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 I am currently an MSW student at the University of Kentucky. I am working on a project for my policy class regarding public adoption/foster care. I would appreciate some insight into the system from someone who has been involved in the process. I am mainly looking for what you might consider to be some problem areas, whether in the policies, procedures, etc. I would appreciate any input you could give me. Thanks.
Answer Boy, I love this question. I really can't do it justice in the amount of space they give me, but I'll give you a few things to consider. If you would like, write me at winkpc20@aol.com and I'll make provide more.
1. The system is only as good as the people who run it. In many cases underqualified staff are working with children and families and they don't do a good job.
2. The # one problem is that children remain in the system too long before they return to family or get adopted. I know that has been recent federal legislation to correct this, but the system(s) need a real overhaul and kids must come first.
3. Read "KIds Raised by the Government" by Ira Schwartz and Gideon Fishman. It is full of material that responds to your project topic.
Hope you get an A!
