Adoption Services Definition
Purpose
Adoption programs establish permanent family relationships for children in need of permanency, and increase the well-being, functioning, and stability of children, birth parents, adoptive families, and adopted individuals.
Definition
Adoption programs provide services which may include: providing information about adoption, assessments, home studies, training, counseling, support, preparation, matching, placement, and post-placement/post-adoption services to facilitate permanent caring relationships within families for children and youth.
Interpretation
Organizations should be familiar with the relevant legal requirements of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), which governs state proceedings involving American Indian and Alaska Native children. To ensure compliance with ICWA, organizations must have established procedures for determining if children are members or eligible for membership in a federally recognized tribe, include tribal representatives throughout all aspects of service delivery in cases to which ICWA applies, and collaborate with local child welfare agencies to determine their role in the context of tribal-state child welfare agreements, ICWA, and any relevant state laws pertaining specifically to Indian child welfare.Note: COA’s standards are written to encompass best practices associated with all types of adoption and include standards for services provided to all members of the adoption triad. COA’s standards are designed to be used by programs that provide some or all of the services in an adoption and programs that provide services to some or all members of the adoption triad. In particular, COA recognizes that some programs focus primarily on providing home studies, training, and/or post-adoption services, and that services in foster care adoptions can be limited based on the service delivery model structured by the public agency. Some standards include an option of “not-applicable” but many standards are written to be inclusive of all types of adoption programs so that at least one or more elements of the standard are applicable.
Note: Home study programs will be reviewed under AS 1, AS 2, AS 6, AS 12, and AS 13 only.
Post-placement/Post-adoption programs will complete: AS 1, AS 2, AS 11, AS 12, and AS 13 only.
Child-focused recruitment programs will be reviewed under AS 1, AS 2, AS 3, AS 4, AS 5, AS 8, and AS 9 only. Child-focused recruitment is an intensive and tailored recruitment strategy designed to identify adults to serve as a placement resource for a specific child or youth in need of permanent placement. Recruitment efforts consider relatives, friends, school personnel, coaches, and current or past caregivers who have had a committed, caring relationship with the child or youth as well as other individuals in the community who may be a good match based on the child or youth’s background, needs, and strengths. The child-focused recruitment plan is child- or youth-centered and tailored to their unique needs, preferences, and circumstances. Common models of child-focused recruitment include Wendy’s Wonderful Kids® and Extreme Recruitment® .
Foster-to-adopt programs will complete all of FKC and AS 5, AS 6, AS 7, AS 8, AS 9, AS 11, and AS 12 only.
Note: The use of language in adoption is complex, sensitive, and evolving and COA selected language commonly in use at the time the standards were updated. Certain terms are used for broader applicability and ease of use throughout the standards. For example: The term “children” includes infants, toddlers, school-age children, and youth. The term “birth parents” includes expectant parents and parents who are considering or have made a plan for adoption, and generally includes the birth mother and birth father. COA’s standards do not further define birth father. State laws provide more specific definitions and requirements in relation to birth fathers and use terms such as legal or presumed father and alleged or putative father. The term “prospective adoptive parents” generally includes foster parents, kinship caregivers, relatives, single individuals, and couples.
Note: Please see the AS Reference List for the research that informed the development of these standards.
Note: For information about changes made in the 2020 Edition, please see the AS Crosswalk.
Adoption Services (AS) 1: Person-Centered Logic Model
The organization implements a program model that describes how resources and program activities will support the achievement of positive outcomes.
NA The organization only provides Foster Care to Adoption Services.
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- AS 1 - Person-Centered Logic Model
- AS 2 - Personnel
- AS 3 - Recruitment and Orientation
- AS 4 - Service and Permanency Planning and Adoption Service Contracts
- AS 5 - Birth Parent Assessments and Child Background Studies
- AS 6 - Home Study Practice
- AS 7 - Training for Prospective Adoptive Parents
- AS 8 - Consents, Matching, Referral, and Placement
- AS 9 - Preparation and Support for Placement
- AS 10 - Temporary Care for Children Awaiting Placement
- AS 11 - Post-Placement and Post-Adoption Support and Family Preservation
- AS 12 - Adoption Program Administration
- AS 13 - Intercountry Adoption Program Administration
VIEW THE STANDARDS
Logic models have been implemented for all programs and the organization has identified at least two outcomes for all its programs.
Practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards; e.g.,
- Logic models need improvement or clarification; or
- Logic models are still under development for some of its programs, but are completed for all high-risk programs such as protective services, foster care, residential treatment, etc.; or
- At least one desired outcome has been identified for all of its programs.
Practice requires significant improvement, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards. Service quality or program functioning may be compromised; e.g.,
- Logic models need significant improvement; or
- Logic models are still under development for a majority of programs; or
- A logic model has not been developed for one or more high-risk programs; or
- Outcomes have not been identified for one or more programs.
Implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards; e.g.,
- Logic models have not been developed or implemented; or
- Outcomes have not been identified for any programs.
AS 1.01
A program logic model, or equivalent framework, identifies:
- needs the program will address;
- available human, financial, organizational, and community resources (i.e. inputs);
- program activities intended to bring about desired results;
- program outputs (i.e. the size and scope of services delivered);
- desired outcomes (i.e. the changes you expect to see in persons served); and
- expected long-term impact on the organization, community, and/or system.
Examples: Please see the W.K Kellogg Foundation Logic Model Development Guide and COA Accreditation’s PQI Tool Kit for more information on developing and using program logic models.
Examples: Information that may be used to inform the development of the program logic model includes, but is not limited to:
- needs assessments and periodic reassessments;
- risks assessments; and
- the best available evidence of service effectiveness.
AS 1.02
The logic model identifies desired outcomes in at least two of the following areas:
- change in clinical status;
- change in functional status;
- health, welfare, and safety;
- permanency of life situation;
- quality of life;
- achievement of individual service goals; and
- other outcomes as appropriate to the program or service population.
Example: Outcomes data should be disaggregated to identify patterns of disparity or inequity that can be masked by aggregate data reporting. See PQI 5.02 for more information on disaggregating data to track and monitor identified outcomes.
Examples: Child and family serving organizations interested in pursuing contracts with public entities may consider tracking outcomes that align with nationally recognized indicators of quality in the areas of prevention, safety, permanency, and well-being including, but not limited to:
- percentage of cases in which placements remained permanent and stable;
- percentage of cases in which family relationships and connections were preserved;
- number of cases of recurring maltreatment;
- number of cases of maltreatment-related fatalities;
- number of families provided with prevention services; and
- percentage of children whose parents lack secure employment.
Adoption Services (AS) 2: Personnel
Program personnel have the competency and support needed to provide services and meet the needs of individuals and families served.
- With some exceptions, staff (direct service providers, supervisors, and program managers) possess the required qualifications, including education, experience, training, skills, temperament, etc., but the integrity of the service is not compromised; or
- Supervisors provide additional support and oversight, as needed, to the few staff without the listed qualifications; or
- Most staff who do not meet educational requirements are seeking to obtain them; or
- With few exceptions, staff have received required training, including applicable specialized training; or
- Training curricula are not fully developed or lack depth; or
- Training documentation is consistently maintained and kept up-to-date with some exceptions; or
- A substantial number of supervisors meet the requirements of the standard, and the organization provides training and/or consultation to improve competencies when needed; or
- With few exceptions, caseload sizes are consistently maintained as required by the standards or as required by internal policy when caseload has not been set by a standard; or
- Workloads are such that staff can effectively accomplish their assigned tasks and provide quality services and are adjusted as necessary; or
- Specialized services are obtained as required by the standards.
