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Adoption
Psychological Evaluation & Approval for Adoption
France:
As part of the French adoption process, whether the child is born in France or abroad, obtaining prior approval for adoption is essential.This approval serves as a legal authorization confirming that the prospective adoptive parents can offer a family environment suitable for a child awaiting adoption. To obtain this approval, applicants must submit a complete file that includes various documents, including the psychological evaluation.
United States:
For intercountry adoptions to the United States, the home study must be completed by an authorized home study preparer. When certain aspects require a specialist's opinion, the preparer may refer applicants to a licensed professional, such as a clinical psychologist, for an evaluation and written report. This psychological evaluation can be carried out upon referral.
FAQ
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The evaluation consists of individual and couple clinical consultations conducted in the office.
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The first appointment is conducted with both partners, or with the individual in the case of a single-parent adoption. It focuses on an in-depth discussion of personal or relationship history, any difficulties, and the expectations of the prospective adoptive parent(s).
This interview also makes it possible to:
Present the full evaluation process (number of sessions, duration, report, and feedback).
Address any questions.
Establish a climate of trust, essential in a process that is inherently sensitive.
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The psychological evaluation is part of a regulatory framework designed to assess the ability of those seeking to adopt to provide a family environment that meets a child’s needs.
According to Article R225-4 of the French Code of Social Action and Families, the psychologist or psychiatrist must assess “the psychological context in which the adoption plan is developed.”
In addition, Decree No. 98-771 of September 1, 1998 states that it is necessary to “ensure that the conditions of care offered by the applicant, in family, educational, and psychological terms, correspond to the needs and best interests of an adopted child.”
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The psychological evaluation also offers an informative and reflective space for couples or individuals engaged in an adoption project.
It aims to support them in a deeper reflection on the specific aspects of adoptive parenthood and on their own future parental role.
It also helps them develop an understanding of the adopted child, their background, their history, and the past, present, and future challenges that may influence their development.