They frequently need to work with an adopted child's teachers in school to make sure that the child is performing satisfactorily academically and is receiving any special assistance that is necessary. It's important for any type of social worker to have excellent communication skills.
Typically, someone who goes into this professional will be devoted to helping others and improving the lives of the people that he or she works with.
Social workers need to be good listeners, and those who work in adoption should ideally be good with children. Other important skills for social workers in general include strong critical thinking skills, social perceptiveness, problem solving and negotiating skills, and good judgement. Working with children, social workers will need to be patient and learn how to build confidence by showing their concern and commitment. Every state requires that social workers attain licensure in their profession.
When searching for an agency, you need to deduce what types of services you need for your situation and make sure the agency you choose is licensed to do just that. It is typically rare that an adoption agency is not licensed in all areas, however if an agency is not, they will often have another adoption agency or assessor they contract with to be able to service their clients efficiently.
Many agencies will have in-house attorneys to complete the legal paperwork for an adoption or will contract with attorneys to provide all of the legal services required.
While no two agencies are the same, the differences are most often found in the pricing and education required of the hopeful adoptive parents. Education for adoptive parents is incredibly valuable and can vary from something as simple are reading books on adoption to attending a six week course. My husband and I had one agency picked out and quickly switched to a different agency due to the education requirement.
The first agency required we travel eight hours away for an intensive weekend course on adoption while the second agency allowed us to attend one local class and read three books on adoption. Adoption agents and organizations are regulated by the state. Becoming an adoption agent requires education in social work or a related field, social work licensing or working for a licensed agency.
Most adoption and state licensing agencies require a master's degree in social work. MSW programs are two years of full-time or three years of part-time post-graduate work. You learn general social work education in areas of social policy and practice, assessment and research. You may have the opportunity to specialize in an area such as children and family social work. Along with the course work, you'll have a practicum that allows you to experience social work in the real world.
Maintain case history records and prepare reports. Interview clients individually, in families, or in groups, assessing their situations, capabilities, and problems to determine what services are required to meet their needs.
Consult with parents, teachers, and other school personnel to determine causes of problems, such as truancy and misbehavior, and to implement solutions. Develop and review service plans in consultation with clients and perform follow-ups assessing the quantity and quality of services provided. Counsel individuals, groups, families, or communities regarding issues including mental health, poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, physical abuse, rehabilitation, social adjustment, child care, or medical care.
Collect supplementary information needed to assist client, such as employment records, medical records, or school reports. Arrange for medical, psychiatric, and other tests that may disclose causes of difficulties and indicate remedial measures. Address legal issues, such as child abuse and discipline, assisting with hearings and providing testimony to inform custody arrangements.
Counsel parents with child rearing problems, interviewing the child and family to determine whether further action is required. Serve as liaisons between students, homes, schools, family services, child guidance clinics, courts, protective services, doctors, and other contacts to help children who face problems, such as disabilities, abuse, or poverty.
Counsel students whose behavior, school progress, or mental or physical impairment indicate a need for assistance, diagnosing students' problems and arranging for needed services. Lead group counseling sessions that provide support in such areas as grief, stress, or chemical dependency. Recommend temporary foster care and advise foster or adoptive parents.
Place children in foster or adoptive homes, institutions, or medical treatment centers.
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