Follow-up Visits With a Social Worker

What to expect during your pre-finalization waiting period.

In the months following the official placement of your child, you will be monitored by social services. These visits are not meant to be invasive, but rather to help you with any questions or concerns you– or even your child– might have.

Visits are usually done once or twice a month, but you can ask for more visits if you feel that they are necessary. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Be honest about needs and concerns that you have. You can’t get help or access to services if no one knows that you need them. Use this time to ask about any services you think you may need, even if you don’t need them right now. Having the information before you need it will make your life much easier.

You do not have to wait for scheduled visits to ask questions. Ask for your worker’s phone number, e-mail address, and a number to call in case of emergencies.

What can you expect your worker to look for or ask you?

• How is your child adjusting to your home?
• How are you adjusting to your child?
• If school age, are there any issues at school?
• If you are in therapy, are you happy with the therapist?
• Have things come up that you weren’t prepared for?
• Have you seen changes in your child, either good or bad?
• If you have a partner or spouse, how is your relationship since adding your child to your home?
• Do you have concerns about your child bonding to you?

If your worker doesn’t ask, bring up these issues. Keep a written list of all questions you have. Many times during visits you’ll forget to ask things unless you have them written down.

Visits will continue until your adoption is finalized.