What services do you provide for adoptive families?
I provide adoption homestudy services and postplacement reports for singles and couples interesting in building their families through domestic infant adoption and embryo adoption.
Throughout my career, I’ve collaborated with a diverse range of agencies and attorneys. I am happy to discuss various options to help you make an informed decision for your family.
I do not provide matching services between adoptive families and birthparents.
What is domestic infant adoption?
Domestic adoption is the process of adopting a child within one’s own country. Domestic adoption can occur through various channels such as adoption agencies and attorneys.
What is embryo adoption?
Embryo adoption (also known as embryo donation) is a form of adoption that involves receiving and transferring in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryos from one family to another.
The embryos are usually donated by couples who have undergone IVF and have remaining embryos that they do not plan to use themselves. Embryo adoption provides a way for infertile couples or individuals to experience pregnancy and childbirth while also giving a chance for unused embryos to develop into a child.
What is a homestudy and why do I need one?
Most adoption agencies and attorneys require that a family have an approved homestudy before accepting them into their programs. The homestudy your first step on your adoption journey!
Adoption homestudies assess the suitability of prospective adoptive parents and their homes for caring for a child. The homestudy includes interviews, background checks, and home visits to evaluate the physical, emotional, and financial readiness of the prospective parents to adopt a child. The homestudy provider also provides education and support. Homestudies ensure that the child’s best interests are kept in mind throughout the adoption process and that the child will be placed in a safe and stable home.
Embryo adoption organizations usually require a homestudy to ensure that the adopting family is fit to provide a safe and nurturing home for a child.
What is a homestudy update?
An adoption homestudy update is typically required annually, though major life changes will require updates sooner. Updates ensure that the family remains qualified to adopt. Amy Alvarez can complete your update even if your original home study was provided by another entity.
A home study update is necessary for reasons including but not limited to:
- The homestudy is more than 12 months old.
- Changes in family composition
- Changes in residence
- Major life changes
- Legal issues (such as divorce or criminal charges)
- Significant changes in health or mental health of family members
- To meet specific requirements
What are post-placement visits and reports?
Adoption post-placement reports are written after a family has been placed with a child. Visits are conducted to assess family adjustment, provide support and identify any issues or concerns. The length and frequency of post-placement supervision varies across states and agencies.
Do you provide homestudies for international adoption?
No. If you are interested in adopting overseas, please contact the US Department of State for a list of Approved Adoption Service Providers.
What is birthparent counseling?
Birthparent counseling assists individuals who are considering placing a child for adoption. Amy provides birthparent counseling by referral only from attorneys and licensed adoption agencies.