We have all heard of the recent reduction or elimination of most of the pandemic restrictions. But are things back to normal? From what I can tell, anxiety levels still seem quite high.
As
I talk to those pursuing a homestudy or post placement, our conversations
include lots of questions about the mandatory social work visits. We go over who
is vaccinated and what precautions still need to be taken. What should be done
when there are children in the home, who are not yet eligible for vaccines,
especially as it relates to infants who may not yet have received routine
pediatric immunizations. Are masks, hand sanitizers and social distancing
enough? Should visits be outdoors if possible? Will virtual visits meet local
or other state requirements?
During
the pandemic, I did have families bring babies home from various states.
However, things were much slower than usual. Some placement agencies even
closed their waiting lists temporarily. With uncertainties looming, lots of
singles and couples postponed starting or completing their homestudies. So,
what now?
Are
birth parents making adoption plans for babies and children? Are prospective
adoptive parents allowed back into hospitals for births? Are there any
quarantine procedures still in place? How do you feel about traveling? Will you
fly, if needed, or drive long distances with an infant in the car? Are you
comfortable staying in a hotel or Air B&B while waiting for interstate clearance
to return home?
And
for those who have spent the past 16 months at home with children, what was the
best way to provide a social network and interactions with others for you and
your child? How did you entertain yourself and your child? Did you meet outside?
Only socialize with fully vaccinated people?
Or do a lot of video calls? Were family members able to meet the new
baby in person?
Starting or enlarging a family is very exciting. The adoption process adds its own joys and challenges. However, even with COVID-19 adding an additional complexity, it is good to know that with a bit of planning and determination, all can be accomplished.
Kathy Ann Brodsky, LCSW is a New York and New Jersey licensed social worker, adoptive mom and advocate for ethical adoption practice. Through her private practice and agency affiliations, she has prepared thousands of adoption homestudies, counseled expectant, birth, pre/post adoptive parents and adopted persons, as well as trained professionals to work with adoptive families. She was Director of the Ametz Adoption Program of JCCA and a member of the Advisory Board for POV’s Adoption Series and the Adoption Advisory Board of Path2Parenthood, She is currently on the Adoption Professional Advisory Council of HelpUSAdopt , a member of the Advisory Board of the Family Equality Council and active in the Adoptive Parents Committee in New York. Her blogs and written contributions can be seen throughout the Internet, including her BLOG and as Head Writer for ADOPTION.NET She was named an “Angel in Adoption” by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption in 2001. You can reach her directly.
