Once you have successfully placed a child in your home you will be required to have a post placement visit. Your domestic adoption will not be complete until the post placement report is submitted to the court and the judge has approved the adoption. This visit is an opportunity for the social worker to meet with you and your new child and see how you are adjusting as a new family. You will need a letter from your doctor stating the current health status of the child, any health concerns, immunization status, and development. The report then goes to the court with a recommendation for the adoption to be finalized.

This is a chance to explore any concerns about attachment, parenting, behavior problems, or health issues. The best part of the post placement visit is that you get additional support from your social worker. For me the best part of the post placement visit is playing with a baby.

(In Pierce County, Washington, the adoption coordinator of the Juvenile Court Adoption Services (253-798-7978) completes all post placement reports for domestic adoptions and should be contacted directly.)