- A significant number of staff (direct service providers, supervisors, and program managers) do not possess the required qualifications, including education, experience, training, skills, temperament, etc.; and as a result, the integrity of the service may be compromised; or
- Job descriptions typically do not reflect the requirements of the standards, and/or hiring practices do not document efforts to hire staff with required qualifications when vacancies occur; or
- Supervisors do not typically provide additional support and oversight to staff without the listed qualifications; or
- A significant number of staff have not received required training, including applicable specialized training; or
- Training documentation is poorly maintained; or
- A significant number of supervisors do not meet the requirements of the standard, and the organization makes little effort to provide training and/or consultation to improve competencies; or
- There are numerous instances where caseload sizes exceed the standards' requirements or the requirements of internal policy when a caseload size is not set by the standard; or
- Workloads are excessive, and the integrity of the service may be compromised; or
- Specialized staff are typically not retained as required and/or many do not possess the required qualifications; or
- Specialized services are infrequently obtained as required by the standards.
AS 2.01
Adoption workers who provide adoption-related services that require the application of clinical skills and judgement meet applicable regulatory requirements and are qualified by:
- a bachelor’s degree in social work; or
- a combination of a bachelor's degree in any field and prior experience in family and children's services, adoption, or intercountry adoption.
- home studies;
- child background studies;
- clinical counseling;
- obtaining consents;
- preparation and training;
- making clinical decisions such as approval of home studies, matching, etc.;
- post-placement monitoring and post-placement reports;
- crisis intervention; and
- therapeutic interventions.
- preparation of profiles or dossiers for prospective adoptive parents;
- provision of information or training on non-clinical topics such as the legal process for adoption, planning travel for international or interstate adoptions, etc.; and
- notarizing documents.
AS 2.02
Supervisors are qualified by at least two years of prior experience in adoption, intercountry adoption, or family and children’s services and an advanced degree in social work or a comparable human service field.
AS 2.03
Employees who provide adoption-related services that require the application of clinical skills and judgment, and others as needed based on their job responsibilities, are trained on, or demonstrate competency in:
- state, federal, and foreign laws and regulations governing the types of services provided by the program;
- ethical considerations in adoption and applicable professional and ethical guidelines;
- issues relating to race, ethnicity, religion, culture, tribal affiliation, language, sexual orientation, gender identity, and culturally competent services;
- factors that lead to children needing adoptive families;
- feelings of separation, grief, and loss which may be experienced prior to, during and after adoption by children, birth parents, adults who were adopted, and previously by some prospective adoptive parents;
- trauma experienced by children and youth who have been victims of abuse, neglect, or trafficking;
- common medical, psychological, and developmental issues commonly experienced by children adopted through the program;
- the short- and long-term impact of out of home care and institutionalization on children and youth;
- ways in which adoption can affect child, adolescent and adult development and identity formation; and
- maintaining connections, openness in adoption, and attachment and bonding.
Interpretation: Ethical considerations in adoption can include:
- preventing child buying, trafficking, and undue influence on birth parents;
- making decisions when the preferences and needs of the parties to the adoption differ; and
- limitations on eligibility and related professional, personal, and organizational values and beliefs.
Interpretation: Some training topics/competencies may not be relevant to all programs and programs may customize their training/competency requirements based on their program model. The program exempts employees from elements of their training/competency requirements only where the employee has demonstrated competence with the topic.
AS 2.04
Adoption workers and supervisors, depending on job responsibilities, are trained on or demonstrate competency to implement relevant provisions of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) including:
- the importance of ICWA and special considerations for working with American Indian and Alaska Native children;
- the identification of American Indian and Alaska Native children;
- determination of jurisdiction;
- appropriate notice and collaboration with the child's tribe;
- placement preferences that support the child's connection to their native culture and heritage;
- process for, and alternatives to, terminating parental rights; and
- court procedures.
AS 2.05
- requirements and processes for the proper identification of all parties whose consent is required;
- requirements and processes for providing appropriate notice to all parties who must receive notice or whose consent is required;
- preventing undue pressure or coercion on parties whose consent is required, and what steps to take if it appears as if undue pressure or coercion have been exerted;
- inappropriate financial incentives or influence; and
- determination of jurisdiction and jurisdictional issues that could impact on the adoption.
AS 2.06
The program ensures that employees who provide adoption-related services that require the application of clinical skills and judgment complete ongoing professional development training on adoption related topics in accordance with applicable agency, state, and federal requirements.
AS 2.07
Employee workloads support the achievement of client outcomes and are regularly reviewed.
- the qualifications, competencies, and experience of the worker, including the level of supervision needed;
- the scope of services being provided including the work and time required to accomplish assigned tasks and job responsibilities; and
- service volume, accounting for assessed level of needs of clients at varying stages of the adoption process.
Adoption Services (AS) 3: Recruitment and Orientation
The program conducts outreach, recruitment and orientation activities in a responsive and ethical manner.
NA The organization only provides foster to adopt services.
NA The organization provides home study services only.
NA The organization provides post-placement and/or post-adoption services only.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality; or
- Procedures need strengthening; or
- With few exceptions, procedures are understood by staff and are being used; or
- For the most part, established timeframes are met; or
- Proper documentation is the norm and any issues with individual staff members are being addressed through performance evaluations and training; or
- Active client participation occurs to a considerable extent.
- Procedures and/or case record documentation need significant strengthening; or
- Procedures are not well-understood or used appropriately; or
- Timeframes are often missed; or
- Several client records are missing important information; or
- Client participation is inconsistent.
- No written procedures, or procedures are clearly inadequate or not being used; or
- Documentation is routinely incomplete and/or missing.
AS 3.01
The program provides birth or prospective birth parents considering adoption with accurate information about the adoption process and services offered by the program and other organizations and individuals with whom they might work.
NA The program does not work with birth or prospective birth parents considering adoption.
- steps and timelines for the adoption process;
- legal process for adoption and legal rights of each party to the adoption;
- confidentiality and the range of openness in adoption; and
- availability of post-placement and post-adoption services.
AS 3.02
- immediate needs;
- any individuals who may need to be provided with notice of a future adoption plan or whose consent may be required;
- any open cases with child protective services; and
- any potential membership or eligibility for membership in a tribe.
AS 3.03
Upon initial contact with youth who are considering or have a goal of adoption, the adoption worker provides age and developmentally appropriate information about the meaning of adoption, the adoption process, and services offered by the organization.
Interpretation: Information about adoption may have already been provided by others and is sometimes provided before adoption is formally identified as a goal for youth. Adoption workers should have strategies for their initial contact with youth and strategies for engaging youth in conversations over time about adoption.
AS 3.04
The program has a plan for recruitment of prospective adoptive parents and when the program has responsibility for placement of children in foster care, children with special placement needs, or American Indian and Alaska Native children, the plan details specialized recruitment strategies.
Interpretation: An organization that has responsibility for placing American Indian and Alaska Native children should work closely with tribes to establish eligibility for adoptive parents that are consistent with the norms of the tribe and to identify adoptive homes within the tribal community through joint recruitment efforts.
Interpretation: Organizations that use online photo listing services should ensure that appropriate mechanisms are in place to protect confidential information and respect an individual’s right to refuse to have their photo taken.
