By: Leslie Zindulka LCSW-R

While it is difficult to make a general statement about such a diverse group as adopted teenagers, it can be said that adopted persons generally lead normal healthy lives that are no different from the lives of non- adopted persons. They may; however have experiences that are unique to being adopted, and these issues may have an impact on their lives at varying times. The teen years can be stressful for anyone, but they may be particularly stressful for an adopted teen because of the issues that must be faced during this period of development. The two most common are loss and unresolved grief and identity and self-esteem. Dealing with the loss of the birth family, coupled with a search for self, are two processes that can contribute to shaping the psychological development of adopted persons.
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By: Leslie Zindulka LCSW-R

Why would anyone put a child up for adoption and deal with all the emotional and legal issues rather than just getting an abortion, which is quick, and permanent?

Parenthood, adoption, and abortion are all options for an unplanned pregnancy. When you first learn that you are pregnant, you will need to consider your options and make an informed choice. You may feel that one option is clearly best for you, or the decision may be a difficult or confusing one. The bottom line is that only you have the right to choose the option that is best for you.
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By: Leslie Zindulka LCSW-R

An adoptive parent profile has many names. It is often referred to as a parent profile, an adoption profile, adoption dossier, adoption portfolio or a family resume.

Profiles generally include statistical history about yourself, such as age, educational and employment background, your interests and hobbies and your family. They usually have one or more photographs and sometimes a separate letter to a prospective birth parent. Simply put, it is a document that gives background and current information about a person who would like to adopt a child. If adopting via an agency, they will often have a specific format for you to follow. When adopting independently, you may be as creative and original as you like.
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By: Leslie Zindulka LCSW-R

One may question, is it fair or right for an adult adoptee to expect his/her adoptive parents to now associate in family gatherings with his/her biological family?

There is not enough research on the outcomes of openness for those involved in adoption. That said, I guess this is a matter of choice with no right or wrong answer for how to feel. There are different degrees of openness ranging from mediated sharing via an attorney or adoption agency to fully disclosed adoptions, involving direct contact between adoptive family and birthparent. We cannot assume that all adopted people want open contact. Remember no one type of adoption fits every person’s wants and needs.
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By: Leslie Zindulka LCSW-R

First 2-4 Weeks: Things to do when arriving home

• Get a health examination from an International Adoption Pediatrician.
• Get an accurate psychosocial-educational evaluation done in their native language.
• (In New York) New Entrant Chapter 53 Screening arranged by public school staff.

Determining School Readiness: Are They Ready To Start School?

• Cognitive Readiness – ability to learn skills and be available for learning.
• Social Readiness – capacity to function socially and participate cooperatively with peers.

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By: Leslie Zindulka LCSW-R

If you already have children, either biological, adopted or both, they will be included in the home study process. Their involvement will vary based on their age, but all children will need to meet the social worker. Children’s input is usually quite important in the overall assessment of the prospective adoptive individual and or couple.
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By: Leslie Zindulka LCSW-R

Simply put: No, a teenager will not be more sexually irresponsible just because they are aware that adoption is an option, if they find themselves with an unwanted pregnancy.

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By: Leslie Zindulka LCSW-R

Post-placement visits are sometimes referred to as post- placement supervision. The two main purposes are to gather information and to provide support. Once a child has successfully been placed in your home, all states, private agencies and international countries will require one or more post-placement visits. The timing of these visits may need to conform to state, agency or country mandates. The social worker may only need to visit your home once or several times. This generally will take place somewhere between 3 and 6 months or at a 12- month interval, depending on the legal requirements of the county in which you reside and the country from which you adopted. A domestic adoption can not be finalized until a licensed social worker prepares a post-placement home study report. This report is then submitted to the court for a judge to approve the adoption.
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By: Leslie Zindulka LCSW-R

How important is it for prospective adoptive parents to tell the truth about past problems – and current medical/emotional problems – that are being treated and under control?

My mother always told me to tell the truth because, “Honesty is the best policy”. She was a very wise woman, whose lesson holds true when it comes to adoption. One of the questions I get most often is about medical and emotional problems or criminal history and the importance of being honest about past and present problems. People often think; should we tell or keep it a secret? What if I do and then we can not adopt? My mother also said, “What comes around, goes around and the truth always comes out”. The adoption process has many safeguards and meeting with the Social Worker is the first step.

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By: Leslie Zindulka LCSW-R

Like all children, adopted children spend a good portion of their waking hours in school. Because school is such an important aspect of children’s lives, adoptive parents, like all parents, want their child’s school experience to be a positive one. When your child has a problem at school, you might find yourself wondering, “ Is this a problem related to adoption, or is it a typical problem common to all children?”

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