1. allianceforchildwelfare.org
Adoptions

2. write your best definition
What is Adoption?
write your best definition
The act of creating the legal relationship between parent and child where it did not exist, thereby declaring the child to be legally the child of the adoptive parents and their heir at law, and entitled to all the rights and privileges and subject to all the obligation of a child born to the adoptive parents
A means of meeting the developmental needs of a child by legally transferring ongoing parental responsibilities for that child from the birth parents to adoptive parents, recognizing that in the process a new kinship network is created that forever links those two families together through the child that is shared by both.
University of Washington - Eastern Washington University – Eastern Washington University – DSHS Children’s Administration – Partners for Our Children

3. Child Welfare Values and Standards
Every child has a right to a safe family environment during the critical years before adulthood
Residing with the legal or biological parent is presumed to be in the child’s best interest – baring safety concerns
The state has an obligation to intervene in certain circumstances
Residing with a suitable relative is presumed to be in the child’s best interest in most cases, when out of home care is needed
The state has an obligation to pursue reunification through engagement, assessment, and support of the legal parents in most circumstances
The state has an obligation to concurrently work to establish a legally binding safe and stable option besides return home
A child has a right to speedy resolution of the concern and integration into a safe, stable family environment
University of Washington - Eastern Washington University – Eastern Washington University – DSHS Children’s Administration – Partners for Our Children

4. Federal Legal Context for Adoption
Federal Laws –
What do you remember about…?
ASFA
ICWA
ICPC
MEPA/IEPA
University of Washington - Eastern Washington University – Eastern Washington University – DSHS Children’s Administration – Partners for Our Children

5. Safe, Stable, Timely Adoptions
Let’s start at the very beginning….
…A very good place to start
Stabilize and support the child
Support birth parents
Long-term placements from the start
Know and follow state law and policy
Keep an eye on the clock
University of Washington - Eastern Washington University – Eastern Washington University – DSHS Children’s Administration – Partners for Our Children

6. Stabilize and Support the Child
Intensive Intervention
Targeted Social & Emotional Supports
High Quality Supportive Environments
Nurturing & Responsive Relationships
From the Technical Assistance Center on Social Emotional Intervention for Young Children
University of Washington - Eastern Washington University – Eastern Washington University – DSHS Children’s Administration – Partners for Our Children

7. Stabilize and Support the Child
Nurturing and Responsive Relationships
In Placement and with Birth Family (visitation)
Connections with siblings and extended family
Other important people/institutions
High Quality Supportive Environments
Daycare and School
Other Considerations
Cultural needs or connections
Remember MEPA/IEPA
Environments
Relationships
University of Washington - Eastern Washington University – Eastern Washington University – DSHS Children’s Administration – Partners for Our Children

8. Stabilize and Support the Child
Targeted Social and Emotional Supports
Assessment and Evaluation of concerns
Trauma history, behavioral and mental health concerns
Medical/dental/vision issues and screenings
Developmental concerns
Educational progress, needs, and barriers
Social and adaptive skills
Building Resilience
Age appropriate skills and activities
Social skills support and success
Opportunities for discovery, connection, and success
Targeted Supports
University of Washington - Eastern Washington University – Eastern Washington University – DSHS Children’s Administration – Partners for Our Children

9. Stabilize and Support the Child
Intensive Intervention
Evidence based treatment programs
Specialized services and supports
Medical or other Therapies
In-home supports to placements
Intensive Intervention
University of Washington - Eastern Washington University – Eastern Washington University – DSHS Children’s Administration – Partners for Our Children

10. Support Birth Parents Engagement and assessment
Ongoing support towards change
Ongoing documentation of efforts and progress
Ongoing discussion of progress, timelines, and permanence
University of Washington - Eastern Washington University – Eastern Washington University – DSHS Children’s Administration – Partners for Our Children

11. Long-Term Placements from the Start
Ask prior to and at the outset of placement about the potential for permanence
Homestudy process
Supports and services to maintain placement
Continue relative search and relative engagement - ICPC
Who is in the child’s life now? Who has the child had a relationship with?
Preparing the family for adoption and the process when TPR is imminent
University of Washington - Eastern Washington University – Eastern Washington University – DSHS Children’s Administration – Partners for Our Children

12. Know and Follow State Law and Policy
See handout
Summarize main points/key actions, requirements, prohibitions
University of Washington - Eastern Washington University – Eastern Washington University – DSHS Children’s Administration – Partners for Our Children

13. Keep an Eye on the Clock
Goal – adoption within 24 months of initial placement
Timeline issues:
Legally severing relationship with parents
Child in home of choice 6 months
Adoption homestudy
Adoption proceeding
University of Washington - Eastern Washington University – Eastern Washington University – DSHS Children’s Administration – Partners for Our Children

14. Selecting an Adoptive Caregiver
What qualifies a family as a good match?
Attitudes, skills, knowledge that match well with child’s short and long term needs
Services and supports to help the family build these skills
Financial and emotional stability/fitness
Community of support
University of Washington - Eastern Washington University – Eastern Washington University – DSHS Children’s Administration – Partners for Our Children

15. Move forward with Adoption When
Best permanent plan for child
Child legally free
Youth 13 or over agrees
Caregiver is qualified, willing, and able to adopt
Policy/legal requirements met
Approved homestudy
Disclosure of child’s needs/ file
University of Washington - Eastern Washington University – Eastern Washington University – DSHS Children’s Administration – Partners for Our Children

16. Family of Origin Involvement
Prior to adoption
Participate in relative search process
Provide medical/social history
Cultural history
Determine desired level of contact post-adoption
Activities to help the child cope with loss and manage change
After adoption
Support for grief and loss
Encouragement and hope for future
Responsible participation in the child’s life
University of Washington - Eastern Washington University – Eastern Washington University – DSHS Children’s Administration – Partners for Our Children

17. Family of Origin Involvement
Communication/ Open Adoption Agreements
University of Washington - Eastern Washington University – Eastern Washington University – DSHS Children’s Administration – Partners for Our Children

18. Preparing the Family and Child for Adoption
Stages of the Adoption Process
Placement
Honeymoon
Pre-Finalization
Post Finalization
Common themes to be addressed:
Answering the child’s questions - based on developmental stage
Signs of grief, loss, and trauma - by developmental stage
Creating permanent connections and an identity of belonging
Creating a family identity that celebrates the child’s adoption journey
University of Washington - Eastern Washington University – Eastern Washington University – DSHS Children’s Administration – Partners for Our Children

19. Adoption Support Funds
Offsets some costs related to:
Adoption process
Child’s special needs
Eligibility and amount determined prior to adoption
Family must apply
May be amended post adoption
University of Washington - Eastern Washington University – Eastern Washington University – DSHS Children’s Administration – Partners for Our Children

20. The Legal Adoption Process
Child in placement > six months Child legally free and consents to adoption Adoption homestudy complete and approved Adoption support settled Adoptive parents obtain lawyer to submit Petition for Adoption Other documents submitted to court Adoption hearing scheduled Adoption hearing takes place Court hears from all interested parties Decree of Adoption issued – Parent/Child relationship legal Adoptive parents submit Decree to DOH (new birth certificate) and SSA (new ss number)
University of Washington - Eastern Washington University – Eastern Washington University – DSHS Children’s Administration – Partners for Our Children