Post-Placement Services

What are post-placement services?

Post-placement services are a range of supports and requirements provided to adoptive families and the adopted child after the child has been placed in the home but before the adoption is legally finalized. These services ensure the well-being of the child and family during the transition period and help meet legal, emotional, and practical needs.
 

Who conducts these services?

Rhode to Adoption will complete your required post-placement visits and reports.

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What is the frequency of visits?

The number of required visits and reports vary, and is dependent on the requirements of the state in which the child was born in. The range of required visits and reports is typically 2-3 visits over several months. Rhode to Adoption will communicate with your placement agency to confirm the number of post-placement visits and reports needed. Placement agencies may require a post-placement obligation form to be completed by Rhode to Adoption. We do not charge for this form.

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What happens during the visits?

​This is an exciting time for your family, and Rhode to Adoption is privileged to be part of your process. We will discuss the placement process, how you, the adoptive family is adjusting to placement, and how the child is adjusting. We will ask about the child's transition to the home, if the child is bonding with the adoptive parent(s), if the child is on-target developmentally, and if the child has been seen by a pediatrician. We will document the child's current health status in the report. 

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During the visit we will offer support and guidance on parenting strategies specific to adoption, such as: 

• Visits from family and friends to meet the child - when is it appropriate?

• The importance of building attachment and trust

• Navigating open adoption relationships, if applicable

• Addressing identity and cultural questions in transracial or international adoptions

• Managing grief or loss issues for the child or family

• Guidance on the adoption finalization process

• For transracial or international adoptions, Rhode to Adoption may provide:

  • Resources for integrating the child's ethnic and cultural background into family life​

  • Language assistance for international adoptions

  • Opportunities for cultural education and connection to communities of origin

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What happens after the visits?

​Your adoption worker will prepare a detailed report that reflects the visit. You and your placement agency will receive an original, notarized post-placement report. If necessary, Rhode to Adoption will provide assistance or referrals if difficulties arise, such as behavioral issues, medical needs, or disruptions in bonding. 

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Rhode to Adoption suggests creating a Lifebook - a keepsake documenting the child's adoption story. We can provide direction and feedback in this process.

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Rhode to Adoption will provide assistance with search and reunion for families, if desired later in life when the child is older.