[L. Rainer]

Hello,
We are just starting the process of adopting- and like everyone else- are overwhelmed!
We would like to adopt an older child and we live in Polk county. Is there anyplace you would recommend getting our home study done through?
ANY information would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[cj416]

Department of children and family services should be able to get it all done for you. Just contact them and ask questions. They will probably send you and info pack to look at first.
Good luck!

[L. Rainer]

Thank you for the information. We appreciate it!

[paulukon]

L., I don't think DHFS will do homestudies in Wisconsin unless you are adoption through foster care. You have to use a private agency, the one you want to adopt through, usually. I don't know where Polk is, so can't help you much. However, I;ve been thrilled with our agency so far, Community Adoption Center which has offices in Manitowoc, Green Bay, and Madison. We've just got our resume on file, however, so can't tell you more than that they were great at the homestudy.

One caveat--they aren't non-profit, so their fees are a bit higher than other agencies.

AnnMarie

[paulukon]

Ooops, when my message posted, I caught that you want to adopt an older child. Don't know how I missed that originally. Sorry! Yes, DHFS will do it all for you if you are adopting through foster care. The first step is to go to an information meeting. Check their website at http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/children/adoption/ particularly http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/children/a.../SNATOPICS.HTM for info about adopting special needs (which older children are considered) and http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/children/a...GS/ORINDEX.HTM for the meeting schedule

AnnMarie

[sunderj]

Hi all,
I am new to this board and noticed that the rookie ;-) was looking for a homestudy
service. We live in Barron County, next to Polk and we used Crossroads Adoption Services, they we fast, great to work with and our homestudy was completed in a timely manner, you all know how it is to want something done yesterday...... I too had called Dept. of Social services and they do not do homestudys for adoption.
Feel free to email me if I can be af any help. Good Luck "L"

[L. Rainer]

You guys are great! I've spent countless hours on the internet going in circles, not knowing where to start, so your information has been a blessing! Thanks so much! Lisa