Welcome to our resource area. This area is one that we will be continually growing. We want you to have helpful information as to resources, assistance, and support groups. Please let us know if you have ideas for this section as to information you would like to see on this web area.
Wisconsin is fortunate to have many support groups related to the issues of adoption and families. Support groups are continual resources before, during and after the adoption takes place.
The information provided is not endorsed by Adoption Resources of Wisconsin or any of its funding sources. If you are in need of more specific resources, please contact the Post Adoption Resource Center, funded by the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, Division of Children and Family Services, in your area.
Northern
Region: 1-800-227-3002
Western Region: 1-800-227-3002
Northeast Region: 1-800-998-9609
Southern Region: 1-888-485-7385
Southeast Region: 1-800-762-8063
Wisconsin Post Adoption Resource Centers
If any of the information listed below is inaccurate or if there are any additions that need to be made to the list, please contact Adoption Resources of Wisconsin.
Adoption Related Support Groups-Statewide
Adoptive
Family Connections
Contact Person: Aggie Hale
Phone Number: 262-860-0940
Fax Number: None
Email: ahale@wi.rr.com
Website: None
The Adoptive Family Connections is an organization dedicated to providing education,
support, and resources for prospective, new and experienced adoptive families
in the greater Milwaukee area. The Mission of AFC is to connect families and
children touched by adoption and the professionals who serve them. Our goal
is to ensure that our children maintain their connection to their cultural heritage,
as well as their connection to the wider adoption community. The AFC hosts a
list serv (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/afc_milw),
and organizes several social events each year, to which all adoptive families
are invited. The AFC also sponsors Pending Parents (see separate listing on
this site), and publishes informational brochures on international adoption.
There is no cost for membership.
Families
from Columbia
Contact Person: Gary and Carol Bloch
Phone Number: 920-845-2075
Fax Number: None
E-mail:gary_bloch@msn.com
Website: None
This group invites parents from Minnesota, Illinois, and Wisconsin that have
adopted children from South America to social gatherings, held twice per year.
The intent is to allow the children to socialize while the parents meet one
another and have FUN! The activities and meeting locations vary.
Families
of Russian and Ukrainian Adoptions – Wisconsin Chapter
Contact Person: None
Phone Number: 414-297-9406
Fax: 414-423-1481
E-mail: FRUA@aol.com
Web: www.frua.org/wi
The mission of FRUA is to support pre and post-adoptive families. This is done,
by forming a community willing to share experiences, knowledge and resources
dealing with medical, educational, parenting and adoption issues. FRUA WI also
offers the opportunity to celebrate the multiple heritages of our families and
to forge life long friendships. There is a $35 annual fee for national and regional
costs. Check out the Web Site for regional contacts.
The
Friends of Adoption Parent Network Listserv
Contact: None
Phone Number: 1-800-227-3002
E-mail: None
Website: www.yahoogroups.com
This is a listserv through yahoo that can be joined by calling the contact or
following the instructions. Go to www.yahoogroups.com, under “Join A Group”
type parentnetworkfoa. You may need to join the yahoo. Be sure to uncheck the
box that reads “Send me special offers…” Follow the steps
to joining yahoo and then join the parentnetworkfoa group.
Latin
America Adoptive Families of Wisconsin (LAAF-WIS)
Contact Person: Judy Devine Smies, Founder
Phone Number: 262-253-0669
Fax Number: None
E-mail: Latin_America_Adopt_WI-owner@yahoogroups.com
Website: None
This group is open to Wisconsin families who have adopted from Latin America
, or who are considering adopting from Latin America. Some of the goals of
this group include: providing support, guidance, and information for families
wishing to adopt from Latin America; establish play groups for adoptive families;
plan cultural events to celebrate Latin American heritage; publish a quarterly
newsletter; and sponsor projects in developing Latin American countries which
will improve the quality of life for children living in those countries.
NAMASTE
Contact Person: Nancy Reinbold
Phone Number: 262-968-4564
Fax Number: None
E-mail: reinbold@execpc.com
Website: None
This parent support group is for families who are interested in or have adopted
from India .There is a $15 fee for the year. The group features social gatherings
held four times per year at various locations. NAMASTE also sponsors an Indian
child through CCF.
