Task force hoping to change Wisconsin adoption laws

MADISON (CBS 58) -- State lawmakers in Madison could soon change Wisconsin's adoption process in a big way.

An effort is being led by the Adoption Task Force to solve the backlog of cases.

Current proposals right now hope to speed up adoptions, reduce costs, and raise awareness for interested parents.

A local lawmaker from Oconomowoc says their work is needed.

"Our goal is to perhaps double the number of adoptions over the next five years in this state because there's such a need," said Representative Barbara Dittrich (R) Oconomowoc. 

Some say a focus on the rights of biological parents complicates adoptions in the state.

They also say the opioid crisis is driving the need for more foster parents.

There were 723 children adopted in Wisconsin last year.