NA The program does not recruit prospective adoptive parents, for example, the program is a foster to adopt program.
Examples: A recruitment plan may specify how carefully crafted language, images, and strategies, including partnerships with key stakeholders, can help the organization reach out and appeal to audiences who may be willing and able to adopt children in need of homes, including children with special placement needs (e.g., sibling groups; older children; children with physical, emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges; children of minority racial or ethnic groups; LGBTQ+ children; and youth who are pregnant or parenting).
Recruitment strategies can include targeted and/or child-specific recruitment.
Targeted recruitment strategies can include:
- looking for prospective adoptive parents for youth among high school parents and coaches, and after-school programs for teens;
- engaging specific cultural organizations, churches, or minority-owned businesses to recruit adoptive parents from particular ethnic or racial groups;
- engaging specific LGBTQ+ community groups, attending LGBTQ+ community events, or reaching out to inclusive faith-based communities to recruit LGBTQ+ adoptive parents;
- partnering with tribes and Indian organizations and establishing joint recruitment efforts to identify families for American Indian and Alaska Native children;
- outreach to healthcare professionals, individuals with experience working with people with disabilities, and accessible housing communities to recruit adoptive parents for children with disabilities or acute medical conditions; and/or
- outreach to existing adoptive parents, especially for LGBTQ+ recruitment.
Child-specific recruitment strategies generally include a comprehensive assessment of the child and identification of all individuals who may have a connection to the child including family members, foster parents, former caregivers, members of the child’s tribe, and other adults with a significant connection to the child.
AS 3.05
- a description of the adoption process, services offered by the organization, and any significant policies or procedures relating to its adoption services;
- eligibility criteria;
- fees and expenses prospective adoptive parents may be responsible for; and
- estimated timelines and general information on waiting lists, if the program maintains such lists.
AS 3.06
Adoptive parent recruitment is ethical and equitable, and eligibility criteria:
- prioritizes the needs and varying characteristics of children in care;
- promotes inclusion of individuals and families with diverse backgrounds to ensure appropriate placements are available for all children; and
- emphasizes the skills and capacities needed to provide a safe and supportive home environment.
Interpretation: If eligibility criteria is limited, the organization must have a policy for such selectivity and refer applicants who do not meet its criteria to another provider, unless it is evident the applicants do not meet legally required criteria.
AS 3.07
Prospective adoptive parents participate in an orientation session, or after initial contact receive information that includes the following:
- an overview of the lifelong impact of adoption;
- the process for completing an adoption;
- common needs and characteristics of children awaiting adoptive families;
- the importance of race, ethnicity, religion, tribal affiliation, language, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other factors in adoption;
- options for openness and maintaining connections that benefit the child; and
- the availability of supports, clinical services and subsidies following adoption.
Adoption Services (AS) 4: Service and Permanency Planning and Adoption Service Contracts
Clients served by the program participate in the development and ongoing review of service and permanency plans and/or adoption services contracts that are the basis for delivery of services and support.
Interpretation: The program develops service and permanency plans for the clients they are responsible for serving. Plans for some clients may be combined or may be separate depending upon the nature of the program. Service plans are sometimes incorporated into the adoption services contract. Service plans are sometimes drafted prior to the completion of birth parent assessments, child studies and home studies and should be updated when those assessments are complete.
Interpretation: When the case involves an American Indian or Alaska Native child and family, the organization must:
- give tribal or local American Indian or Alaska Native representatives an active role in all aspects of service planning and service delivery, including assessment, permanency, case closing, and aftercare;
- consider and prioritize culturally relevant resources available through or recommended by the tribe or local Indian organizations; and
- provide timely notification of case reviews to tribal representatives to ensure their involvement, particularly when changes are made to the plan.
NA The organization only provides foster to adopt services.
NA The organization provides home study services only.
NA The organization provides post-placement and/or post-adoption services only.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality; or
- Procedures need strengthening; or
- With few exceptions, procedures are understood by staff and are being used; or
- For the most part, established timeframes are met; or
- Proper documentation is the norm and any issues with individual staff members are being addressed through performance evaluations and training; or
- In a few instances, client or staff signatures are missing and/or not dated; or
- With few exceptions, staff work with persons served, when appropriate, to help them receive needed support, access services, mediate barriers, etc.; or
- Active client participation occurs to a considerable extent.
- Procedures and/or case record documentation need significant strengthening; or
- Procedures are not well-understood or used appropriately; or
- Timeframes are often missed; or
- In several instances, client or staff signatures are missing and/or not dated; or
- Quarterly reviews are not being done consistently; or
- Level of care for some clients is clearly inappropriate; or
- Service planning is often done without full client participation; or
- Appropriate family involvement is not documented; or
- Documentation is routinely incomplete and/or missing; or
- Individual staff members work with persons served, when appropriate, to help them receive needed support, access services, mediate barriers, etc., but this is the exception.
- No written procedures, or procedures are clearly inadequate or not being used; or
- Documentation is routinely incomplete and/or missing.
AS 4.01
Service plans are developed in a timely manner with the full participation of clients served and others as appropriate, and include:
- agreed upon goals, desired outcomes, and timeframes for achieving them;
- the adoption services and supports to be provided, and by whom; and
- the client's signature.
Examples: In child-focused recruitment programs, workers can engage children in the development of the recruitment plan by seeking the child's input on or participation with:
- types of recruitment activities conducted;
- type of family desired;
- development of recruitment tools; and
- identification of individuals to consider.
AS 4.02
- activities that support the achievement of adoption; and
- a timeframe for completing the adoption.
AS 4.03
The worker and a supervisor, or a clinical, service, or peer team, review each case quarterly, or more frequently depending on the needs of clients served, to assess:
- service plan implementation;
- progress toward achieving service goals and desired outcomes;
- need for additional or new services or other changes to the plan;
- the need for any updates to the child background study or the home study; and
- the continued appropriateness of agreed upon goals.
Interpretation: When experienced workers are conducting reviews of their own cases, the worker’s supervisor must review a sample of the worker’s evaluations as per the requirements of the standard.
AS 4.04
The worker and client:
- periodically review progress toward achievement of agreed upon service goals; and
- sign revisions to the service goals and plans.
Interpretation: Each child receives information about progress toward achieving permanency as appropriate to his or her age, cultural needs, and developmental level.
Interpretation: Workers in child-focused recruitment programs should meet with the child at least monthly to establish a productive working relationship and customize the child’s recruitment plan.
AS 4.05
- disclosure of the requirements relating to notice and consent;
- provisions for any financial support that will be provided;
- provisions for contact with prospective adoptive parents, as appropriate;
- steps to be taken if the birth parent believes that any undue pressure or influence is occurring; and
- circumstances under which services may be terminated by either party.
AS 4.06
- a description of the services to be provided by the program and obligations of the prospective adoptive parents;
- fees and expenses to be paid;
- a provision relating to duty of candor and ongoing disclosure requirements;
- post-placement and post-adoption services that will be available through the organization and details of any required post-placement visits and reports;
- a plan describing the adoptive parents’ and the organization’s responsibilities if the adoption is disrupted or dissolved;
- risks related to adoption services and waivers of liability only when such waivers are limited, consistent with applicable law and regulation, and based on the specific risks detailed in the contract; and
- circumstances under which services may be terminated by either party.
