[lippylulu]

Its hard to believe but its time for our first post-placement visit. Our daughter is 8 years old and I am more nervous about this than the homestudy. What if she acts up? Pulls a tantrum? Says she hates it here?

Anyone who adopted an older child care to share what happened at their post plcement visit?

[cathvash]

My daughter Alex was 2 1/2. When the Social Worker got to the house, Alex said "Hi", and then immediately pointed to a large bruise on her leg and said "Mama did it"!!!

(I did NOT!! - She fell down at daycare..!!)

-Have no idea what possessed her, but I was mortified!! The SW just smiled knowingly. The rest of the visit was just fine - very pleasant. I think kids pick up on the fact that this is some sort of "test" for the parent(s), and often try to raise eyebrows. A good SW will look around, ask questions, and get all the facts.

[votemom]

oh my gosh - that is unbelievable! i can't even imagine what must have been going thru your mind in those brief terrible moments!!

something to laugh about now, for sure.

[kretzklan]

We had our first visit for the state clearance - after one month home. Our SW really wanted to hear more from us. She did "chat" with the kids...but due to language - there wasn't much chatting. She said in three months (for the 6 month Russia check) they would ask each child about 5 questions...how's school...do you have friends...what is your favorite thing about living here - it seemed pretty basic.

I had that "experience" already as well. Delaney's nose got a bruise from TOO much blowing and wiping (she bruises so easily) - she went to school and told her teacher Mom did it! I wasn't there - but the teacher approached me later. I said "I do help wipe her nose...so I guess I did "do it" - the teacher laughed. Thank heavens...yikes - I was scared for a moment!

[momm2be]

DD was off the wall the last time the SW was here. She asked Nat to show her her room and I took it as a moment she would like to talk with Nat privately. Several minutes later I hear he calling for me. Do you allow her to do this. Nat was trying unsuccessfully to do flips on my bed - no talk all action. Luckily they have a real sense of humor and could see that she was well-cared for and adjusting.

Don't sweat it. I don't know if the SW can control any part of the process now that you are home.
Relax, get out some cookies and iced tea and enjoy the fact that you have her home.

In the end she wrote up a lovely report. Keep in mind now that you are the consumer, if you don't like what they write you should be able to hire someone else at this point.