Thoughtful, comprehensive evaluations for individuals and families pursuing adoption.

The adoption process asks prospective parents to reflect deeply on their histories, relationships, strengths, challenges, and readiness to welcome a child into their family. A psychological evaluation should support that process—not simply feel like another requirement to complete.

At Relate, we offer comprehensive psychological evaluations for prospective adoptive parents, including individuals and couples pursuing domestic and international adoption.

We approach adoption evaluations with warmth, respect, and an understanding of the unique complexities involved in building a family through adoption. Evaluations are designed to provide a thoughtful assessment of psychological functioning and parental readiness while also helping prospective parents consider the emotional, relational, developmental, and cultural needs of an adopted child.

What Does an Adoption Evaluation Include?

Depending on the requirements of the adoption agency or referring organization, evaluations may include:

• Clinical interviews with each prospective parent

• Assessment of individual and family history

• Psychological and personality testing

• Exploration of the couple or family's relationship and support system

• Parenting experience, expectations, and approaches to discipline

• Emotional stability, coping skills, and responses to stress

• Motivation and readiness for adoption

• Understanding of attachment, trauma, grief, loss, and other experiences common among adopted children

• Preparation for cultural, racial, and identity considerations in adoption

• Review of relevant mental health, medical, or psychosocial history

• A comprehensive written psychological report and recommendations

International Adoption

For families pursuing international adoption, we understand that these evaluations may involve additional agency, country, and immigration requirements.

International adoption evaluations consider not only general psychological and parenting readiness, but also a family's preparation to navigate issues such as attachment and trauma, cultural and racial identity, maintaining connection to a child's heritage, transracial or transcultural parenting, grief and loss, and the unique transitions involved in bringing a child into a new family and country.

Whenever possible, evaluations are tailored to the requirements of the family's adoption agency and the country from which they are adopting.

An Evaluation Process Built on Respect

Adoption evaluations necessarily involve asking personal questions. we strive to make the process collaborative, transparent, and respectful, recognizing that prospective parents may arrive with a wide range of life experiences and family histories.

The goal is to develop a comprehensive and balanced understanding of each prospective parent—identifying strengths and resources alongside areas that may benefit from additional preparation or support.

Beginning the adoption process? Contact us to connect with one of our adoption evaluation specialists to discuss your agency's psychological evaluation requirements, anticipated timeline, and next steps.