Adoption
Resources Group - Parents of Teens Online Support Group
Contact Person: Leann Meiners
Phone Number : 414-475-1246
Fax Number: 414-475-7007
Email: lmeiners@wiadopt.org
Website: None
This online support group is sponsored by Adoption Resources of Wisconsin (formerly
the Special Needs Adoption Network) and is available to all families. Families
need to register with Adoption Resources to access the support group. Registration
can take place by accessing the site through our website, www.wiadopt.org
Birthparent
Forum
Contact Person: Katherine Sieger
Phone Number: 1-888-686-0443
Fax Number: None
Email: info@birthparentforum.org
Web: www.birthparentforum.org
Birthparent Forum is an online support group and resource center for birthparents.
We offer birthparents a friendly and confidential forum where they can share
their experiences and offer support to others like themselves. Birthparents
also get the chance to access resources about adoption relationships and community
activities that involve adoption and birthparents. The Forum also holds monthly
meeting at differing locations throughout SE Wisconsin.
Post
Adopt Online Support Group
Contact Person: Sandy Yaroch
Phone Number: None
Fax Number: None
E-mail: post_adopt@hotmail.com
Web: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/post-adopt
This is an online group that is closed to public viewing. All members must be
invited to join. The group provides on-line information, referral and support
to adoptive, foster and birth parents that have children with challenging behaviors,
FAS/E, and attachment disorder. E-mail for more information.
RESOLVE
of Wisconsin
Contact Person: Helpline
Phone Number: 262-521-4590
Fax Number: None
E-mail: info@resolvewi.org
Website: None
RESOLVE meets in Milwaukee and Madison. These meetings are to give support,
educate and advocate for people experiencing infertility. Please call Helpline
to find out about meetings in your area.
WI
Foster and Adoptive Parents Association, Inc. (WFAPA)
Contact Person: Anne Rankin, President
Phone Number: 715-374-2180
Fax Number: None
E-mail: varankin@discover-net.net
Website: None
WFAPA is a non-profit organization that offers support and training to members.
Members are adoptive and foster parents and those interested in child welfare.
Two conferences a year provide training. A newsletter is sent to members four
times a year. The membership fee is $5 per family per year. WFAPA board members
meet quarterly with DCFS on foster and adoptive care issues.
Adoption
Related Support Groups-Northern Region
Adoption Information and Direction
Contact Person: Doug Henderson
Phone Number: 715-345-1290
Fax Number: None
E-mail: dhenders@uwsp.edu
Web: www.uwsp.edu/psych/dh/aidinf.htm
Portage County
Adoption information and Direction is a search and support group for adoptees,
birthparents and adoptive parents. Support is available for all whose lives
have been touched by adoption. There are membership dues after the first two
meetings attended.
Branches
of Life
Contact Person: Tina Frank
Phone Number: 715-835-9304
Fax Number: None
E-mail: None
Website: None
Please join us if you are an adoptive parent interested in networking with other
parents. This group is open to All families regardless of agency used for adoption,
type of adoption or age of children! For information on future meetings, please
call Tina Frank at 715-835-934 or Mary Barnes at 715-832-6644.
Central
Wisconsin Support Group
Contact Person: Shirley Wellman
Phone Number: 715-223-4581
Fax Number: None
E-mail: magnus@pcpros.net
Website: None
Clark/Marathon County
This group uses phone and/ or e-mail contact to give support and referrals to
experts and professionals. It gives families a chance to connect regarding raising
a family in the extraordinary conditions of today’s busy world.
Eau
Claire Area Parent Support Group
Please join us if you are an adoptive parent interested in networking with other
parents. This group is open to ALL families regardless of agency used for adoption,
type of adoption or age of children! For information on future meetings, please
call Tina Frank at 715-835-9304 or Mary Barnes at 715-832-6644.
Sidekicks
Support Group
Contact Person: Debbie Jowett
Phone Number: 715-284-4967
Fax Number: None
E-mail: None
Website: None
Sidekicks meet the first Wednesday morning of every month from September through
May. Many of the meetings take place at the home of Vicki Harter in Cashton,
but the location of the next meeting is always decided before the group adjourns.
