State Contact

Tara Barica, MSW
Adoption and Post-Permanency Supports Section Manager
Bureau of Permanency and Out of Home Care Department of Children and Families
P.O. Box 8916
Madison, WI 53703
608-422-6908
tara.barica@wisconsin.gov

Adoption Assistance Program toll free 1-866-666-5532

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Adoption resources on the web:

https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/adoption
Wisconsin’s state-specific medical assistance information:
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/medicaid/index.htm
Adoption Assistance resources on the web:
https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/adoption/assistance
Wisconsin Statutes §48.975:
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/48/xix/975
Wisconsin Administrative Code Department of Children and Families DCF 50:
http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/dcf/021_099/50

In Wisconsin a child with special needs is defined as a child who has at least one of the following needs or circumstances that may be a barrier to placement or adoption without financial assistance:

  • Is 7 years of age or older (if age is the only factor in determining eligibility)
  • Is a child of color, where the child is of a race or ethnic background that makes adoption more difficult
  • Is an Indian child
  • Is a member of a sibling group of two or more children who must be placed together at the same time
  • The child has a total of 5 or more needs that have been identified as moderate or intensive in the areas listed in s. DCF 56.23 (2) (a) 1. a. to e. in the rate schedule under s. DCF 56.23 (2) (a).
  • At high risk of developing a moderate or intensive level of special needs
Rates are based on applicable foster care rate, the Understanding the Uniform Foster Care Brochure

 

“Supplemental” rates are based on an assessment of a child’s emotional, behavioral, and physical characteristics using the CANS assessment.

 

“Exceptional” rates are paid when needed to avoid institutionalization of a child. The maximum is $2,000 per month, which includes the basic rate.
Exceptional rates are only possible with the original adoption assistance agreement.

 

For general information on rates, including about CANS tool, visit,

Assistance will continue until a youth reaches age 18 if eligibility otherwise continues. Extension up to age 21 may continue if eligibility is met below:

The process is as follows:

  1. The adoptee is under 19 years of age, is a full-time student at a secondary school or its vocational or technical equivalent, and is reasonably expected to complete the program before reaching 19 years of age.
  2. The adoptee is under 21 years of age and all of the following conditions are met:
    1. The adoptee is a full-time student at a secondary school or its vocational or technical equivalent.
    2. The department determines that the adoptee has a mental or physical disability that warrants the continuation of adoption assistance.
    3. The adoptee is not eligible for social security disability insurance under 42 USC 401 to 433 or supplemental security income under 42 USC 1381 to 1385 based on disability.
    4. The adoptee otherwise lacks adequate resources to continue in secondary school or its vocational or technical equivalent.
  3. The adoptee is 18 years of age or over, but is under 21 years of age and all of the following conditions are met:
    1. The adoptee is a full-time student at a secondary school or its vocational or technical equivalent.
    2. There is an individualized education program under s. 115.787, Stats., in effect for the adoptee.
    3. The adoption assistance agreement for the adoptee became effective on or after the adoptee attained 16 years of age.
Residential treatment placements occur through the social or human service agency in the family’s county of residence. The cost to the family would not be greater than the amount of adoption assistance received, unless the county court deems otherwise. Families needing residential treatment for their child who receives adoption assistance should contact local county social or human service agency.
Post adoption services in Wisconsin are administered by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) the Wisconsin Family Connections Center (WiFCC). To contact WiFCC call 800-762-8063, e-mail info@wifamilyconnectionscenter.org, or visit wifamilyconnectionscenter.org

 

Wisconsin has a subsidized guardianship program, to learn more about the program visit https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/guardian/subsidized