Many countries require foreign adoptive parents to submit a post adoption report on the child(ren) they have adopted. The requirements and due dates of the reports varies by country. Some countries ask that the report be written by an adoptive parent, while other countries require a social worker. Your adoption agency will have details on your country's reporting policy. Overlooking a post adoption report may jeopardize adoption programs for future adoptive parents.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varies
Here's How:
- Have needed paperwork before you before beginning the writing process. See list below for ideas on what paperwork may be needed to write a complete post adoption report. If a social worker is supposed to write the report, have the following ready for him/her when they request the information. This will be a great time saver for you and the social worker.
- Ask your adoption agency for the country's requirements for post adoption reports. Most countries do not have a set format to follow, but the following may be used as a template.
Biographical Information- American name of adopted child
Child's given name at birth
Sex of child
Child's date of birth
Child's place of birth
Name of orphanage
Name and address of adoption agency
Date of adoption
Parent's name and address
Parent's contact information: phone, email, fax.... - Medical Information
- Date of last medical exam
Date of last dental exam
Date of last eye exam
Child's height
Child's weight
Results of the last general check-up
Listing of major illnesses and/or hospitalizations or surgeries
Information and progress on any therapy - physical, occupational, or emotional - General Development
- Motor and language skills
New accomplishments and achievements
For example report on whether the child is sitting up or that he/she just learned to ride a bike. - Personality and Characteristics
- What are his/her likes and dislikes.
Is the child involved with any activities at school or in the community? - Emotional Development
- How is the attachment process with the adoptive parents and family?
How does the child get along with others?
Discuss the child's social skills and communication with family and friends at school and in other social environments. - Education
- Child's grade level
How is the child's education progressing? - Cultural
- What things have your done to celebrate and preserve the child's heritage?
- Daily Routine
- Diet and eating habits
Sleeping habits including naps
Typical day at home - Additional Information
- Share anything here that you want your child's birth country to know.
- Make a copy of the report for your own records. It will be a great tool for the next post adoption report that you have to write.
- Gather up several pictures of the child to send with the report. Ask your adoption agency for the number needed. Be sure to identify each photo on the back.
What You Need
- Your calendar
- Child's past physical or check-up notes
- Report from any therapists - physical, occupational, emotional
- Report cards from school or progress notes
- Referral - may have child's name before adoption and name of orphanage
- Past post adoption report - if any
- Several photographs
- Felt tip marker to identy photographs on the back
