“Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.”
~Dr. Seuss
Questions
There is so much to learn and know when you embark on this journey to expand your family. Below are some questions to ask yourself, your homestudy agency, and your adoptive agency. This is list is a work in progress. If you have other questions not listed here, email us and we'll add them.
Adoptive Families magazine is an excellent resource for all types of questions. Don't forget to check out their Adoption Information Center.
Here are some questions you might want to ask at referral:
What is the child's age, date of birth?
Is there any maternal history?
Is there any paternal history?
What is the child’s birth history prenatal care if any, birth weight, height, and head circumference, gestational age, Apgar scores)?
Has the child had any medical examinations, tests, and hospitalizations?
If the child is not a newborn, have there been ongoing developmental measurements taken over time? How is the child developing?
What are the child's current developmental milestones (vocalizing, sitting alone, eating semisolid food, strong eye contact)?
Can the caregivers provide information about the child’s personality, demeanor, and skills?
Are there any signs of fetal alcohol syndrome?
What are the child's verbal abilities?
Can the child hear?