Social Study

If you are in the middle of an adoption—whether it is a stepparent, grandparent, aunt/uncle, or new parent adoption—you know that you have to complete a social study in order to proceed forward with the adoption. Because this is a new concept to many people, it is better to gain knowledge regarding this process beforehand to put your mind at ease. You will find that this step is actually one of the more rewarding (absent the actual adoption day) throughout your case. It is your chance to tell the social worker all about your family and why you should be able to adopt the child.

Purpose of Pre-Adoptive Social Study

One of the purposes of the pre-adoptive social study is to guide the Court in its decision on the termination and adoption because the social worker is literally the eyes and ears for the Court. Reason being, the judge cannot visit your home and do a background check on all of the parties in the case to determine whether or not the adoption would be in the best interest of the child. Therefore, a social worker is appointed to do that and much more.