The child’s profile should include the following:

Purpose Statement (to be used at the beginning): “The purpose of the information provided below is to briefly introduce you to the child (ren) for whom our agency is recruiting an adoptive placement.”

INCLUDE:

• At the top of the profile, list separately the child’s first name, date of birth (mo/yr), race and gender. School grade information can be added if necessary.
• Within the narrative, be creative, energetic, use descriptive words
• Use an attention-getting phrase to begin the narrative and draw readers in.
• Include likes, hobbies, interests, what they want (family, life, goals, pets, church)
• Describe the child’s personality.
• Provide information about the child’s educational accomplishments.
• Positive quotes from the child caregiver (don’t refer to the “residential” caregiver)
• Quotes from the child describing themselves (i.e. favorite things about themselves, etc.)
• A description of the child’s need for a family with particular skills or family configuration (don’t limit to a two-parent family if that is not necessary).
• Legal Status
• Add the date updated/completed at the bottom of profile.
• The profile needs to be at least three paragraphs, and 120-150 words. NO more than 1 – 1 ½ pages in length.
• If you have a photo, state it is available upon request.
• Special concerns– contact with siblings, family or past placement providers.

DO NOT INCLUDE:

• Identifying information within the narrative(i.e., child’s last name, school’s name, city where child resides, parent’s names, date and reason the child is in care, and history of abuse/neglect (any significant information may be included in the confidential narrative section).
• Details about failed past placements (any significant information may be included in the confidential narrative section).
• Anything that might be embarrassing to the child. Ask yourself, “Would I feel comfortable showing this to the child and would it make them uncomfortable?”
• Full date of births, age or grades in school as a part of the narrative.
• Serious medical diagnosis and treatment involved.
• Information about the child’s educational needs.

Answer all responses to search/e-mail recruitment activities, within five (5) working days, using the following instructions as applicable:

• Submit assessment(s) to requesting county, identifying the sending worker and location. The information should note approval for submittal by the supervisor/Circuit Manager.
• Refer responses to the county office or other state/private agency consistent with their residence, if responding family requires an adoption study.
• Regularly inform county of jurisdiction of results of recruitment activities.

The initial number of assessments accepted for Adoption Staffing review will be reduced to three (3) to five (5) identified families through the preliminary screening process.

In some instances it may be necessary to wait for an adoptive assessment to be completed before selecting a family. The family’s worker should be kept informed of plans for the staffing.

Related Memos and Practice Points:

PA#: PA20-AD-05