Sometimes you don't feel like enough information is written in a child's narrative. Here's why . . . the goal of a narrative (with photo) is to introduce the child, not tell the child’s entire story. Caseworkers must maintain a balance between confidentiality and disclosure when writing these narratives. The information that is on adoptuskids.org is written by those who have worked closely with the children they are describing. The narratives are intended to be a highlight of the child and do not contain every detail. These additional details and history are shared with you when you are matched with the child. In fact, full disclosure is legally required at that time. State and federal laws require that certain information be treated as confidential - a child’s last name, the name of his foster family, or the name of the group or residential placement facility where he is living should never be disclosed in a photolisting description. When done well, photolistings personalize the child through an engaging picture, an individualized description, and information on “next steps” for you - the potential adoptive family. Because photolistings reach the general public, they may generate the interest of several families - that is why you often wait to hear back from the caseworker. Always keep in mind that this information sharing is a process that occurs over time. Try to stay patient and positive!
If you have questions about a child's narrative that is listed on adoptuskids.org, call us at 1-888-200-4005.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
the child narrative and photo
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5 comments:
Our favorite books are on http://www.nysccc.org/Adoptive%20Parent%20Info./RecBooks.htm. Another excellent one just came out: Nurturing Adoptions: Creating Resilience after Neglect and Trauma by Deborah D. Gray, published by Perspectives Press.
You ought to tell people about the federal adoption bonus.
What topics would you like to discuss on this blog? Let me know!
It would be nice if the narrative was specific about in state/out of state placements. It is disappointing when you find a photolisting/narrative that you think is a great fit only to be told when you inquire that they are not looking for families from other states. Why list on a national listing if only searching for families in state??
I agree with anonymous.If you don't want to consider families from another state then why list them nationally. I found two children that want to stay together and yet they have to stay in their state in a specific county. When we started this process we did not think it would be as challenging as it is. Social workers don't return phone calls or emails for days. You try to ask what they are specifically looking for in a family and how they choose and you get told they just pick it from your home study. Why can't the social workers call directly and talk with you and at least attempt to communicate with you? I realize they have full case loads but a lot of the people i have tried to contact are only in their office once a week, don't work certain days of the week. It's frustrating. My husband and i have been really open to everything.
It would just be nice to hear back and get a return phone call either way. Does anyone have any suggestions on how we get through and get a response withouth being a pest? I thought these children were waiting for families. How do they get them when you can't even get a response?
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