[Waiting4Celeste]

OK, this is a SERIOUS question... I have wanted to work in the adoption field ever since we adopted our first son.

I have a degree in Psychology and according to our SW, I could do home studies and they are hiring I'd love to jump at this chance! We live in Missouri - where could I find a list of requirements? I am trying to search online, but I just keep coming up with adoption agencies' links.

Thanks in advance! You can PM me - we are out of town this week and I am worried this post will be wayyy at the bottom by the time I return!

I hope when I do return, there are sooooo many PGN outs posted that I REALLY won't be able to find my post!!

[Michelle Smiles]

Every state's requirements are different. If you aren't a licensed social worker, most states would require that you get a degree in social work and then sit for the exam. (There are still a few states out there that will allow you to sit for the exam with a degree in a related area but most will not.) However, some agencies may allow people with BAs in psych to do the home study and have a licensed social worker sign off on it. You most likely wouldn't be able to do them independently but in conjunction with an agency you could certainly do them - and there isn't anything special you would need to be except be hired.
If you want to do them independently, again depends on state regs but you would at least need a masters degree in social work.
Hope that helps. (And I'll PM this too since I just re-read your post.)

[redru2004]

Thanks for this post, I too was wondering the same thing. I've got a bachelor's degree in organizational communications, and I'm planning on staying home with our child/children once we get them home but I've been really contemplating going back to school and getting a second degree in social work because I really would love to be doing homestudies and adoption placements too, I just feel a bit overwhlemed on where to start!

[lionbird]

I am a social worker. If you already have a BA or BS, first step is to apply to a school that offers a master of social work program. If you go full time you will complete it in two years. The first year has a lot of history of social work stuff that you will be irritated by as you will want to learn the hands on clinical stuff right away... we all do... Then you get a fun research class (not) and lots of other requirements. Licensure is a different issue than graduating with your MSW. Most states require 2000 hours of "supervised" work. Meaning you can document supervision by another MSW. Licensure means you can get third party reimbursement and can hang out your own shinge. Prior to licensure you can do most things but under someone elses license.

I know there are lots of other degrees..if you get a masters degree in counseling or family therapy or whatever..most states will recognize an LPC (licensed Professional Counselor).

If you don't have a BA or BS... get your BA in Social work, then your masters degree only takes one year... the final year of the BA covers most of what you take the first year for your MSW, so they let those with a BSW go right into the advanced year...makes for a speedy degree let me tell you.

I have no idea how to do homestudies or adoptions. There are about a bagillion different things you can do with a social work degree. I suggest calling an accredited school and speaking with an admissions person. Have a list of questions ready and see where it goes.

Good luck.