Conner Adoption Support Services FAQ

1. Tell us a little about the founding and development of your organization?
   I have been a social worker for about 20 years. I have worked in many different areas of social work but I have found that working in adoption is the most fulfilling for me. I began working in adoption, providing home and post studies about 14 years ago and have seen many families through this process. I have enjoyed seeing families come together and seeing the process come full circle. I decided I wanted to focus my career on this area of work and formed Conner Adoption Support Services as a result of my love for helping families on this journey.
2. How are your adoption home study and your organization unique?
   I am thorough in the process for the sake of the children but I am also a very patient, understanding and “laid-back” person. I try to take some of the stress of the process away by walking each family through each step and answering all questions quickly and to the best of my ability.
3. Why are you passionate about adoption and the home study process?
   I have always been passionate about taking care of children and helping them find forever families. I am passionate about finding loving, forever homes for children and I am passionate about helping families come together.
4. How long is an adoption home study valid?
   A home study is valid in Alabama for two years. It is valid for one year in most other states.
5. Approximately how much time is necessary to complete an adoption home study by your organization?
   That depends on how quickly the adoptive family completes the paperwork and sends the background paperwork in for completion. If the family follows through quickly on their paperwork, I can come out to their home within a couple of weeks of receiving their application. I then begin writing the home study, and when the background check clearances are received and are clear, the home study can be completed within a week from that time. I would allow a couple of months because of waiting on the background checks but I try to make the process as stress free as possible.
6. Can adoptive parents use a home study completed by your organization to adopt a child born in another state?
   Yes, as long as the agency they are using does not require them to use a certain person. I have LCSW license and PIP in social casework which allows me to do home studies in Alabama as an individual social worker.
7. If you complete my home study, do you also have to complete my post-placement visits?
   I do not have to if there is some reason that another person would have to do those. I do prefer to do the post-placement of course because I love to see your child in their new home and see the beautiful process of adoption come full circle. So I ask that you use me if possible for the whole process.
8. How many post-placement visits does your organization require?
   That is not set by me. That depends on the agency and state where you adopt. In Alabama it is usually one post-placement required. Many other states require more.
9. What is some advice you can give to potential adoptive families about the home study process? What should they be prepared for?
   I advise you to relax, be yourself and get the ball rolling. I am not looking to come into your home and swipe for dust. I want to make sure that you are a loving, financially responsible and emotionally available family that has a safe home for a child. I will walk you through the process, so do not worry. Just call me and I will tell you where to start. This is an exciting time. So don't procrastinate. If you get the paperwork done and start the background checks, we can get things going quickly and you can be on your way to forming your family. Also, don't be scared to ask questions and to ask for help.
10. What do your home study social workers look for in a home and a family when they visit potential adoptive families' homes?
    I look for a loving, financially responsible, and emotionally available family that has a safe home for a child. You do not need to be rich or have a big home. You do need to show that you can afford to support a child. Also, I will check for smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, gun safety, pool safety, deck safety, yard safety, and talk about child-proofing your home.
11. Are you Hague accredited, and if not, does your international home study comply with Hague International Standards?
    I am not personally Hague accredited. I am, however, able to work as an exempt provider for the home study through the Hague agency that you use as your primary provider. I work with four different Hague agencies on an ongoing basis to complete international home studies for many families. I am always willing to try and work with any Hague agency that is willing to contract with me. If you have not chosen a Hague Agency yet I can refer you to the ones I work with and highly recommend and I can help you with your international home study through one of them.
12. Do you have experience in completing the home study and working with international placement companies?
    I have a great deal of experience working with many international agencies to provide home study and post study services. I have completed Hague and Non-Hague home studies for many countries and seen many families through successful international adoptions.
13. Are there other services and benefits you would like to share about your company?
    I am an individual social worker and this is all that I do. I am not a large agency employing many social workers. This is what I love to do. I also have a great deal of experience. I respond very quickly to emails and if I am unable to receive your phone call please leave a voicemail and I will return your call within 24 hours. If I do not know the answer to your question, I will do my best to find out. I am kind and easy going and will make the process as stress free as possible and will hopefully help you to find it enjoyable.