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Policy
Manual
ADOPTIONS
Preparing The Child For Placement
| Casework Aspects | There are a number of casework aspects to preparation of a
child for placement. •What does adoption mean to the child? What is their understanding? Note: Let children know they are a part of the decision making process. There are crucial points along the way to resolution of one's past and to acceptance of a new family. Children's feelings about this coming event must be explored at each point. The Social Worker's feelings about children and their experiences are important to share as well. •What attitudes do the children display regarding: - sexual behavior and sexual identity •What stage in the grieving process is the child in? Note: Children cope with loss usually in stages. Grieving is generally sequential, moving from denial, to sadness and anger, then to despair and finally detachment. |
| Casework Considerations | In working with children, the following should be considered. •It is important that feelings arising from separation, anger at self and others,
and humiliation not be repressed. The children may repress their feelings in order to
master them, thus locking up a lot of emotional energy that should be used for dealing
with real life. •Encourage the children to ask questions and demonstrate that there is no subject too unpleasant to talk about. •Ask the children to tell what they think happened, how they explain the moves they have made and the losses they have sustained. •Support the children and reassure them when they are troubled. •Allow the children to express fears and wishes about the new family. |
| Preparing the Foster Parents for Placement | When thinking about the role of foster parents in the
preparation process, the Social Worker must first consider the need to prepare the foster
parents for the child's move. Foster parent(s) should be encouraged to think about their own (perhaps painful) feelings, because often these feelings are similar to those experienced by the child. If the foster parent(s) can be helped to recognize their own feelings about the impending separation, they will, in turn, be more able to assist the child. |
Connecticut Department of Children and Families Issued: March 1, 1994
