Adoptive Services

(1) Definition. An adoptive home is one which is studied and evaluated in terms of its potential for offering permanent care to a child who shall be legally adopted by the applicants. (2) The primary consideration in adoptive placements shall be the welfare of the child rather than the needs of the adoptive parents. (3) All adoptive placements shall be in compliance with the adoption laws of Tennessee and with the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children. (4) Approval of Adoptive Homes (a) The agency shall make a thorough study of the applicants before the home is approved. The adoptive home study shall be in writing before the placement of a child in the home. STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES CHAPTER 0250-04-09 (b) The adoptive home study shall be based on consideration of the following points: 1. Information obtained through interviews with all members of the family living in the home. There shall be at least one visit to the home. 2. The applicants’ motivation to adopt a child. 3. The applicants’ ability to provide for the child. 4. Information obtained through contacts with references. References shall include members of the extended family as well as individuals who are not related to the applicants. 5. The character, values, and ethical standards of the applicants. 6. The physical and mental health of the applicants. The agency shall ascertain that the applicant have reasonably good health and average life expectancy so that the security of having parents is unlikely to be cut short before the child matures. 7. Except for the placement of special needs children, the agency shall require that the cause or childlessness be evaluated by a physician. This medical evaluation shall be included in the agency assessment of the motivation to adopt a child. 8. Health and fire safety conditions within the home. (c) The adoptive home study shall include the caseworkers’ evaluation of the applicants’ suitability as adoptive parents, and recommendations as to approval of the home. The home study shall also include a face sheet. study references, health examinations, and verification of marital status. (d) When the adoptive home study is completed, the applicants shall be informed in writing as to the disposition of their application. (5) The adoptive parents shall be given nonidentifying information in writing about the child and the natural family which will help them understand the child-and his special needs, and help them answer questions that the child may have later about his natural parents and his background. (6) The adoptive parents and the agency shall enter into a written agreement specifying the terms of placement. (7) After placement, the caseworker shall visit in the home at least quarterly, until the adoption is finalized.