Preadoption Consultation

You’ve been through the classes. You’ve filled out reams of paperwork. And now your adoption agency just provided you with a long list of medical conditions to consider for your future adoptive child. Or maybe you are interested in adopting domestically and have general questions (i.e. have not been referred to a specific child) regarding prenatal alcohol or drug exposures. While you want to think you are open to any child, you’re not sure what the future might look like for a child with a heart condition, history of mental illness in the biological family, or prenatal substance exposure. And even with your exhaustive research via “Dr. Google,” you’re likely still unsure what some of the diagnoses mean, such as hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). And if you have other children, what potential impact could this future child’s medical health have on them? Just looking at the form from your agency social worker, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed and not sure how to proceed. The good news is that this is not uncommon and there are resources available to help!