Adoption Issues/homestudy

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Expert: - 3/14/2011


Question
Hi,
I have a few questions regarding the home study process.
I was wondering if the the social worker asks about other family members or asks to talk to other family members? As in the soon to be grandparents and aunts and uncles? Also what are the main things that the social worker looks for when approving a home that is interested in adopting a child with disabilities? I have heard from people that they look at the distance from near by hospitals and doctors. That they also check that you have the right safety locks and a fire extinguisher?  
Thank You,
Chelsea

Answer
Hello Chelsea,

Yes, social workers will request that you provide 3 or so references that they will want to talk with, but not all family members.  We look for your willingness and ability to provide the level of care that will be necessary for a child with disabilities.  Do you have other children or a very demanding job that might interfere with your ability to meet the needs of the child.  Yes, if transportation to and from doctors is expected, they will consider that.  It all comes down to the needs of each child and how well your household would be able to meet that child's needs.  For example, do you have wide doors or a ramp for a child with mobility issues.  

Yes, they do want flashlight, fire extinguishers, safety locks, outlet covers, basically a child proof home if you want young children.   

I hope this helps.  Agencies are usually understanding about prospective families getting the required items.  They will bend over backwards for committed, responsible adults and they begin looking at that from your initial contacts with the agency.  So, put your best foot forward and good luck.  Thanks for your willingness to open your home.

Chandricka Mose  

Adoption Issues

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Chandricka R. Mose, LCSW-C, LICSW, ACSW

Expertise

EXTENSIVE!! I can answer questions about issues pertaining to foster care, treatment foster care, foster care to adopt matters, kinship care, reunification and homestudy concerns and process.

Experience

I have 20 years of experience ih this arena. I have worked in preventing youth from entering care and provided case management to youth and families in care. I have conducted and supervised training for foster and adoptive parents in both the presercive and inservice phases. I have conducted and supervised parenting skills training for parents seeking to regain custody of their children. I also held positions as program supervisor and director of foster care services. I am an advocate for youth, professionals and parents that find theselves involved in the foster care and/or adoption process. I have also experienced foster care and adoption personally as I grew up with a mom who provided foster care services and have two adopted siblings.

Organizations
I am on the Advisory Committee of Kayla's Village. This is an advocacy and training organization for youth, professionals and parents involved with the child welfare system.

Publications
I have not been published, but serve as the social work expert at the Kayla's Village ask the expert free on-line service. I have also presented at a national conference on foster care and adoption issues.

Education/Credentials
I have a Bachelor of Social Work from Howard University and a Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University. I am clinically licensed in both Maryland and Washington, DC.

Awards and Honors
I was once honored as Employee of the Year.

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