The meeting is followed by a wonderful potluck lunch.
Special
Needs Adoption Parents (SNAP)
Contact: Alice Fuller
Phone Number: 608-663-1262
Fax Number: None
E-mail: afuller@pathinc.org
Website: None
Portage County
This group provides support for parents of children with special needs. They
meet the last Saturday of each month, 9:30-11am and the last Tuesday of each
month, 6:30-8pm. Both meeting are at PATH in Madison. Childcare is provided
by childcare professionals, and is free.
Tender
Hearts
Contact Person: Katherine Swanson
Phone Number: 715-682-3930
Fax Number: None
E-mail: k.swanson@ncis.net
Website: None
The Tender Hearts Support Group provides a chance for adoptive parents to share
information and discuss adoption issues. The direction of the group is driven
by the needs of the members and the meeting often includes a speaker or program.
Tender Hearts will meet on the third Monday of each Month at the Vaughn Public
Library in Ashland.
Tough
Love
Contact Person: Katherine Swanson
Phone Number: 715-682-3930
Fax Number: None
E-mail: k.swanson@ncis.net
Website: None
Tough Love is a support group that focuses on families having children with
emotional and behavioral concerns. The purpose of the group is to provide support,
encouragement, guidance and resources to families on a monthly basis. Tough
Love meets monthly at Vaughn Public Library, Ashland (second floor in the Red
Room)
Adoption
Related Support Groups-Western Region
Adoptive Families of Wisconsin
Contact Person: Jan Herold
Phone Number: 608-582-4254 or 608-582-4235
Fax Number: None
E-mail: None
Website: None
Trempealeau County
The purpose of this group is to give support to adoptive and biological parents
of Special Needs children. The group meets every three months at a members home
to discuss community resources and parenting techniques. Those thinking of adopting
Special Needs children are also welcome.
Adoptive
Families with Special Needs Children
Contact Person: Patty Martin
Phone Number: 608-779-4448 (option 2, ext.4)
Fax: None
E-mail: None
Website: None
Trempealeau County
The purpose of this group is help assist adoptive parents of special needs children
which may include developments, emotional, or behavioral concerns. The meeting
starts out with a family meal and then breaks into parent group and child care.
This is a time where parents can find out what is normal, are there other like
us, and find lasting connections with other parents.
Adoption
Related Support Groups-Northeast Region
Adoption Information and Direction
Contact Person: Maureen Vanden Hogen
Phone Number: 920-336-3005
Fax Number: None
E-mail: None
Website: None
Brown County
Adoption information and Direction is a search and support group for adoptees,
birthparents and adoptive parents. Support is available for all whose lives
have been touched by adoption. There are membership dues after the first two
meetings attended.
Adoptive
Families List-serve
Contact Person: Mary Freberg
Phone Number: 920-436-4360 ext.1264
Fax Number: None
E-mail: postadoption@familyservicesnew.org
Website: None
This list serve is a free and private resource for all adoptive families in
Northeastern Wisconsin . It is open to families dealing with emotional, behavioral,
cognitive, medical, ethnic or other adoption-related issues. It is an opportunity
for adults to share with one another and learn from each other. Parents can
exchange ideas, share parenting resources and discover professional resources.
The home page is http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PostAdoptionSupportNEWis
To subscribe, send an e-mail to PostAdoptionSupportNEWis-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
Fox
Valley “Friends in Adoption”
Contact Person: Brenda Schlinz
Phone Number: 920-757-6149
Fax Number: None
E-mail: schlinz@famvid.com
Website: None
Outagamie County
This group, established in 1992, provides information to pre and post adoptive
families. The group offers a newsletter, membership directory, books, tapes,
videos, multicultural information, holiday celebrations, group activities, Parent’s
Night Out, and play groups. The information and experiences exchanged by parents
is invaluable. So come and meet with other adoptive families. There is an annual
fee of $24.
