Dr. Judith S. Lee LCSW FAQ

1. Tell us a little about the founding and development of your organization?
   

   After twenty years of adoption agency work Dr. Judith S. Lee, LCSW is determined she can provide better services working outside the agency structure.

   Dr. Lee can make private adoption easier, faster, more reliable and less overwhelming. Services include adoption counseling, home studies, and post placements. Pre-adoptive parents need an expert adoption social worker who can help you step-by-step-by step—someone with whom you will establish a strong working alliance and who will help you with the hard stuff. Dr. Lee will walk you through how to make scrapbooks, write “Dear Birthmother” letters, create a successful advertising campaign, help you know how to talk to birthmothers, tell you what constitutes a “red flag”, tell you what to do at the hospital and best of all, be available to you 24/7/365 to help you with any of these things plus whatever other problems may arise.

2. How are your adoption home study and your organization unique?
   We quickly respond to client concerns and have a knowledgeable, warm and supportive attitude.
3. Why are you passionate about adoption and the home study process?
   I am an adoptive mother and have been in the adoption field as a professional for about twenty years. I take great pride in my ability to ease the anxiety of my clients and create a strong working alliance.
4. How long is an adoption home study valid?
   The original home study expires in New York after twelve months, but whether or not it has to be updated sooner can also be determined by where the termination occurs.
5. Approximately how much time is necessary to complete an adoption home study by your organization?
   My work usually takes between four and six weeks but the court precertification process could take an additional four to eight weeks.
6. Can adoptive parents use a home study completed by your organization to adopt a child born in another state?
   Yes
7. If you complete my home study, do you also have to complete my post-placement visits?
   No, it is not a requirement.
8. What is some advice you can give to potential adoptive families about the home study process? What should they be prepared for?
   I am here to help adoptive parents through various issues related to adoption and to become an advocate and support through the entire process. Clients should be prepared to ask me anything that concerns them and I will help them. The home study is done so as to meet legal requirements as well as to help pre-adoptive families become knowledgeable and comfortable with the adoption process.
9. What do your home study social workers look for in a home and a family when they visit potential adoptive families' homes?
   People with the capacity to be genuine, to love and be loved, and families who have a stable, safe and nurturing home environment.
10. Are you Hague accredited, and if not, does your international home study comply with Hague International Standards?
    No
11. Do you have experience in completing the home study and working with international placement companies?
    Yes
12. Are there other services and benefits you would like to share about your company?
    I have a PhD in Clinical Social Work and have a successful private psychotherapy practice. I can provide sophisticated psychological support if needed.