By: Leslie Zindulka LCSW-R of Adoptiondoctors.com
Selecting a social worker to complete your home study is similar to a birth mother selecting an adoptive parent. You must look at what the social worker has to offer and select one whom you feel most comfortable with.
Your home study should be an interactive and educational experience. You should feel comfortable sharing information and asking questions of your social worker.
Your social worker must be a New York State Licensed Certified Social Worker. They should be knowledgeable about domestic pre-certification requirements and international immigration requirements as well. The social worker should be familiar with the format of and what specific issues need to be included within the home study report. It should be a well-written documented home study, that is completed within a timely fashion and acceptable to adoption court officials and international officials, if indicated.
Although, it is not necessary to contract with a social worker that is also an adoptive parent, it is a bonus that can not be overlooked. They know first hand what you’re going through. They have experienced the process, the wait and are now parenting in an adoptive family. Currently, adoption professionals are not required to have any formal training or degree to practice in the adoption field. So, to have years of experience and the personal expertise as well, is an asset.
Independent practitioners complete most New York State domestic adoption home studies. A social worker that is able to “convert” the independent practitioner home study to an “agency” home study should the individual or couple change their path is an added benefit. These are the important issues to consider when contracting with a social worker for a home study.
Disclaimer The information and advice provided is intended to be general information, NOT as advice on how to deal with a particular child’s situation and or problem. If your child has a specific problem you need to ask your pediatrician about it – only after a careful history and physical exam can a medical diagnosis and/or treatment plan be made. This Web site does not constitute a physician-patient relationship. This material has been provided by AdoptionDoctors.com, an innovative adoption medicine private practice and educational service, dedicated to helping parents and adoption agencies with the complex pre-adoption medical issues of internationally adopted children. All medical interactions are performed via, e-mail, express mail, telephone, and fax. There is no need to make a live appointment or travel outside of your hometown. For more information, visit AdoptionDoctors.com or call 631-499-4114. © Leslie Zindulka, LCSW-R