Lakeshore
Adoptive Families
Contact Person: Paula Ragsdale
Phone Number: 920-682-1647 or 682-6246
Fax Number: None
E-mail: None
Website: None
Manitowoc County
This group meets once a month to offer support, knowledge, fellowship and relay
experiences for families who are in the process of adoption, thinking about
adoption, or have already adopted.
Ours
Through Adoption - NE WI
Contact Person: Doug Stangel
Phone Number: 920-435-2626
Fax Number: None
E-mail: None
Web: www.gbonline.com/org/ous
Brown County
The board meets once month to develop and promote ways to provide information
to pre-adoptive and post adoptive member parents. The group provides social
and cultural activities as well as an annual Adoption Option conference is held
in March. There is a $25 membership fee, which includes the organizational newsletter.
Adoption
Related Support Groups-Southern Region
Families Through
Korean Adoption
Contact Person: Carolyn Betz
Phone Number: 608-258-8699
Fax Number: none
E-mail: None
Website: None
Dane County
This group meets at various locations to provide support through a social setting
to families in the process of or who have already adopted children from Korea.
The purpose is to educate families on the cultures and traditions from the children’s
birth country. There is a $15 membership fee per year.
Heart
to Heart
Contact Person: Misty Thomas
Phone Number: 608-755-0368
Fax Number: None
E-mail: rfamily@ticon.net
Website: None
Rock County
Heart to Heart is a transracial support group for families who have adopted
biracial or African American children. The group provides education as will
as fun activities and cultural events for both parent and children. Meeting
times vary; contact the group for a newsletter and more information.
Heart
Holders
Contact Person: Marla King
Phone Number: 608-274-7967
Fax Number: None
E-mail: None
Website: None
Dane County
Heart Holders meets on the third Tuesday of every month at Good Shepherd Lutheran
Church in Madison. The group is both social and educational, and childcare is
often provided. There is no fee to join this group. This group is sponsored
by the Post Adoption Resource Center of the southwest region.
Multi-Racial
Adoption Support Group
Contact Person: Jessie Godek
Phone Number: 608-833-4800 or 888-485-7385
Fax Number: None
E-mail: None
Website: None
Dane County
This group lends support to multiracial adoptive families.
Paraguayan
Adoptive Parents
Contact Person: Chris Cowles
Phone Number: 608-845-8823
Fax Number: None
E-mail: None
Website: None
Dane County
This group is primarily a loose knit social group used to allow the children
to interact. Educational moments are also shared by sharing news articles and
current events from Paraguay. Meetings are held monthly and are held in various
locations according to activity.
Adoption
Related Support Groups-Southeast Region
Adopted Teens Unite! (For 12 – 17 year olds)
Contact Person: Leann Meiners
Phone Number: 414-475-1246
Fax Number: 414-475-7007
E-mail: info@wiadopt.org
Website: None
Whether adopted as an infant, internationally or later in life, you are invited
join this group especially for teens. This group will give adoptees the opportunity
to talk about adoption issues with one another as well as plenty of social time
with other adopted teens.
Camp
Bo Bae- Korean Culture Camp
Contact Person: Karen Leonard
Phone Number: 262-392-9857
Fax Number: None
E-mail: None
Website: None
Waukesha County
This group promotes cultural awareness and works with those in attendance to
strengthen self image. The camp is $100 for a four day session and had 100 children
in attendance in 1999.
Families
with Children from China
Contact Person: Pat Thrams
Phone Number: 262-593-2118
Fax Number: None
E-mail: CHINAS3ROSES@AOL.COM
Web: http://ma-fcc.org/
Waukesha County
The purpose of this group is to provide pre and post-adoption support, information
and socialization to families who have or are planning to adopt from China.
The group meets during the months of February, April, June, August, October
& December, usually the 2nd Sunday of the month.
Korean
Connection
Contact Person: Michael and Lia Strand
Phone Number: 262-250-0517
Fax Number: None
E-mail: None
Website: None
Waukesha County
This group’s focus is to connect with Korean culture, cuisine and community
in the greater Milwaukee area. The group will get together every other month
in the community.
