There have been some interesting discussions about this on the Adoption.com forums. One of the big factors is are you getting a foster child or is this a pre-adoptive placement? You get far more information prior to placement when it’s a pre-adoptive situation.

The information you SHOULD receive and the information you will receive may be two different things. Do not hesitate to ask for more information. After all, you are the one raising this child, you are entitled to the history.

Prior to Sammy’s placement we received a very large stack of papers. Part of it was his history and part of it was information about some of his issues such as fetal alcohol syndrome. It didn’t apply to him particularly just what types of issues you might expect for a child with FAS.

Here is a list of basic information you should receive:

Child’s name (last name may be blacked out since you haven’t taken custody yet), birth date, and any siblings involved in their lives.

If there are siblings, do the siblings have any disabilities, mental health issues, or other medical issues?

If termination of parental rights (TPR) has already happened what was the reason for TPR? There should be a very lengthy report prepared for the court. If you do not receive a copy, ask for one.

History of parents - This includes any law involvement, any substance abuse issues, information about their childhood such as abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, etc.

Parents medical history – The biological parents should complete a medical history form on themselves, the child and extended family members. You want information such as family history of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer, etc.

School records – If the child is enrolled in school, you should receive information as to current level of performance, services already in place, and if the child has any delays or extra requirements that you need to be aware of.

Previous foster care placements of the child - Where did your child live, for how long, and why did they leave the placement? You may ask to speak to the former foster parents to discuss issues that they had, as well as what they found useful in helping the child.

Current counseling or treatment information – If your child is already in treatment in counseling, what level of services are being provided, projected outcome of those services, plans to continue with services or a new provider if you will not be able to continue with the same provider.

Psychiatric or psychological assessments – If the child has ever had any type of assessments done, you should receive copies of those assessments, and what the findings were. They should include both inpatient and outpatient services. Where was the child seen, when, for how long, what were the circumstances that lead to treatment, do those issues still exist?

Medication history – If your child has ever taken medication you should receive a history of the medication dosages, frequency, any reactions, did it help or not help. This should include things from any psychotropic drugs, down to antibiotics or over the counter medications.

Birth information – You should receive basic birth information on your child. Date, weight, length, any difficulties with birth, after birth, how long was the child in the hospital

Medical records – Yes, you are entitled to medical records. Do not expect them to be complete or very thorough. Children who come from abuse and neglect probably have not received adequate medical attention. However, there should be records for things like concussions, broken bones, other hospitalizations, hopefully well baby checks up and immunizations.

Adoption Assistance – Let’s be realistic, you need to know what kind of financial support you will be receiving, and what has been paid out in the past. Were things like respite, extra food or clothing allowance or transportation time for numerous appointments included in this rate?

You may have to ask for this information, and do not feel like you are being a pest or out of line for asking for it. You would want these records for a biological child, why not a foster/adoptive child?

How to Adopt from Foster Care blog

Photo credit- PART of my file on Sammy. This is a 3 inch thick binder, and I've had to start a second file.