AS 4.07
- assume a service coordination role, as appropriate, when the need has been identified and no other organization has assumed that responsibility;
- ensure that they receive appropriate advocacy support;
- assist with access to the full array of services to which they are eligible; and
- mediate barriers to services within the service delivery system.
Adoption Services (AS) 5: Birth Parent Assessments and Child Background Studies
The program conducts assessments and collects information to evaluate service needs, facilitate matching and permanency, and to ensure information will be available for future use.
Interpretation: The term child study includes both the process of assessing the needs of the child and to the written report which is generally included in the referral information provided to prospective adoptive parents.
NA The organization provides home study services only.
NA The organization provides post-placement and/or post-adoption services only.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality; or
- Procedures need strengthening; or
- With few exceptions, procedures are understood by staff and are being used; or
- In a few rare instances, urgent needs were not prioritized; or
- For the most part, established timeframes are met; or
- Culturally responsive assessments are the norm and any issues with individual staff members are being addressed through performance evaluations and training; or
- Active client participation occurs to a considerable extent.
- Procedures and/or case record documentation need significant strengthening; or
- Procedures are not well-understood or used appropriately; or
- Urgent needs are often not prioritized; or
- Services are frequently not initiated in a timely manner; or
- Applicants are not receiving referrals, as appropriate; or
- Assessment and reassessment timeframes are often missed; or
- Assessment are sometimes not sufficiently individualized;
- Culturally responsive assessments are not the norm, and this is not being addressed in supervision or training; or
- Several client records are missing important information; or
- Client participation is inconsistent; or
- Intake or assessment is done by another organization or referral source and no documentation and/or summary of required information is present in case record.
- There are no written procedures, or procedures are clearly inadequate or not being used; or
- Documentation is routinely incomplete and/or missing.
AS 5.01
Assessments are conducted and information is collected in a strengths-based, culturally- and linguistically responsive manner to identify services and resources that support the achievement of agreed upon goals and increase engagement in service delivery.
AS 5.02
The organization gathers and reviews records and information about both birth parents and their extended families from birth parents or other individuals, including:
- preferences for the child's placement and wishes for the child;
- preferences for openness or the child maintaining connections with siblings, family members, or other individuals;
- birth mother and father medical and social history, including mental health and substance use history;
- birth parents' relationship history;
- support provided by birth mother and father during the pregnancy and care, visitation and custody of the child;
- dated photographs, videos, and/or a physical description of birth parents; and
- information about the child's grandparents and siblings.
Interpretation: A birth parent’s social history should include information about: marital status, family history, tribal affiliation, employment, education, religion, interests, and talents.
When the program is unable to obtain this information, it makes reasonable efforts to obtain the information up until the time when the adoption is finalized and documents efforts to obtain the missing information in the case record.
In foster care adoptions, information from the foster care record should be obtained before the record is sealed, and appropriate information should be shared with the prospective adoptive parents.
Interpretation: In the case of an American Indian or Alaska Native child, information gathered should also include the child’s Certified Degree of Indian Blood and tribal membership card. To protect an American Indian or Alaska Native child’s rights to tribal enrollment or membership, the state agency, court, and private agency if applicable must also coordinate the preparation and maintenance of confidential records on all state adoptions of American Indian and Alaska Native children that include:
- a copy of the final adoption decree or order;
- the birth name and birthdate of the Indian child, their tribal affiliation, and the name of the child after adoption;
- names and addresses of the birth parents;
- names and addresses of the adoptive parents;
- name and contact information for any agency having files or information related to the adoption;
- any affidavit signed by the biological parent(s) requesting confidential identity; and
- any information relating to tribal membership or eligibility of the adopted child.
Interpretation: In child-focused recruitment programs, the worker must conduct an in-depth review of the records and information obtained which should also include all significant people in the child’s life, past or present.
AS 5.03
The organization gathers and reviews records and information about the child from the youth, birth parents, or other individuals who have custody or are responsible for care of the child, including:
- dated photographs or videos of the child;
- history and records of prenatal care and the child’s birth;
- date the child entered into care, the circumstances of the child’s entry into care and a history of all past and current placements;
- history of abuse or neglect;
- assessment of past trauma;
- the child’s medical and social history including any significant illnesses, injuries, or diagnoses, hospitalizations, other special needs;
- all available medical records for the child including developmental status and data, test results, immunization records, dental records, and psychological records;
- results of a current medical examination;
- history and records of the child’s education; and
- contact information for organizations, medical professionals or facilities, or others involved in providing services to the birth parents and the child.
- next court date;
- most recent assessment;
- history of services received and needed;
- strengths, challenges, and desires; and
- preparedness for adoption.
AS 5.04
- their goals;
- their understanding of and interest in adoption;
- their concerns; and
- ways in which they can be involved in the process.
AS 5.05
The organization identifies American Indian and Alaska Native children and has a process to ensure outreach and collaboration with the tribe or Indian organization to:
- determine jurisdiction;
- ensure compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act;
- provide the family with information regarding their rights under the Indian Child Welfare Act;
- facilitate participation in assessment and service planning to determine the most appropriate plan for the child; and
- maintain connections between the child, the child's extended family, and his or her tribe.
Interpretation: All programs must have established procedures for identifying American Indian and Alaska Native children to determine if the child or his/her biological parent(s) are members of a federally recognized Indian tribe, or if the child is eligible for membership in a federally recognized Indian tribe. Physical appearance, blood quantum, or perceived presence or absence of cultural cues within the family are not appropriate determinants of ICWA applicability. The organization should document efforts to identify and contact children’s tribes and if tribes are unknown the organization should contact the regional office of the Bureau of Indian Affairs to identify, locate, and notify the child’s tribe.
Adoption Services (AS) 6: Home Study Practice
Home study preparers use a standardized home study process to collect and analyze information and determine the eligibility, capabilities, and suitability of prospective adoptive parents.
NA The organization provides post-placement and/or post-adoption services only.
NA The organization provides child-focused recruitment only.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality; or
- Procedures need strengthening; or
- With few exceptions, procedures are understood by staff and are being used; or
- For the most part, established timeframes are met; or
- Proper documentation is the norm and any issues with individual staff members are being addressed through performance evaluations and training; or
- Active client participation occurs to a considerable extent.
- Procedures and/or case record documentation need significant strengthening; or
- Procedures are not well-understood or used appropriately; or
- Timeframes are often missed; or
- Several client records are missing important information; or
- Client participation is inconsistent.
- No written procedures, or procedures are clearly inadequate or not being used; or
- Documentation is routinely incomplete and/or missing.
AS 6.01
The program provides initial and periodic training and ongoing supervision to home study preparers on the use of a defined method and tools for home studies to reinforce the consistent application of process.
AS 6.02
The home study process includes:
- the receipt of self-reported information and documents from the prospective adoptive parents;
- at least one individual in-person interview with each prospective adoptive parent and one joint interview;
- age-and developmentally-appropriate interviews with each child and adult living or frequently in the home;
- age-and developmentally-appropriate interviews with each child or adult child of the prospective adoptive parents living outside the home;
- at least two visits to the prospective adoptive family’s home and during one or more of those visits a safety assessment of the home and an observation of family members interacting together;
- criminal background and child abuse and neglect registry checks in accordance with applicable law and regulation;
- a review of information and documents relating to any previous unfavorable home studies, denied adoption petitions, disruptions, dissolutions, or placement of other children out of the home;
- written references and interviews with individuals providing references; and
- periodic updates and updates when there are significant changes in circumstance to ensure relevant information and documents are current.
