|
 “Who can adopt” can be compared to parents looking for a marriage
alliance for their daughter. They choose the best in all aspects. Similarly,
an agency should choose the best for the child.
At the intake level, the social worker takes all the finer details of the family
like age, education, financial security, health status, marital status, religion,
family constellation, attitude and motivation to adopt etc. On the basis of this
information the social worker then prepares the family on the list of documents
required, and informs them about the procedures for adoption.
The little infants/toddlers and children who come to the institutions are so
tiny and vulnerable. They come into the care of institutions and have no say
in deciding their future. BSSK is responsible for giving them a future
of comfort, love and security. Thus BSSK tries to carefully
scrutinize the credentials of adoptive parents, especially for how suitable they
are, and how far into the future we can see.
One important aspect of adoption procedures is the documentation.
On receiving the basic information on the prospective adoptive family, the social
worker can reveal the various documents that have to be submitted in originals
or attested copies. If all the documents are in order, the family is registered
and put on a waiting list of families.
We have a long waiting list of families at any given
time and the waiting period varies
with the availability of children.
Since November 2004, BSSK has a consolidated central waiting list of Registered
families at the Pune head office. These prospective adoptive families
have either approached us directly at the Pune, Aurangabad or
Sangli office. The registration is done only at BSSK, Pune. With a single consolidated
list, this has helped reduce the waiting period for the families and the child’s
stay in the institution too.
It is most essential that a social worker visit
the home of adoptive parents. The surrounding locality,
home environment, space, hygiene, interiors, pets
and status of adoptive family are assessed. If a couple
is adopting a child from another city, a local agency
in that city is contacted and a home visit report is
secured to assess the suitability of the adoptive parents.
At BSSK, we define the adoption strategies via informal
discussions as opposed to formal interviews. The
adoption study is an extensive and intense process
giving a social worker the opportunity to assess the
adoptive parents as individuals and as a couple.
Simultaneously,
the process is educational for the prospective adoptive
couple giving them ample opportunity to redress all
queries and doubts as the sessions are highly interactive.
1. The Adoption study is not a police enquiry but genuine
concern in ascertaining the type of home the child
would get.
2. The study needs to be a two way process between
the parents and the social worker initiating a participative,
educative and sharing experience.
3. Through an adoption study, social workers are not
trying to search for an “ideal
family”. Hence, the couple needs to present a
true picture of themselves and their lives.
4. Adoption
is a true relationship between parents, child and the
agency. Hence, there must be mutual trust, faith, confidence
and respect between all parties.
5. All parties must respect crucial decisions made
during the adoption process. These decisions have far
reaching consequences in the lives of both the child
and the adoptive parents.
6. Confidentiality is always maintained.
Professional social workers evaluate and analyze the
applicant's information as well as have direct communication.
This helps in deciding the applicant's suitablity.
Important areas that are covered in an adoption study
are as follows:
1) Primary Data
2) Personality
3) Emotional Maturity
4) Financial Security
5) Health History
6) Marital Relationship
7) Acceptance of childlessness/infertility
8) Attitude and Motivation towards adoption
9) Police Clearances/Child Care Plans/Family support
Integral topics of discussion during an adoption study
are:
1) Sharing the limitations of the Institution
2) Type of care given to the child
3) About Birth Parents/ child’s origin
3) Genetic and environmental factors
4) Expectations from the child – on development,
academics, extra curricular interests etc.
5) Methods/Importance
of disciplining a child
6) Preparing/Telling the child about its adoption
After completing the Home Visit and the Adoption Study,
the Agency makes a final approval of the family for adoption.
|
