Social Worker: Vietnam Home Study

The Adoption Home Study and Meeting the Adoption Requirements of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Vietnam is once again gaining in popularity as the country of choice for American adoptions. In 2006 the number of American adoptions from Vietnam reached the highest point in 3 years and accounted for 163 orphan visas. It is expected that with passage of the U.S. Vietnam Bilateral Agreement on Intercountry Adoption of 2005 the numbers will vastly increase.

This article will outline Adoption Home Study requirements mandated by Vietnam. Before we begin a few words about the Adoption Home Study. It is a comprehensive report of the adoptive family’s background and child-rearing philosophy. It is designed to assist the family in preparing for the arrival of a new family member into a nurturing environment. It is conducted by a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in the privacy of your home. Upon recommendation of the adoptive family the report is filed with (CIS) and becomes part of your dossier. Prospective adoptive parents are also urged to request additional information from their adoption agencies and adoption home study agencies.

It is a Requirement of The Socialist Republic of Vietnam that only American agencies licensed by Vietnam can place Orphans for Adoption. Please ascertain the agency you are working with meets these criteria.

Adoption Home Study Guidelines for Vietnamese Adoption:

• Prospective adoptive parents must be 20 years older than child they wish to adopt
• Married heterosexual couples and heterosexual singles are eligible to adopt
• Prospective adoptive families must have good ethical qualities and receive clearances from the FBI, Child Abuse Registers, local authorities
• Prospective adoptive families must be in good health, free of mental impairments and contagious disease
• Families wishing to adopt must have verifiable income and possess the resources to raise and educate an orphan
• Children over 9 years of age must agree in writing to the adoption
• Adoptive families may have the opportunity to review medical records prior to receiving their referral. This is an excellent opportunity for consultation with an pediatrician specializing in international adoptions and adoptions from Vietnam
• Vietnamese law may disallow an adoption if it is not in the best interests of the child or if the adoption if illegal
• Prospective adoptive families must agree to comply with requirements for post-placement supervision
• Permission to adopt must be granted from an authorized American adoption agency in your state of residence

by Roberta Kalmar, LMSW

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Disclaimer

The information and advice provided is intended to be general information, NOT as advice on how to deal with a particular child's situation and or problem. If your child has a specific problem you need to ask your pediatrician about it - only after a careful history and physical exam can a medical diagnosis and/or treatment plan be made. This Web site does not constitute a physician-patient relationship.

This material has been provided by AdoptionDoctors.com, an innovative adoption medicine private practice and educational service, dedicated to helping parents and adoption agencies with the complex pre-adoption medical issues of internationally adopted children. All medical interactions are performed via, e-mail, express mail, telephone, and fax. There is no need to make a live appointment or travel outside of your hometown. For more information, visit AdoptionDoctors.com or call 631-499-4114.

© Roberta Kalmar, LMSW