Interpretation: Individuals living in the home share common areas, sleep in the home, and have lived there for more than two weeks. Individuals frequently in the home should include any child care providers.
In-person interviews provide the best opportunity for engagement of the person interviewed and provide additional information through observations and interactions during the interview and are preferred, but have only been specifically required for the prospective adoptive parents. It can sometimes be appropriate to interview other individuals through a videoconference or over the phone. When the agency is unable to complete an interview, it should make a clinical determination if the interview is necessary given the circumstances, other steps that can be taken to obtain relevant information, and document that decision and its efforts in the case record.
People who provide references should be interviewed to validate the reference and can provide additional information or verification of other information collected through the home study process.
While best practice generally requires at least two visits to the home to effectively engage the family in the home study process, make the necessary observations, and effectively collect all the required and necessary information, the agency should conduct additional visits when it deems necessary.
Tribes and local Indian organizations may also be able to provide valuable support in assessing and approving adoptive families for American Indian and Alaska Native children.
Interpretation: Home studies including background checks should be updated periodically so that they remain valid in accordance with applicable requirements. Significant changes in circumstances include a change in: residence, employment or financial resources, additional children or adults residing in the home, criminal history, abuse history, medical status, etc. Updates for a significant change in circumstance are best completed as soon as possible, but may be postponed in certain circumstances, for example, if an additional change is expected or the prospective adoptive parents expect a significant amount of time to pass before their home study will be used.
AS 6.03
- motivation and expectations relating to adoption;
- personal characteristics such as adaptability, coping skills, communication, and problem solving;
- caregiving abilities and experiences especially for children or adults with significant or complex needs, including knowledge and skills relating to discipline techniques;
- willingness and ability to support a child's continued connection to his or her birth parents, siblings, and relatives and racial, ethnic and cultural heritage; and
- previous experiences with foster care or adoption.
Interpretation: The assessment of knowledge and skills relating to discipline techniques should include an assessment of the risk of prospective adoptive parents’ use of interventions that can be harmful to children, especially children with a history of trauma. Some examples of interventions which can be harmful include but are not limited to:
- corporal punishment;
- interventions that involve withholding nutrition or hydration or that inflict physical or psychological pain;
- the use of demeaning, shaming, or degrading language or activities; and
- forced physical exercise as punishment or in excess.
AS 6.04
- previous history of and services related to infertility, miscarriage or death of a child;
- personal history of trauma, abuse or neglect, alcohol or drug use;
- current status and history of physical and mental health;
- significant family history, status of marital and family relationships, and family lifestyle;
- education;
- literacy and language skills;
- employment history and financial status; and
- the community and social environment.
AS 6.05
- of the prospective adoptive parents' strengths and capabilities to provide lifelong care and support to children who have experienced trauma and loss; and
- to help prospective adoptive parents confirm for themselves if adoption continue sto be an appropriate goal through the provision of education, support, and continued assessment during the home study and preparation process.
AS 6.06
- if any further assessment is needed;
- what additional counseling, training, or preparation is needed;
- the family’s ability and readiness to successfully complete an adoption;
- the family’s eligibility and suitability for adoption; and
- the specific characteristics and special needs of children the family would be suitable to care and provide for.
Interpretation: The rationale for these determinations and the persons involved in making the determinations should be clearly documented in the record.
AS 6.07
- the program communicates the specific concerns to the prospective adoptive parents as early as possible and attempts to resolve them; and
- the home study report is completed and prospective adoptive parents receive a written explanation of the reasons for the decision and the procedures for appeal if approval cannot be given and the application has not been withdrawn.
AS 6.08
Adoption Services (AS) 7: Training for Prospective Adoptive Parents
Prospective adoptive parents complete required training to prepare them for adoption.
Interpretation: Training must meet all applicable state requirements and for international adoptions training must also meet all requirements of 22 CFR Part 96.48 and the child’s country of origin.
NA The organization provides home study services only.
NA The organization provides post-placement and/or post-adoption services only.
NA The organization provides child-focused recruitment only.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality; or
- Procedures need strengthening; or
- With few exceptions, procedures are understood by staff and are being used; or
- For the most part, established timeframes are met; or
- Proper documentation is the norm and any issues with individual staff members are being addressed through performance evaluations and training; or
- Active client participation occurs to a considerable extent.
- Procedures and/or case record documentation need significant strengthening; or
- Procedures are not well-understood or used appropriately; or
- Timeframes are often missed; or
- Several client records are missing important information; or
- Client participation is inconsistent.
- No written procedures, or procedures are clearly inadequate or not being used; or
- Documentation is routinely incomplete and/or missing.
AS 7.01
Suitable training methods and standardized and individualized curricula are used by the program to ensure each prospective adoptive parent is adequately prepared for placement.
Examples: The program may customize their training methods and curricula based on the types of adoptions they are involved with or the unique characteristics of clients served. For example, relatives, foster parents or prospective adoptive parents who have already adopted another child through the program may not need training in all areas as new prospective adoptive parents.
Examples: Examples of training methods found to be effective or commonly used include:
- in-person, group seminars;
- online training through webinars and self-paced trainings;
- recorded trainings and podcasts;
- reading and writing assignments; and
- individual counseling and training.
AS 7.02
- the adoption process and significant provisions of laws and regulations;
- the availability of and application process for subsidies or other financial benefits;
- options for openness in adoption;
- the importance of legally finalizing the adoption and for obtaining and maintaining documentation of citizenship for children adopted internationally;
- long term impacts of adoption on the child and the family; and
- the availability and importance of post-adoption supports and services.
Interpretation: With regards to element (a), it is especially important for training to include educating prospective adoptive parents on the ways in which laws and regulations might impact the adoption process. For example, it is important for prospective adoptive parents to receive training on the Indian Child Welfare Act, its impact on placement and permanency for American Indian and Alaska Native children, and its requirements relating to supporting the child’s cultural identity and facilitating connections to the his or her tribe.
AS 7.03
- the general characteristics and needs of waiting children;
- the frequency and impact of physical, psychological, and sexual abuse, neglect, and child trafficking;
- the impact of institutionalization and living in out-of-home care;
- the impact of malnutrition, maternal substance abuse, and any other common factors that impact on health and development; and
- attachment and bonding.
AS 7.04
Prospective adoptive parents receive training and demonstrate competence in skills and strategies for helping children heal and thrive throughout their lives, including:
- coping with separation, loss, and grief and supporting healthy attachments and relationships;
- navigating changing roles and relationships;
- supporting the child’s identity development;
- raising a child of a different race, ethnicity, culture, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity;
- responding effectively and safely to children’s behavior and unknown or unexpected issues, and adapting parenting strategies and discipline techniques to fit the child’s needs;
- parenting a child with a history of trauma;
- recognizing signs of unknown or undisclosed abuse, effective strategies to support safe disclosure, and reporting abuse allegations to appropriate authorities;
- strategies for maintaining safety when there is a history of sexual abuse, trafficking, self-harming behavior, or other unsafe behavior; and
- overcoming barriers to seeking or obtaining help and support.
Examples: Regarding element (d), training can include:
- the organization's nondiscrimination policy;
- the history, traditions, values, and communication styles of populations served;
- systemic inequities and implicit bias;
- how culture influences trauma response;
- a review of vocabulary relevant to LGBTQ+ youth; and
- parenting practices that promote the safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth.