Ours
Though Adoption – SE WI
Contact Person: Michelle Amich
Phone Number: 414-764-8764
Fax Number: None
E-mail: mramich@earthlink.net
Website: None
Milwaukee County
The purpose of this group is to bring people together so families and children
can network and socialize with one another.
Pending
Parents
Contact Person: Leigh Ann Sickinger
Phone Number: 262-392-5151
Fax Number: None
E-mail: None
Website: None
Milwaukee County
Pending Parents, which is part of Adoptive Family Connections, is a gathering for individuals and couples considering or in the process of adoption. Meetings are held at the Adoption Resources the second Wednesday of each month from 7 to 8:30pm and focus on a variety of topics. Pending Parents meetings are open to all and are free of charge. Attendees may make a donation to support orphanages worldwide, if they choose.
US
Chilean Adoptive Families
Contact Person: J. Morack
Phone Number: 414-257-0248
Fax Number: None
E-mail: None
Website: None
Milwaukee County
This group has 50 plus members who organize to promote cultural awareness of
children adopted from Chile. There are no fees. The group has various events
and picnics throughout the year.
Voices
United, Inc.
President/Chairperson: Nellie Rice
Phone Number: 414-456-0631
Fax Number: 414-456-0631
Email: VoicesUnitedInc@aol.com
Website: None
This is an advocacy group aimed at confronting and resolving issues within the
adoption process and the adoption system. The group invites individuals involved
in the adoption process, foster care, kinship, professionals and caring individuals
to meet in hopes of problem resolution. There is a Spanish translator for those
who request one.
Other
Support Groups
Grandparent’s Rights of Wisconsin, Inc.
Contact Person: Fred Fisher
Phone Number: 414-535-1218
Fax Number: None
E-mail: None
Website: None
Grandparent’s Rights holds statewide meetings in the Milwaukee area to
bring grandparents together to support and educate one another. The group also
publishes a newsletter.
MUMS/Mothers
United For Moral Support
Contact Person: Julie Gordon
Phone Number: 920-336-5333
Fax Number: None
E-mail: None
Website: None
Mums is a national parent to parent network which provides support for families
of children with any physical, emotional or mental disorder. MUMS matches these
families with other families of similar diagnosis and assists parents in forming
or finding other support groups in their area. MUMS also educates families about
professionals and services available to families. Fees, which can be waived,
are $15 for parents, $5 for a match and $25 for professionals.
WI
Family Ties
Contact Person: Joan Maynoard, Information & Referral Coordinator
Phone Number: 800-422-7145 X5
Fax Number: None
E-mail: joanm@familyties.org
Web: www.wi-familyties.org
Other
Support Groups-Northwest Region
Wisconsin Families Ties has advocates throughout the state that provides support
for families with children who have serious emotional and behavioral disorders.
Please call to find out about resources in you area.
Parents of Disabled/Special Needs Children Support Group
Contact Person: Teresa Edvalson
Phone Number: 715-635-2818
Fax Number: None
E-mail: None
Website: None
This group is for parents with special children to meet and talk about ideas,
concerns, information and the love they have for their children. This group
will meet on the third Thursday of each month at 8:00 p.m. at Lakeland Family
Resource Center, W7157 Green Valley Road in Spooner, WI.
Sibshop
Contact Person: Katherine Swanson
Phone Number: 715-682-9070
Fax Number: None
E-mail: None
Website: None
Sibshop is for brothers and sisters of children with special needs. The purpose
of the group is to provide a place to share information and discuss feelings
and issues that arise when growing up with a sibling with disabilities. Sibshop
will meet quarterly at the Vaughn Public Library in Ashland.
Other
Support Groups-Southern Region
Interracial Families Network/Family Enhancement
Contact Person: Staff
Phone Number: 608-241-5150
Fax Number: None
E-mail: None
Web: www.danenet.org/familyen/
Dane County
The Interracial Families Network meets the first Monday of the month at 7:30
p.m. The intent is to give peer support for multiracial birth, foster, and adoptive
families by sharing skills to help raise a multicultural family. The group has
a newsletter and list serve. Free childcare is provided during the meeting.
Family enhancement also has a variety of other services and groups for parents.
