Post Placement Services
Do you require Post Placement and In Home Visitation Services?
For adoptive parents who are adopting from another state, you may be required to have in-home post-placement visits before your adoption can be finalized. If you live in Oregon or Washington, Choice Adoptions can help.
After your child is placed in your arms for the first time, you’ll want nothing more than to start your new life together. It can feel like your adoption is finally complete after receiving ICPC clearance and returning home — but there are a few more important steps awaiting you in the legal process of adoption.
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Depending on your state laws, you may have to complete post-placement adoption visits. At first, these can seem overwhelming. You might be worried about being the “perfect” parent or being judged for the (natural) adjustment to your new role as caregiver. Know this: Your post-placement adoption visits are not there to jeopardize your adoption placement. Instead, they’re just another tool to ensure that you and your child will adjust to your new lives together safely and successfully.In the meantime, here’s a quick run-down of what you need to know about infant adoption post-placement visits.
Why are Post-Placement Adoption Visits Required?
Post-placement visits are an important part of the post-placement legal process. They exist to confirm the safety and well-being of both the adopted child and the adoptive parents. Adoption is a big deal, and it takes some time to adjust to the new reality of raising an adopted child. Post-placement adoption visits ensure all parties are comfortable and happy during this time.The number of adoption post-placement visits and when they will occur will depend on your state laws. In most cases, these visits are completed by a home study professional. Choice Adoptions is licensed in both Oregon and Washington. If you live in one of these states, Choice Adoptions can help. Typically, three post-placement visits are required, in accordance with the laws where your adoption will be finalized (not necessarily where you may live). In private domestic infant adoptions, most post-placement adoption visits start two to four weeks after placement.
So, what happens during in-home post-placement adoption visits?
You may be surprised to find that your post-placement visits are very similar to your home study visits. Your social worker will observe you and your child to see how you’re adjusting to your new roles. They will also ask you some questions about a variety of topics (like your baby’s milestones and pediatrician visits). Remember: A post-placement in-home visit should reflect your everyday life, to ensure that the placement is in the best interest of all involved.
After completing all required post-placement visits, your social worker will present a report to your adoption specialist or attorney for use at your adoption finalization hearing.