AboutPeter C. Winkler, CSW Expertise I have experience with adoption subsidy, the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children and variety of other adoption related matters. I hope that I can be helpful to those who are considering adoption or would like to adopt a child.
Experience I am a social worker with an MSW and I have over thirty years of experience in family and children's services. I have worked as Director of adoption services and of the Interstate Compact in a large state agency. I have also provided direct services to children and families in a preventive services program. I currently prepare adoption studies for those who are adopting domestically or internationally.
Question My wife and I are interested in internationally adopting a baby. While we plan to purchase a home (and are financially able to do so), we currently live in a one bedroom apartment. It's spacious (and has a separate dining room and patio), but we're concerned that our home study evaluation may be off because the baby won't have his/her own room. Are we worrying needlessly? Thanks in advance.
Answer DearCharlie-
I can't answer your question definititively, because the best place to get an answer would be from the agency that you decide to work with. I'm not familiar with any hard and fast rules from the countries Americans usually adopt from. It also sounds like you have some "wiggle room" with that dinning room which could be used as a second bedroom. In addition, some international adoptions (such as from China) take well over a year before the child is placed with you By the time you a child placed with you, may have already moved to your new home.
I think that the issue you raise should not be a reason to delay getting started in the adoption process. Just be sure you discuss it with your agency so you don't have any surprises during the home study process.
