Whether you’re pregnant and considering adoption, exploring ways to grow your family through adoption, or looking for information about Safe Haven options, Connected Hearts is here to help.
We provide honest answers, compassionate guidance, and personalized support so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
No. Connected Hearts welcomes and supports individuals of all faiths, beliefs, backgrounds, and family structures. You do not need to be Catholic or have any religious affiliation to receive our services. Our role is to provide compassionate guidance, education, and support so you can make informed decisions that are right for you and your family.
Absolutely. One of our Connected Hearts pregnancy support workers can meet with you to discuss all of your options in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. Our goal is to help you make the decision that feels best for you and your child.
If you choose to parent, we can help you develop a parenting plan and connect you with community resources. If you choose adoption, we will support you in creating the adoption plan that best reflects your wishes and goals.
Yes. Many expectant parents choose an open adoption, which allows for ongoing contact and communication after placement.
Open adoption can look different for every family and may include:
Connected Hearts works with adoptive families who are open to maintaining contact and honoring the level of openness that feels right for everyone involved.
You can begin creating an adoption plan at any point during your pregnancy, or even after your child is born. There is no “right” time to reach out. Whenever you are ready, we will meet you where you are and help you explore your options and develop a plan that feels right for you and your child.
Yes. If you choose adoption, you can select the adoptive family you feel is the best fit for your child and your adoption plan.
All families approved through Connected Hearts complete a comprehensive adoption process, including:
These steps help ensure that families are prepared to provide a safe, stable, and loving home for a child.
No. It is never too late to explore adoption. Whether your child is days, weeks, or months old, our team is here to support you and help you understand your options. We will work alongside you to develop a plan that is in the best interest of both you and your child.
Yes. Wisconsin law requires agency involvement in the adoption process. Connected Hearts can help guide you through each step, answer your questions, and ensure all legal requirements are met.
Your pregnancy support worker will discuss the legal requirements regarding paternity with you. If you know who the father is, you will be asked to provide that information.
If the identity of the father is unknown, the attorney handling the adoption process will follow the legal procedures required to notify potential fathers and document those efforts with the court.
In Wisconsin, parental rights cannot simply be signed away. A birth mother must voluntarily appear in court for a Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) hearing.
Your Connected Hearts worker will help prepare you for the hearing and provide support throughout the process. These hearings are private, and everyone involved understands the emotional nature of the decision. A Connected Hearts worker will be present in person at the hearing with you to help you feel supported and prepared. We will be with you every step of the way.
No. All Connected Hearts pregnancy support and adoption planning services are provided at no cost to expectant parents.
Yes. We are committed to providing lifelong support to birth parents.
You may continue meeting with a support worker for as long as you wish. We can also connect you with community resources, counseling services, and support groups when available.
If you have placed a child through our program and would like to speak with someone, please call or text 920-680-2544 and ask to speak with our Birth Parent Support Worker.
Every person’s experience is unique, and adoption is a deeply personal decision. It is normal to have questions and experience a range of emotions when making any significant life decision.
Many birth parents find peace in knowing they carefully considered their options and made the decision they believed was best for themselves and their child. For those who choose open adoption, maintaining a connection with their child can also provide comfort and reassurance.
Choosing adoption does not mean you love your child any less. For many parents, it is a decision made out of love, care, and a desire to provide the future they envision for their child.
Exploring adoption does not commit you to placing your child for adoption. You are encouraged to ask questions, gather information, and take the time you need to consider all of your options.
You may change your mind at any time before the Termination of Parental Rights hearing takes place. Our role is to provide information, support, and guidance so you can make the decision that feels right for you and your child.
We’re here to listen, answer your questions, and support you without pressure or judgment.
Contact Connected Hearts today to learn more about your options and the services available to you.
Open adoption is an adoption arrangement that allows for ongoing communication and connection between the birth family, adoptive family, and child. The level of openness is unique to each adoption and is determined based on the wishes and comfort of everyone involved.
At Connected Hearts, we believe openness can help a child maintain important connections and understand their adoption story throughout their life. We work closely with both birth and adoptive families to establish expectations and support healthy relationships.
Adoptive parents assume all legal and parental responsibilities for the child after adoptive finalization, while birth parents continue to have a valued and important connection through the level of openness agreed upon by those involved. The goal of openness is to support the child’s well-being, identity, and understanding of their adoption story.
All prospective adoptive parents are required to complete adoption education and training as part of the home study process. Wisconsin required 25 hours of adoption education for all first time adoptive parents, of which 6 hours must be in-person as well as 10 hours of ongoing adoption education. Training helps families prepare for the unique experiences and needs of adopted children and their birth families.
Our staff will guide you through all training requirements and provide resources to help you feel confident and prepared throughout your adoption journey.
Connected Hearts remains involved after placement to support both the child and adoptive family during the transition period.
Following placement, a social worker will conduct regular post-placement visits for approximately six months, or until the adoption is finalized by the court. During these visits, your social worker will:
Our commitment to your family continues long after placement and finalization, and adoptive families are welcome to reach out months or years later for guidance, resources, or support.
Adoption involves various fees associated with the adoption process, including, home study, placement, and post-placement services.
During informational meetings and throughout the application process, Connected Hearts staff will provide detailed information regarding current fees and expected costs. We are committed to being transparent and helping families understand the financial aspects of adoption before moving forward.
If you have questions about adoption expenses, please contact our team to learn more.
A home study is a comprehensive assessment required for all prospective adoptive families. The purpose of the home study is to ensure that families are prepared to provide a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for a child.
While the process may feel extensive, it is designed to prepare and support families while ensuring the best interests of children are met.
What is Safe Haven?
If you have a newborn and feel unable to care for them, Wisconsin’s Safe Haven law gives you a safe, legal way to place your baby in the care of others. A parent can safely surrender an unharmed baby up to 30 days old without fear of legal consequences.
You can:
• Hand your baby directly to staff at a hospital
• Hand your baby directly to a police officer
• Hand your baby directly to emergency medical personnel, such as EMTs or paramedics
• Place your baby in an approved Safe Haven Baby Box (see below)
You do not have to give your name or answer questions if you do not want to. Once your baby is surrendered, trained professionals will make sure they receive immediate care, medical attention, and a safe place to stay. Child welfare professionals will then work to ensure your baby is placed in a safe, nurturing home. Depending on the county and local process, this may involve temporary foster care or placement through a licensed adoption agency. While procedures vary across Wisconsin, the priority is always your baby’s safety, well-being, and long-term care. The goal of Safe Haven is to make sure every baby is safe and every parent has a compassionate option during a difficult time.
Learn more about Wisconsin’s Safe Haven law at: Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
The Green Bay Safe Haven Baby Box is a secure, climate-controlled box that allows a parent to safely and anonymously surrender their newborn under Wisconsin’s Safe Haven law.
The Baby Box is designed for parents who may not feel comfortable handing their baby directly to someone but want to make sure their child is safe and cared for. Using the Baby Box is legal, confidential, and focused on the well-being of both the baby and the parent.
For additional information, support, and resources, visit Safe Haven Baby Boxes. Their website includes information about Safe Haven options, Baby Box locations, and a 24/7 crisis hotline for parents who need support.
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