Adoption Evaluations

During the adoption process a psychological evaluation of both parents is required. The evaluation assess the psychological functioning of both parents as well as their motivations for seeking adoption and their fit for adoption. The report commonly requires psychological testing and must be done by a licensed psychologist. 

The potential parents will complete psychological testing on the computer, typically before the appointment. This will include the MMPI-3 and the Incomplete Sentences Blank. They will also complete a history questionnaire on the computer. Afterwards, Dr. Tarescavage will meet with the parents for an interview. Sometimes they are interviewed together, but other times they will be interviewed separately. At the end of the interview, Dr. Tarescavage gives the parents preliminary feedback on their assessment results.  After the in-person evaluation is completed, Dr. Tarescavage will finish the record review and collateral contact process (if applicable) and write a 6 to 9 page report detailing his findings and opinions. The referral source will receive the report within three business days of the evaluation (assuming additional records do not need to be requested).

While completing these evaluations, the guidelines given by the adoption agency are followed very closely so that there are no issues later with report format, content of the report, etc.