Examples: Regarding element (f), training can include:
- recognizing trauma triggers and conditioned responses;
- developing skills to avoid actions or reactions that may trigger the child;
- providing emotional support in ways the child can accept and normalizing their feelings;
- strategies for relaxation;
- providing positive experiences to encourage self-esteem;
- providing age appropriate information and education about trauma to the child;
- providing age appropriate opportunities for choice and control; and
- recognizing, preventing, and addressing secondary trauma.
AS 7.05
Prospective adoptive parents receive directly or by referral:
- needed customized education, counseling, or support specific to their unique needs or experiences which may impact on their readiness and suitability for placement; and
- reassment when needed to ensure they remain ready and suitable to move forward with an adoption.
- prior history of trauma, mental illness, or substance use;
- experience of infertility, miscarriage, or loss of a child; and
- an unsuccessful adoption attempt or disruption or dissolution of an adoption.
Adoption Services (AS) 8: Consents, Matching, Referral, and Placement
The program ensures consents are obtained properly and makes diligent and timely efforts to match and place children with prospective adoptive parents who can meet their needs for safety, well-being, and permanency.
Interpretation: Children are encouraged to participate in the decision-making process to the greatest extent possible given their age and developmental level.
NA The organization provides home study services only.
NA The organization provides post placement and/or post-adoption services only.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality; or
- Procedures need strengthening; or
- With few exceptions, procedures are understood by staff and are being used; or
- For the most part, established timeframes are met; or
- Proper documentation is the norm and any issues with individual staff members are being addressed through performance evaluations and training; or
- Active client participation occurs to a considerable extent.
- Procedures and/or case record documentation need significant strengthening; or
- Procedures are not well-understood or used appropriately; or
- Timeframes are often missed; or
- Several client records are missing important information; or
- Client participation is inconsistent.
- No written procedures, or procedures are clearly inadequate or not being used; or
- Documentation is routinely incomplete and/or missing.
AS 8.01
Custody status and applicable notice and consent requirements are determined as early as possible.
AS 8.02
The program ensures timely and diligent efforts to locate and provide notice to all parties who require notification or whose consent is required and documents such efforts in the case record.
Interpretation: The program should take steps to prevent actions or practices that could limit or otherwise compromise a party's rights to notice and consent.
Examples of steps that can be taken include:- implementation of procedures that articulate methods for follow up on inconsistent or incomplete information about someone whose notice or consent may be required;
- detailing important due dates and careful review and oversight of completion of required tasks;
- establishing a procedure to address determination of jurisdiction and change of jurisdiction; and
- verifying through careful review of relevant documentation and any other necessary steps that notice and consent requirements have been met when those steps are completed by another provider.
NA The organization provides child-focused recruitment only.
AS 8.03
- has read the necessary documents and had their questions about those documents answered;
- understands the significance and meaning of the information in the documents;
- has had sufficient time to consider the decision;
- is not under the influence of any substances or conditions that could compromise their understanding or decision making;
- understands the need for their consent and any conditions under which they can revoke their consent;
- has not experienced any undue pressure or duress for their consent;
- has not received or been promised any compensation or other consideration in exchange for their consent; and
- is not aware of any fraud having been committed in relation to the adoption.
NA The organization provides child-focused recruitment only.
AS 8.04
The program assesses all available information about the birth parents, the child, and prospective adoptive parents, including expressed preferences and determines which prospective adoptive parents may be most suitable to meet the needs of the child.
Interpretation: An organization that has responsibility for placing an American Indian or Alaska Native child should work closely with the child’s tribe to identify adoptive homes within the tribal community. Families from all tribes to which the child has ties should be considered as placement options, and eligibility should be consistent with the norms of the tribe.
- placement of more than one unrelated child into a home at the same time; or
- placement of a child too soon after the birth or addition of another child to the family.
AS 8.05
The program provides information about the prospective adoptive parents who were identified as possible matches to the birth parents, the youth, and/or the individual(s) who are responsible for making the placement decision and documents the provision of this information in its records.
AS 8.06
The program incorporates provisions of applicable law and regulations for placement preferences and matching into its established criteria for determining or making recommendations about the best interests of the child and:
- makes placement decisions based on this criteria; and
- documents the decision in its records.
Interpretation: Programs must follow guidelines set forth in the Multi-Ethnic Placement Act and the Indian Child Welfare Act and should take into account birth parents' expressed desires and the importance of keeping siblings together. When there is any conflict in these preferences or priorities the organization engages administrative personnel and legal counsel as needed to make its decision and carefully documents its deliberations and a rationale for its decision.
Interpretation: When the organization is working with American Indian and Alaska Native children and families, tribal representatives and service providers must be involved in placement decisions and placement changes in order to ensure compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act, which requires that preference be given to families in the following order:
- a member of the child’s extended family;
- families who are members of the child’s tribe; and
- other American Indian or Alaska Native families.
Interpretation: When the program does not have responsibility for making the decision, it should provide input in the process whenever possible and/or review the placement decision and provide feedback when necessary to express any questions or concerns about the match.
AS 8.07
- informing prospective adoptive parents in advance of any limits on information gathering and disclosure;
- maintaining detailed records of the receipt and provision of information;
- providing information in writing even when providing it verbally; and
- training staff on procedures for collecting and disclosing information and documentation requirements.
AS 8.08
AS 8.09
Adoption Services (AS) 9: Preparation and Support for Placement
The program provides information, counseling, training, and support to help prepare parties to the adoption for placement.
NA The organization provides home study services only.
NA The organization provides post-placement services only.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality; or
- Procedures need strengthening; or
- With few exceptions, procedures are understood by staff and are being used; or
- For the most part, established timeframes are met; or
- Proper documentation is the norm and any issues with individual staff members are being addressed through performance evaluations and training; or
- Active client participation occurs to a considerable extent.
- Procedures and/or case record documentation need significant strengthening; or
- Procedures are not well-understood or used appropriately; or
- Timeframes are often missed; or
- Several client records are missing important information; or
- Client participation is inconsistent.
- No written procedures, or procedures are clearly inadequate or not being used; or
- Documentation is routinely incomplete and/or missing.
AS 9.01
- planning for the immediate future and referral for needed services;
- assistance as needed in planning for details of the child’s birth, placement, and for the adoption process;
- counseling and support relating to grief, separation, loss, and the lifelong implications of placing a child for adoption;
- discussion of changing roles and relationships in the case of a relative adoption or when the birth parents will have an ongoing relationship or maintain contact with the child or adoptive parents;
- support for maintaining relationships with friends and family who can provide support; and
- information on post-adoption services and the potential for search and reunion in the future.
Interpretation: It can help birth parents to maintain supportive relationships by providing, with their permission, information, counseling, and/or support to family members or other individuals with whom they have a close relationship especially if those individuals may not be fully supportive of the adoption plan.
In foster care cases where the birth parents’ rights have been involuntarily terminated, it may not be possible or appropriate to provide such services. The program may consult with the public agency or its designee to determine the appropriateness and needs for such services. Documentation of that consultation and implementation of the guidance provided is sufficient evidence of implementation for this standard.
