DEVELOPMENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL PEDIATRICS

Adoption Evaluation Center

I didn’t give you the gift of life,
but in my heart I know,
The love I feel is deep and real,
as if it had been so.
For us to have each other,
is like a dream come true.
No, I didn’t give you the gift of life,
life gave me the gift of you.

. . . unknown

The Adoption Evaluation Center offers counseling to parents who are considering adoption and to parents who have already adopted a child. We help parents understand the medical, developmental and emotional needs of a particular child. We help families near and far . . . because adopting a child is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make.

Pre-Adoption Counseling

Sometimes children being considered for adoption have medical and developmental problems that have not been identified.

At the Adoption Evaluation Center at Schneider Children’s Hospital, an expert in developmental and behavioral pediatrics counsels parents about the child they plan to adopt.

This assessment will help parents to better understand the medical, developmental and emotional needs of a particular child.

We are sensitive to the time constraints of the adoption process. Once an assessment is made, consultations with parents can be done in person, by telephone or by fax in a timely fashion.

How is the evaluation made?

A physician specializing in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics carefully reviews the child’s medical records and developmental history, as well as photographs and videotapes, if they are available.

The evaluation of the child includes the following goals:

• to evaluate biological and environmental
risk factors and their impact on the child’s
health and development to date.

• to identify any developmental disabilities
or delays.

• to assess the child’s current level of
functioning with respect to motor skills,
cognitive development, adaptive skills,
speech/language development and
personal/social skills.

How is this service used?

Adoptive parents may contact the Center directly or services may be coordinated through their adoption agency or attorney.

Medical and adoption agency records pertaining to the child can be mailed or faxed to the Center. If videotapes of the child are available, they are also reviewed.

Post-Adoption Counseling

It can also be helpful for parents to consult a professional in developmental pediatrics after they have adopted a child, and these services are also available at the Center.

Post-Adoption Evaluation

In the case of a child who has already been adopted, a comprehensive evaluation includes a thorough medical and developmental history of the child, general physical and neurological examinations and a developmental assessment.

For information, please call the
Adoption Evaluation Center
Monday – Friday at
516 802 6150
or email us at adoption@lij.edu