GENERAL GUIDELINES

1.  When preparing the post adoption report, provide behaviorally specific examples. Do not report your judgments or assumptions but rather, note your observations, assessment or the reporting that has been provided to you.

Example: “This worker observed other children in the family giving hugs to their new sibling and speaking with enthusiasm about the opportunities they have had to give the baby a bottle” is preferred to “this little girl is obviously loved by everyone that meets her.”

Example: “The baby was alert and active during part of the visit. She was vocal and turned her to head to track the sound of others in the room. She cried toward the end of the visit but was soothed as her mother held her and patted her back.” is preferred to “She seems to be a very sweet baby and is obviously thriving in their care.”

2.  When writing the post adoption report, use a strengths-based approach which offers an honest and accurate assessment of family functioning.

Example: “This worker advised an appointment be scheduled with a mental health provider to discuss emotional adjustments with adoption including her feelings of being down, depressed or hopeless on many days in the last two weeks” is preferred to: “She admitted to feeling depressed, down, hopeless or helpless within the last month.”

Example: “She indicated that she is finding it harder to get things accomplished around the house and is still trying to figure out a new routine. The parents report that members of their extended family have offered assistance, support, and encouragement during this period of adjustment.” Is preferred to: “They love being parents and enjoy every minute with the baby.”

3.  Use the post placement/post adoption supervision framework for assessment to develop behaviorally specific examples of the following information. Reports must include information about each of the key areas listed below.

A.  Family’s Adjustment to Child and Increased Responsibility; Parenting Skills

·  General assessment

·  Parenting skills

·  Feelings toward child

B.  Child’s Development and Health

·  Eating

·  Sleeping

·  Physical health (include specific dates of medical/other exams/assessments)

·  Physical development

C.  Parental well-being

·  Stress

·  Martial relationship

·  Depression (provide a summary of the depression after adoption screening for each parent)

D.  Relationships with Others

·  Responses from others

·  Culture

·  Open adoption relationships

E.  Recommendations

·  Overall summary of visit

o  Post Adoption Service Plan

·  Next visit

Note: Be sure to always include your professional credentials and your correct title

Domestic PAR Template Guidelines