AS 9.02
- information to help the child understand the meaning, process, and lifelong impact of adoption;
- counseling to help the child understand and cope with feelings of fear, separation, and loss;
- opportunities to visit prospective adoptive parents and preparation and support for such visits;
- discussion of changing roles and relationships in the case of a relative adoption or when the birth parents will have an ongoing relationship or maintain contact with the child;
- preparation for moving to a new community or school;
- opportunities for peer support;
- information on post-placement services; and
- assisting the child to be involved in planning for placement.
AS 9.03
- develop and agree on plans for the exchange of information or continued contact; and
- plan for how to resolve conflicts that might arise in the future.
Examples: The continuum of openness is extensive. Some examples of openness include, but are not limited to:
- the birth parent(s)' provision of identifying information to the prospective adoptive parents about the birth parents at the time of placement;
- organization-mediated written communication;
- occasional contact with birth parents or other relatives; and/or
- frequent in-person contact with birth family members.
AS 9.04
- planning for the details of the transition;
- information on the types of behaviors and emotions children typically experience during the transition and typical length of time for the transition period;
- counseling on how to ease the transition given the information known about the child;
- assistance with preparation of other children or individuals living or frequently in the home;
- obtaining resources for the child’s special needs; and
- assistance in obtaining insurance or other benefits.
AS 9.05
Adoption Services (AS) 10: Temporary Care for Children Awaiting Placement
Foster parents provide temporary care that ensures the health and safety of infants awaiting adoption.
Interpretation: When the case involves an American Indian or Alaska Native child, the tribe or a local Indian organization and the Bureau of Indian Affairs should be notified of the decision to temporarily place an infant awaiting adoption in a foster home.
Interpretation: This section is intended for programs that provide short term, temporary care for children, usually newborns, while they await placement, typically in states where direct placement with prospective adoptive parents is not possible and do not otherwise provide foster care services.
NA The program does not provide temporary care for children awaiting placement or the program provides such care through its foster care program.
NA The organization provides home study and/or child-focused recruitment services only
NA The organization provides post-placement services only.
NA The organization provides foster-to-adopt services only.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality; or
- Procedures need strengthening; or
- With few exceptions, procedures are understood by staff and are being used; or
- For the most part, established timeframes are met; or
- Proper documentation is the norm and any issues with individual staff members are being addressed through performance evaluations and training; or
- Active client participation occurs to a considerable extent.
- Procedures and/or case record documentation need significant strengthening; or
- Procedures are not well-understood or used appropriately; or
- Timeframes are often missed; or
- Several client records are missing important information; or
- Client participation is inconsistent.
- No written procedures, or procedures are clearly inadequate or not being used; or
- Documentation is routinely incomplete and/or missing.
AS 10.01
Prior to placement, foster homes are licensed, approved, or certified according to state, tribal, or local regulation and foster parents have completed all required training.
AS 10.02
Prior to placement, the organization:
- assesses the home to identify any safety concerns; and
- conducts criminal background and child abuse registry checks for all adults living or frequently in the home in accordance with applicable federal and state requirements.
AS 10.03
The program coordinates needed healthcare services for the child, and foster parents are trained to respond to the healthcare needs of the child.
AS 10.04
The adoption worker visits the foster parents and the child:
- within the first two weeks of placement; and
- at least once a month while in temporary placement to evaluate safety and needs.
AS 10.05
Each foster family develops or uses the organization’s protocols for responding to emergencies, including accidents, serious illness, fire, and natural disasters.
AS 10.06
Foster parents who transport children in their own vehicles:
- use age-appropriate passenger restraint systems;
- properly maintain vehicles and obtain required registration and inspection;
- provide the organization with validation of their driving records; and
- appropriate insurance coverage.
Interpretation: Regarding elements (c) and (d), this information should be provided as frequently as necessary, based on the amount of time licenses and insurance are valid. For example, if licenses are valid for two years, license validation can occur every two years. Regarding validation of appropriate insurance coverage, it is suggested that the organization maintain a copy of each foster parent’s auto policy declaration.
Note: In some cases this standard may not be applicable to all foster parents (e.g., if foster parents live in urban areas and utilize public transportation instead of their own vehicles).
Adoption Services (AS) 11: Post-Placement and Post-Adoption Support and Family Preservation
A comprehensive continuum of post-placement and post-adoption services are available to ensure safety, well-being, and long-term stability and permanency.
Interpretation: Whenever possible, services provided by others should be provided by adoption competent professionals with experience in trauma informed care.
Interpretation: All individuals involved in an adoption have their own unique experiences and needs related to adoption. People may experience few or frequent needs, minimal or extensive needs, and may experience those needs at any point in time throughout their lives.
NA The organization provides home study services only.
NA The organization provides child-focused recruitment only.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality; or
- Procedures need strengthening; or
- With few exceptions, procedures are understood by staff and are being used; or
- For the most part, established timeframes are met; or
- Proper documentation is the norm and any issues with individual staff members are being addressed through performance evaluations and training; or
- Active client participation occurs to a considerable extent.
- Procedures and/or case record documentation need significant strengthening; or
- Procedures are not well-understood or used appropriately; or
- Timeframes are often missed; or
- Several client records are missing important information; or
- Client participation is inconsistent.
- No written procedures, or procedures are clearly inadequate or not being used; or
- Documentation is routinely incomplete and/or missing.
AS 11.01
- information, education, and counseling;
- social and cultural events and activities;
- preventive care for medical, developmental, and mental health needs;
- respite care; and
- support and advocacy groups.
Examples: Examples of common adoption related issues which may benefit from preventive and supportive services may include:
- difficulties with grief or feelings of loss or abandonment;
- challenges in developing trust and establishing and maintaining relationships;
- identify formation;
- difficulty navigating developmental milestones and events such as birthdays, holidays, addition of children to the home, death of a family member; and
- unknown medical, developmental or mental health needs.
Support for transracial and transcultural adoptions can include cultural and social events such as picnics, camps, educational activities, heritage tours, and peer support.
AS 11.02
- medical, developmental, and psychological evaluations;
- crisis intervention services;
- individual, group, and family counseling and therapy;
- early intervention and other developmental and educational supports;
- mental health and substance use services; and
- medical or rehabilitative care and residential treatment.
AS 11.03
The program completes required post-placement and post-adoption visits to monitor and assess safety, permanency, and well-being.
- making visit and report requirements known in advance through the contract and training;
- keeping the family engaged with the program through social and other supportive services; and
- requiring families to pay refundable deposits or pay post-placement fees in advance.
AS 11.04
- the placement may be at risk of disruption or dissolution;
- adoptive parents are considering, planning or have completed an unregulated custody transfer;
- allegations of child abuse or neglect are made;
- a child discloses a prior history of being a victim of sexual abuse or human trafficking;
- a child experiences a mental health crisis or suicide attempt; and
- a question or concern is raised about the consents to the adoption or other fraudulent or unethical conduct relating to the adoption.
AS 11.05
- acts promptly, in accordance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements, to report the situation to the appropriate authorities; and
- assists as needed with transitioning the child to another appropriate placement.
AS 11.06
AS 11.07
- an order declaring the adoption final is sought by the adoptive parents; and
- the child’s US citizenship is obtained and documentation of the final adoption order and citizenship is maintained when it is an international adoption.
AS 11.08
- information and counseling;
- ongoing receipt and maintenance of updated medical or social information, including, as appropriate, contact information so that it can be made available to the adoptee in accordance with applicable requirements; and
- support and advocacy groups.
