Amy Alvarez, LCSW-BACS/MPH FAQ

1. Tell us a little about the founding and development of your organization?
   I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been providing adoption homestudies, postplacement supervision and birthparent counseling for over 30 years. I began my career as a counselor in a local maternity home, and was the Director of Maternity and Adoption services with Volunteers of America in the mid 2000s. I currently offer services as an independent provider, working in conjunction with attorneys, agencies and adoption consultants.
2. How are your adoption home study and your organization unique?
   I strive to offer a warm, supportive and personalized experience. I passionately believe that there is more than one way to be a family, and I love working with all kinds of people – traditional couples, single parents, and members of the LGBTQ community.
3. Why are you passionate about adoption and the home study process?
   It is my great honor to work with people whose lives are touched by adoption. The homestudy process must be thorough and provide support, guidance and education so families understand the joys and challenges of adoption.
4. How long is an adoption home study valid?
   In general, homestudies must be renewed annually. Please check with your attorney/child placing agency for details.
5. Approximately how much time is necessary to complete an adoption home study by your organization?
   Homestudies are generally completed within 8 – 10 weeks. They can be completed on an expedited basis to the best of my ability. The main thing that tends to hold up the completion of a homestudy is waiting for the background checks to come in. I strive to keep the process moving along as quickly as possible.
6. Can adoptive parents use a home study completed by your organization to adopt a child born in another state?
   Yes, families who are certified as an adoptive home in Louisiana can use their homestudy in other states. Many of the families I have certified have adopted children in other states with no issues. Laws and regulations in different states may require some additional information to be added to the homestudy.
7. If you complete my home study, do you also have to complete my post-placement visits?
   It is my pleasure to complete postplacement supervision after placement – that’s the best part!
8. How many post-placement visits does your organization require?
   The number of postplacement visits required may varies, depending on the state where the adoption will be finalized. I will work closely with your attorney/child placing agency to ensure that the postplacement follow up is conducted as required.
9. What is some advice you can give to potential adoptive families about the home study process? What should they be prepared for?
   The homestudy process is like a scavenger hunt – you’ll have to locate lots of documents, fill out forms, and undergo background checks. It might feel overwhelming, but I’m here to help you. And please don’t worry about the home inspection – I’m not coming in with white gloves! (You should see MY house!)
10. What do your home study social workers look for in a home and a family when they visit potential adoptive families' homes?
    I’m looking for families who are willing to learn about how best they can support their child, and who are willing to challenge any thoughts or fears they might have about the adoption process. As for your home, I am looking to see if your home is a safe environment for a child. I may give you some feedback about changes that might need to be made to bring your home into compliance (such as increasing the number of smoke alarms, installing a pool fence etc)
11. Are you Hague accredited, and if not, does your international home study comply with Hague International Standards?
    I am not Hague accredited, and I do not provide homestudies for international adoption.
12. Do you have experience in completing the home study and working with international placement companies?
    I do not provide international adoption services.
13. Are there other services and benefits you would like to share about your company?
    I’m on your side, and I believe the homestudy process can be informative, supportive and, yes, even fun!