Please call to find out about the specialized topics and information they have
available for parents.
Other
Support Groups-Southeast Region
Birth Families Support
Contact Person: Lauree (Bethany Christian Services)
Phone Number: 262-547-6557 or 800-551-0505
Fax Number: None
E-mail: None
Website: None
Waukesha County
This group, especially for birthparents, meets once a month at Bethany Christian
Services. Call for more information.
CHADD
Contact Person: None
Phone Number: 414-299-9442
Fax Number: None
E-mail: None
Web: www.chadd.org
Milwaukee County
There is a $45 fee to join this regional organization that is parent based and
works to better the lives of individuals with ADD and those that care for them.
The group meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at Froedert Hospital
in the Helfaer Auditorium. Meetings alternate between invited speakers and support
groups for parents of young children and adolescents. An adult support group
meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Froedtert Hospital
cafeteria.
Grandparents
Parenting Again/The Women’s Center
Contact Person: None
Phone Number: 262-544-0633
Fax Number: None
E-mail: None
Website: None
Waukesha County
Grandparents Parenting Again is a support group for grandparents or play a significant
role in parenting their grandchildren. This free, ongoing group offers support
and encouragement in meeting daily challenges. The group meets Thursdays from
1:00-3:00 p.m.
Mothercare
Contact Person: Wanda Staples
Phone number: 414-449-2868 ext.246
Fax Number: None
E-mail: None
Website: None
Milwaukee County
Mothercare is not a support group but rather a nurturing program to teach parental
education. The class is open to mothers under the age of 24 and is designed
to help reduce and prevent child abuse. The classes teach parenting techniques
as well as daily living skills and anger management. The group is voluntary
and has no fee.
Parenting
the Spirited Child (ADHD)
Contact Person: Colette Zukowski
Phone Number: 414-671-0566
Fax Number: None
E-mail: None
Website: None
Milwaukee County
This group will provide information and support as well as strategies for parents
that can help them cope with their ADD or ADHD child. Information on available
community resources and how to work with the school will also be provided. Childcare
will be provided.
Parents
of Sexually Abused Children and Adolescents
Contact Person: Cheryl Orgas
Phone Number: 414-271-2565
Fax Number: None
E-mail: None
Web: None
Milwaukee county
This group provides education and support to parents of sexually abused children.
The group is free of charge and is offered by Counseling Center of Milwaukee
and the Parenting Network. Childcare is provided.
Partnership
for Children’s Mental Health
Contact Person: Lisa Alden
Phone Number: 262-646-4455
Fax Number: None
E-mail: None
Web: None
Waukesha County
This group is for parents, professionals and others concerned about a child
experiencing a mental, behavioral or emotional disorder. Supports, resources,
information, education and fun are shared in these monthly meetings. The group
meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 6:30-8 p.m. at the YWCA in
Waukesha.
Racine
Play Group
Contact Person: Debbie Knudson
Phone Number: 262-634-6837
Fax Number: None
E-mail: None
Website: None
This is an informal group that meets so children can play and parents can talk.
The group is specifically for International adoptive families. Currently the
group has 15 families and is growing.
Helpful
Adoption Web Sites
Governmental
Wisconsin Dept. of Health and Family Services
The Wisconsin Dept. of Health and Family Services operates a wonderful site
at www.dhfs.state.wi.us/children/adoption/index.htm
This site offers many areas for families to learn more about adoption and to
find answers to their questions. www.dhfs.state.wi.us/children/adoption/adsearch.htm
Consumer
Guide to Health Care - Find a Dentist in Wisconsin. This website provides
current information on practicing dentists, their location, and whether they
accept Medical Assistance.
http://www.chsra.wisc.edu/dentists/search.asp
U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families
This site contains a great deal of information on policies.
www.acf.dhhs.gov
Internal
Revenue Service
The Internal Revenue Service site contains information on tax credits and other
needed information for families.
www.irs.ustreas.gov
Other
Web Sites that are helpful:
National Adoption Information Clearinghouse
This site has helpful articles, bibliographies of helpful topics, resource connections.
www.calib.com/naic
Faces
of Children
This site has information on waiting children nationwide and also has a helpful
resource center.
www.adoptuskids.org
North
American Council on Adoptable Children
A national advocacy organization for adoption.
www.nacac.org
Family
Village
This site is a wonderful linkage for families looking for information on disabilities.