Adoption Services (AS) 12: Adoption Program Administration
The program has administrative policies, procedures, and systems in place to ensure the provision of ethical adoption services and:
- adoptions take place in the best interests of children;
- the program has taken all appropriate actions to prevent the exploitation, sale, abduction, or trafficking of children;
- if applicable, persons whose consents are required have the opportunity to give consent freely without any undue influence; and
- fees, when applicable, and compensation do not inappropriately influence adoption decisions.
NA The organization's adoption program is only accredited for Adoption Services: Child-Focused Recruitment.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality; or
- Procedures need strengthening; or
- With few exceptions, procedures are understood by staff and are being used; or
- For the most part, established timeframes are met; or
- Proper documentation is the norm and any issues with individual staff members are being addressed through performance evaluations and training; or
- Active client participation occurs to a considerable extent.
- Procedures and/or case record documentation need significant strengthening; or
- Procedures are not well-understood or used appropriately; or
- Timeframes are often missed; or
- Several client records are missing important information; or
- Client participation is inconsistent.
- No written procedures, or procedures are clearly inadequate or not being used; or
- Documentation is routinely incomplete and/or missing.
AS 12.01
- prohibit its employees and agents from giving money or other consideration, directly or indirectly, to a child's parent(s) or other individual(s), or entities as payment for the child or as an inducement to release the child;
- prohibit compensation of any individual who locates or refers children, prospective birth mothers, or birth parents on a contingent or incentive basis; and
- ensure that payments are not excessive and are only for activities appropriately related to the adoption when compensation is permitted or required to be paid directly or indirectly to individuals whose consents may be required.
- adoption proceedings;
- pre-birth and birth medical costs;
- care of the child;
- care of the birth mother while pregnant and immediately following birth of the child; and
- the provision of child welfare and child protection services generally.
AS 12.02
- is not unreasonably high in relation to the services rendered and other appropriate factors;
- is on a fee-for-service, hourly wage, or salary basis rather than a contingent fee basis; and
- is only paid for services actually rendered or for reimbursement of appropriate expenses incurred.
This does not prohibit an organization or person from providing in-kind or other donations not intended to influence or affect a particular adoption.
- norms for compensation in the region in which the adoption services are provided;
- norms for compensation within the adoption community;
- norms for compensation within the organization;
- qualifications of staff; and
- workload requirements, such as the scope and complexity of the work.
AS 12.03
If it accepts or makes charitable donations, the program has safeguards in place in its policies and procedures to ensure that such donations do not influence child placement decisions in any way.
Interpretation: Making donations to individuals or entities who are involved in obtaining or consenting to the adoption can compromise the integrity of the process. Such arrangements should generally be avoided. If such donations are made, the program should take significant steps to ensure the integrity of the process and keep thorough documentation.
NA The organization does not have a role in placement or adoption finalization decisions.
AS 12.04
- home study, including any fees for updates;
- placement or other program fee(s);
- fees charged by other individuals or entities in the United States;
- fees and expenses for the care of the child;
- document and translation expenses;
- required donations or contributions;
- post-placement and post-adoption services;
- other third party fees; and
- travel and accommodation.
NA The organization does not charge prospective adoptive parents any fees for its services.
AS 12.05
The program does not routinely charge additional fees and expenses beyond those disclosed in the adoption services contract and only collects and retains fees for services rendered.
Interpretation: If the program charges fees in advance or the delivery of services, it should have procedures in place to accurately account for those funds, and must have procedures for refunding fees for services that are not rendered.
NA The organization does not charge prospective adoptive parents any fees for its services.
AS 12.06
AS 12.07
The program makes readily available to the adoptee and the adoptive parent(s) upon request all non-identifying information in its custody in accordance with applicable legal requirements and contractual obligations.
AS 12.08
AS 12.09
- transferring custody of adoption records that are subject to retention or archival requirements to an appropriate custodian and ensuring the future accessibility of those adoption records, and
- transferring open cases to other programs.
AS 12.10
- the adoption services to be provided by each party;
- fees and compensation;
- applicable laws, regulations, and standards that govern the provision of services;
- the lines of authority between the providers including who is responsible for oversight of the services provided
- terms and conditions for terminating the agreement;
- documentation, record keeping, and confidentiality requirements; and
- timely communication and the exchange of information between the parties and with clients.
NA The organization does not collaborate with other providers.
Adoption Services (AS) 13: Intercountry Adoption Program Administration
The program has administrative policies, procedures and systems in place to ensure that the services it provides as an exempt or supervised provider in intercountry adoptions are provided consistent with applicable foreign, federal, state, and primary provider requirements.
NA The program does not provide any services in intercountry adoptions.
NA The organization is accredited under federal regulations for intercountry adoption.
NA The organization only provides foster to adopt services or child-focused recruitment.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality; or
- Procedures need strengthening; or
- With few exceptions, procedures are understood by staff and are being used; or
- For the most part, established timeframes are met; or
- Proper documentation is the norm and any issues with individual staff members are being addressed through performance evaluations and training; or
- Active client participation occurs to a considerable extent.
- Procedures and/or case record documentation need significant strengthening; or
- Procedures are not well-understood or used appropriately; or
- Timeframes are often missed; or
- Several client records are missing important information; or
- Client participation is inconsistent.
- No written procedures, or procedures are clearly inadequate or not being used; or
- Documentation is routinely incomplete and/or missing.
AS 13.01
The program demonstrates that it is suitable and qualified to provide services in an intercountry adoption by providing current and historical information about its operations and services before it provides services, periodically and as needed thereafter.
Interpretation: COA’s Executive Verification Form – ICA can be used as evidence and documentation can be provided in the form of an attestation or as otherwise required by the primary providers with whom the program works.
The program must disclose any changes in the information required within the timeframes specified in COA’s self-reporting requirements or as specified by the primary provider and at least within thirty business days of learning of the change.
- verification of the absence of, or information about, any other names under which the organization has been known;
- verification of current insurance coverage;
- documentation of current licensure status for adoption services;
- documentation demonstrating past history of compliance with licensing and accreditation requirements including any non-compliance with licensing requirements for the last 10 years;
- verification of the absence of, or documentation of, any instances in which the organization lost the right or authority to provide adoption services or documentation of any such instance;
- verification of the absence of, or documentation of, any instances of known complaints filed against the organization in the last 10 years with or by an domestic or foreign authorities in relation to its provision of adoption services;
- verification of the absence of, or documentation of, any instances of known lawsuits or investigations or criminal charges filed against the organization in the last 10 years in relation to its provision of adoption or other child welfare services or financial irregularities;
- a list of all personnel who provide or oversee adoption services which indicates the names of any other adoption service providers they worked for; and
- verification of the absence of, or documentation of, any instances in which personnel providing or overseeing adoption services were subject to external disciplinary proceedings, convicted of a crime or, are currently under investigation.
AS 13.02
- the foreign country from which the child emigrated;
- the State to which the child immigrated;
- the current age of the child;
- the date of the child's placement for adoption;
- the date of or planned date for the disruption or dissolution;
- the reason(s) for the disruption or dissolution;
- information on the child's subsequent placement(s) and final legal adoption;
- the names of the agencies or persons that handled the placement and adoption; and
- the plans for the child.
AS 13.03
- questioning the conduct of the program;
- expressing an opinion about the program;
- making a complaint or expressing a grievance; or
- providing information, expressing a concern, or filing a complaint with the primary provider, the accrediting entity or any authority.