The hospital plan is a guide created by the expectant birth parent and oftentimes the adoptive parents. The plan outlines how involved the expectant birth parent wants to be with the child during the hospital stay, whether the adoptive parents will be involved and discharge plans. At discharge, one of the agency social workers will be at the hospital to help with discharge procedures. A social worker is always available for both expectant birth parents and adoptive parents during the hospital process.
What happens after the baby is born?
Typically the baby is placed directly into the adoptive parents’ home directly upon discharge from the hospital. The decision to do this is made by the expectant birth parent and adoptive parents. Occasionally, a baby is placed in a bridge care home—a home that is foster care licensed by Adoptions of Wisconsin to provide a safe and loving place for the baby to be cared for between hospital discharge and placement with the adoptive family.
What court hearings do I need to attend?
The only court hearing adoptive parents are party to and therefore must attend is the adoption finalization hearing which is approximately six months after placement. Birth parents may invite you to attend the termination of parental rights hearing for support.
