Section 51.04. Need for adoptive family resources.

 

(1)   Determination of need for adoptive family resources. At least 3 times in each calendar year the department shall determine the types of homes expected to be needed for placement of special needs children, and the number of each type of home needed. The types of homes needed shall be determined by examining children registered with the adoption information exchange and children expected to be freed for adoption and needing placement prior to the next screening. Types of homes needed may include but are not limited to homes where the applicant prefers a child of a particular age or sex, homes for sibling groups and homes that will take children with emotional, behavioral or physical problems and needs. The department shall determine the number of homes of each type needed by comparing the numbers of needed homes of each type with adoptive families already studied by the department and available for placement. The department may set the numbers of needed homes higher in any category or may admit additional families to compensate for unexpected intake of children or for applicants who are not approved or drop out of the process for any reason. The department may limit the total number of adoptive families selected in any region or other geographic area of the state.

(2)   Announcement of needed adoptive family resources. After the department under sub. (1) determines the need for adoptive family resources, the department shall publicize a description of the number and type of adoptive homes needed and information on the screening process by doing the following:

(a) Prominently displaying a description of the special needs adoption program at each location the department operates.

(b) Publishing the information at regular intervals in adoption exchange publications.

(c) Providing updated information regarding needed adoptive family resources to persons and agencies requesting information about adoption of special needs children.

History: Cr. Register, December, 1995, No. 480 , eff. 1-1-96.