What Is an Adoption Specialist?

Adoption can be a complicated process fraught with bureaucratic tasks. There is often the added complication of different states and countries having diverse requirements and laws pertaining to adoption. Adoption specialists are there to fill in the gaps of information and support people through the process.

Types

There are many types of adoption specialists who focus on different issues pertaining to adoption. State adoption specialists are officials who serve the public concerning regional regulations. Adoption search specialists reunite birth mothers, adoptees, siblings and birth families. Adoption attorneys practice adoption law. Some licensed specialists work with families interested in adopting children from abroad, helping them prepare dossiers and monitoring the court process.

Benefits

Working with an adoption specialist is the way to ensure that you follow all international, national and state regulations pertaining to adoption. Some specialists also can point adoptive families toward subsidies that can make the process more affordable. Adoption specialists are sources of background information and statistics that can ensure a successful adoption.

Geography

State adoption specialists are contact organizations and people who can answer state-specific questions about adoption regulations, licensed agencies, home study preparers, legalities, subsidies and other information. The adopting website (see Resources below) has an alphabetized list of state adoption specialists with contact information.

Expert Insight

The nonprofit organization National Council for Adoption (see Resources below) provides detailed advice for people who may require more specialized advice regarding the adoption process. In these cases, some people contact an adoption facilitator. These facilitators provide individualized attention to families interested in adoption.

Function

Most adoption specialists share a similar job function of providing information to families interested in adoption. Many specialists have a caseload of children they represent. They may also do trainings, assessments, interventions, technical assistance, complaint resolution and paperwork on behalf of their clientele.