Adoption can involve a detailed evaluation process designed to help determine whether prospective adoptive parents are prepared to provide a stable, supportive home for a child.
For international adoptions in particular, the requirements may vary depending on the country involved, the adoption process, and the agencies or authorities reviewing the evaluation. Our comprehensive pre-adoption evaluations are tailored to the specific requirements that apply to each situation.
What Is a Pre-Adoption Psychological Evaluation?
A pre-adoption psychological evaluation provides a professional assessment of prospective adoptive parents and factors that may be relevant to their readiness to adopt.
The evaluation may be requested as part of an international adoption process or by an adoption agency, home study provider, attorney, government authority, or other organization involved with the adoption.
Because requirements can vary significantly, the scope of the evaluation is determined based on the circumstances of the individual adoption.
What Does a Pre-Adoption Evaluation Cover?
Depending on the requirements of the adoption process, an evaluation may include discussion or assessment of areas such as:
- Personal and family background
- Mental health history
- Current emotional functioning
- Relationship and marital history
- Family dynamics
- Parenting experience and expectations
- Motivation for adoption
- Stress management and coping skills
- Available family and social support
- Understanding of the challenges associated with adoption
- Expectations regarding attachment and adjustment
- Preparation for the needs of an adopted child
Additional areas may be addressed when required by the referring agency, adoption authority, or country involved.
International Adoption Evaluations
International adoption can involve requirements from several different sources.
Depending on the adoption, requirements may be established by U.S. authorities, the child’s country of origin, state regulations, adoption agencies, or other organizations involved in the process.
For that reason, comprehensive pre-adoption evaluations require careful preparation. The evaluator must understand what documentation and assessment components are required before completing the evaluation.
What to Expect
The process begins with determining the requirements that apply to your particular adoption.
Your evaluator will review the information provided by you and, when applicable, requirements supplied by your adoption agency or other professionals involved in the process.
The evaluation itself may include interviews, review of relevant history and documentation, and psychological assessment measures when appropriate.
Because no two adoption situations are exactly alike, the amount of information required and the evaluation process may vary.
A Thoughtful and Thorough Evaluation
The purpose of a pre-adoption evaluation is not simply to complete another piece of paperwork.
It provides an opportunity to consider the emotional, relational, and practical aspects of adoption and to identify strengths, resources, or concerns that may be important as you prepare to welcome a child into your family.