It is operated by the University of Wisconsin.
www.familyvillage.wisc.edu
Home to Stay: A Post Adoption Resource Guide for Wisconsin Families
Post Adoption Resources in Wisconsin
A Post
Adoption Resource Guide for Wisconsin Families
The phrase “adoption is forever” is widely used within the adoption
community. It says that adoption is a lifetime commitment and that an adoptive
family is always a family. Adoptive families, like other families, can sometimes
find themselves facing unforeseen events for which they do not know where to
go for answers or support. While it is sometimes easier for people to just ignore
worrisome or uncertain situations, some issues need to be addressed or they
may not go away. In fact, the problem may even get worse. Addressing the needs
of adoptive families is a growing concern given the recent increase in the number
of international and special needs adoptions, where adoption issues can be even
more complicated.
We want you
to know that you are not alone, no matter what. Keep in mind that not all sections
of this guide will be relevant to you and your situation. Most of these resources
are available to all families not just those who have adopted. Also remember
that this is by no means an exhaustive list of the resources available, but
rather a starting point. Your local Post Adoption Resource Center can provide
you with further information and assistance.
Congratulations on choosing this unique and special way to build your family!
Post
Adoption Resources for Families
Adoptive families are different in some ways from non-adoptive families. When
you do need help, there is support available specifically for adoptive families.
The Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, Division of Children
and Family Services funds five Post Adoption Resource Centers to perform the
following services:
• Provide education, training and support to adoptive families and professionals
living in the identified service area
• Improve community awareness of adoption by promoting a positive image
of adoption and an increased understanding of the unique issues facing adoptive
families
• Host adoption celebrations
• Sponsor open house events
• Provide adoption related publications including books, videos and audiotapes
• Provide easily accessible information by maintaining an Internet website
and toll-free phone service
• Make referrals to service providers, support groups and medical resources
as applicable
• Make adoption related events known to interested parties as requested
and post events on the internet
Post
Adoption Resource Centers-Northeastern
Family Services of NE Wisconsin, Inc.
300 Crooks Street
Green Bay WI 54301
Mail: PO Box 22308, Green Bay WI 54305-2308
Toll Free: 800-998-9609
Fax Number: 920-432-4053
E-Mail: postadoption@familyservicesnew.org
Website: www.familyservicesnew.org
Counties Served: Brown, Calumet, Door, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Kewaunee, Manitowoc,
Marinette, Marquette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, Sheboygan, Waupaca,
Winnebago and Waushara
Post
Adoption Resource Centers-Northern
Catholic Charities Diocese of La Crosse
1317 College Court 200 Washington Street
Stevens Point WI 54481 Wausau WI 54403
Toll Free: 866-849-3311 (Wausau) 866-344-2500 (Stevens Point)
Fax Number: Superior: 715-394-6617
Fax Number: Wausau: 715-849-3311
E-Mail: info@catholiccharitieslax.org
Website: www.friendsofadoption.org
Counties Served: Ashland, Bayfield, Florence, Forest, Iron, Langlade, Lincoln,
Marathon, Oneida, Portage, Price, Sawyer, Taylor, Vilas and Wood
Post
Adoption Resource Centers-Southeastern
Adoption Resources of Wisconsin, Inc.
