Yesterday, we had our third and last post-placement
supervision visit from our case worker.
Post-placement visits are the social worker’s visits with the adoptive
family after a child has been placed in a home for the purpose of adoption. These are conducted to make sure the adoptive
placement is a good fit for the child and the family. The social worker is available to help with
the adjustment, offering encouragement, advice and resources as needed. She then writes a report that is submitted to
the adoption agency, attorneys and ultimately the court. Each state differs in number and frequency of
the visits. We were required to have them
monthly until finalization. For us, that
worked out to three visits in anticipation of an April 30 finalization date.
I was really nervous about our first visit, since I didn’t
know what to expect. I shouldn’t have worried. We love our worker, Heather, and should have
known it would be enjoyable and relaxed.
Generally, she would ask how Isaiah was doing – if he’s had any doctor’s
visits, eating habits, sleeping habits, developmental milestones. She also asked how the bonding process was
going. That was a challenging question
for me because it’s hard to know how bonded you are to a three month old. From our end, we love Isaiah as we loved our
other children at that age. Now from his
side of things, the bond is yet to be determined. He smiles and seems contented and settled
with us. I guess that’s evidence of a
bond.
Each visit was also a time to just talk about life in light
of adoption. We discussed joys and
challenges. We talked about our plans to
visit extended family this summer so they can meet Isaiah. It was nice to talk to someone who
understands what we’re talking about, even if through a professional lens.
Overall, I looked forward to each visit and was sad to have
them come to an end. We spent time
praying at the end of yesterday’s visit.
Sean prayed for Heather and she prayed for us. It was such a sweet time.
Once Heather sends the report of this last visit to our
attorney and he files it with the court, we should be all set for finalization
on the 30th! In Christ, Talya
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