Adoption counselors work with children, expectant moms and foster families. Depending on the type of adoption counselor, the job description will be uniquely different. Counselors work with orphan groups and foster homes to locate permanent homes for children without suitable parents. Adoption agencies, orphanages and state social service departments hire adoption counselors. Private adoption agencies handle both domestic and international adoptions. Social service agencies usually handle the adoptions out of foster care homes.
Education
Adoption counselor positions require experience and specific education for entry into the profession. Most positions and agencies require a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology or counseling and at least limited social work experience. Supervisor positions often require a master's degree in social work or psychology with at least five years of adoption experience.
Requirements
Adoption counselors must have knowledge of grief and loss issues as they relate to adoption and parenting. They must also possess a working knowledge of state laws as they relate to adoption. They must have knowledge of laws that pertain to the birth father's rights and paternity issues. Adoption counselors are often driven by uncontrollable circumstances and crisis. Therefore, the position requires irregular hours and the ability to work significant overtime. Being on call is also required.
Pregnant Women
Adoption counselors work with pregnant women who intend to give up their child when born. The counselors work with the mother to confirm her intent to forfeit her parental rights and allow her child to be adopted by another family. The women are counseled on the seriousness of giving up their baby and the potential grief that it will cause.
Families
Adoption counselors work with families interested in adopting children. Families are counseled on the process and potential outcome of adoption. In addition, the counselor assists in qualifying families through financial, psychological and fitness evaluations. A background check including credit and criminal records is required, reviewed and filed. The counselor maintains an active database and case file for each assigned family. Because these families are usually seeking an infant adoption, the counselor must also conduct family searches.
Older Children
Adoption counselors work with foster families to assist in the adoption of foster children. The majority of foster children are school-age and, therefore, difficult to adopt. They usually stay in foster homes the majority of their childhood. Few families seek to adopt children over the age of 5. However, foster homes are temporary, and a more permanent home is better for a child. Permanent adoption is the preferred option for children without suitable parents.
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