6682 West Greenfield Avenue Suite 310
Milwaukee WI 53214
Toll Free: 800-762-8063
Fax Number: 414-475-7007
E-Mail: info@wiadopt.org
Website: www.wiadopt.org
Counties Served: Jefferson, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington
and Waukesha
Post
Adoption Resource Centers-Southern
Catholic Charities Diocese of Madison
426 South Yellowstone Drive Suite 100
Madison WI 53719
Toll Free: 888-485-7385
Fax Number: 608-833-7897
E-Mail: postadoption@tds.net
Website: www.ccmdsn.org
Counties Served: Adams, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Grant, Green, Iowa,
Juneau, Lafayette, Richland, Rock and Sauk
Post
Adoption Resource Centers-Western
Catholic Charities Diocese of La Crosse
128 South Sixth Street 204 East Grand Avenue
La Crosse WI 54602-0266 Eau Claire WI 54701
Toll Free: 800-227-3002
Fax Number: 715-832-6686
E-Mail: info@catholiccharitieslax.org
Website: www.friendsofadoption.org
Counties Served: Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Eau
Claire, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Rusk, St. Croix, Trempealeau,
Vernon and Washburn
Adoption
Related Websites
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
www.dhfs.state.wi.us
This web site provides information on Wisconsin’s Birth to 3 Program,
Disability Programs, Katie Beckett Program, Medicaid Purchase Plan, Pathways
to Independence Program, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Adoption in Wisconsin,
Child Care, Child Welfare, Foster Care and Independent Living Services. Included
in the Adoption information provided is information on Adoption Assistance,
adoption related Internet sites, search information and adoption laws for the
state.
Adoption
Resources of Wisconsin
www.wiadopt.org
This web site features information on post adoption services including a calendar
of educational events, conferences and family fun events throughout Wisconsin.
There is also a complete listing of videos, audiotapes, and books available
to be checked out and mailed at no charge, a discussion group, articles on post
adoptive issues, and a support group listing for the state of Wisconsin. Contact
information for all five Post Adoption Resource Centers in the state can also
be found here.
Wisconsin
Adoption and Foster Care Information Center
www.wiadoptioninfocenter.org
This website features information on all types of adoption. There is information
specific to both birthparents and prospective adoptive families. Legal issues,
search and reunion, how to choose an agency and a list of licensed agencies
in Wisconsin can be found at this site. Links to information about foster care
are available.
National
Adoption Information Clearinghouse
www.calib.com/naic
The Clearinghouse website is a national resource for information on all aspects
of adoption for professionals, policy makers, and the general public. Clearinghouse
services include technical assistance to professionals and policy makers, a
library collection, publications, databases on adoption resources, and information
on Federal and State legislation.
National
Adoption Center
www.adopt.org
The National Adoption Center provides information on the adoption process, financial
assistance, national adoption organizations, book reviews, conferences, adoption
related articles and legislative updates.
Casey
Family Services
www.caseyfamilyservices.org
Casey Family Services website provides information and support to parents, youth
and professionals. The site provides access to information on conferences and
meetings, training sessions, service models, advocacy services, chat boards
and personal adoption stories.
Family guides to protecting young children with disabilites are available free except for the cost of shipping from Prevent Child Abuse of Wisconsin. There are four guides:
Child Abuse: What it is and why young children with disabilities are at risk |
Caring for your child, yourself and your family in stressful times |
When other people take care of your child |
The power of resiliency |
These guides are written for parents and other caregivers to help them protect and care for young children with special needs. The materials are adapted from materials created by Project PREVENT, a joint project of the Center for Disability Resources at the University of South Carolina and Prevent Child Abuse South Carolina and funded by NCCAN, Administration on Children and Families and the US Department of Health and Human Services. For copies, call us at 1-800-CHILDREN.
Reduced price for "Raising a Child Today", a pamphlet for parents of young children. It is available at a special price of $.25 each or $15 per 100 plus shipping and handling.* Limit to the first 800 ordered. For copies call us at 1-800-CHILDREN.
Also reduced price for "Good Ways to Raise Good Kids", a pamphlet for parents of young children. It is available at a special price of $.25 each plus shipping and handling.* Limit to the first 100 ordered. For copies call 1-800-CHILDREN.
| * SHIPPING AND HANDLING COSTS |
| Orders up to $25--$4.00 S&H |
| Orders of $26-$50--$5.50 S&H |
| Orders of $51-$75--$6.50 S&H |
| Orders over $75--7% of total order |
6682 West Greenfield Avenue, Suite 310
Milwaukee WI 53214-4960
414-475-1246
800-762-8063 (Wisconsin only)
414-475-7007 FAX
E-mail: info@wiadopt.org
This web site is sponsored by Tek3, LLC 