How To Write a Post Adoption Report

Many countries require a post adoption report from any foreign adoptive parents. The requirements for this report vary from country to country. Some countries want a report written by the adoptive parents themselves, while others require a form from a social worker. The adoption agency handling the adoption should have the full details on the requirements for the post adoption report, though generally, they all follow a similar format. Here's how to write a post adoption report after a foreign adoption:

1. Gather your paperwork. This is true whether you are writing the report yourself or it is being written by a social worker. The papers that may be needed for your post adoption report include recent photos, reports from physicians, therapists, schools, and any other agency involved in your child's life, and the contact information for adoption agencies, orphanages, and anyone else involved in the adoption. Copies of previous post adoption reports can also be valuable in writing the current report. Gathering them ahead of time can make sure that you have everything in front of you when you start writing.
2. Take some time to think. What do you want your child's birth country to know about them? Some countries have strict outlines for the report, and while this must be followed, there is always room to share additional details about your child. Think carefully about your child's progress since the adoption, so that you may be as thorough as possible on the report.
3. Basic information. Start with your child's basic information, such as the American name and given name at birth, the sex, date and place of birth, adoption information, and your contact information.
4. Medical information. Now, include your child's medical information, such as dates of medical, dental, and eye exams, current height and weight, and any notable illnesses, hospitalizations, or surgeries.
5. Development. Next, discuss your child's development, including motor and language skills and recent milestones. If your child is in physical, occupational, or emotional therapy, give the information on these therapies and any progress being made.
6. Personality. Most countries' post adoption report formats also ask about the child's personality and characteristics. How is the attachment process with the adoptive family? Does the child get along well with others? What are the child's likes and dislikes, favorite activities, and social skills. What things have you done as adoptive parents to preserve the child's cultural heritage?
7. Education. What grade level is the child in school? How is the child's education progressing? Are they in any educational development programs?
8. Additional information. Now is your chance to share anything you'd like your child's birth country to know. Include several photos of the child along with the written report.

Although giving all of this personal information to a foreign country may seem a bit invasive and can be quite a hassle, it is a necessary step in the adoption process. Many foreign countries want to follow up on adoptions through these reports. Failing to send in a post adoption report at the required intervals can make the process more difficult for other families who would like to adopt children from this country.