Our pre-adoption evaluations are more than just another hoop to jump through. Instead, we use the assessment process as a therapeutic opportunity for our adoptive parents to learn more about themselves and their relationship and gain the confidence and skills needed to take on the wonderful, life-altering challenge of adoption. Part of this therapeutic approach to assessment means that we invite all of our parents to ask their own unique questions about themselves and their relationship for us to consider along with the general adoption-readiness question. The answers to these personal questions are just for you, and are not included in the formal report we prepare for the adoption unless you request it.

How long with the Evaluation Take?

The assessment usually takes place during 2-3 in-person meetings as well as time for the assessor to score and interpret the tests and write a report or letter summarizing his or her findings. We strive to work with your timeline, and with parents who are able to schedule their sessions in quick succession we are often able to complete a pre-adoption evaluation with a doctoral level assessor in 2-3 weeks from start to finish.

If you complete your assessment with an advanced graduate student (under the supervision of our owner, Dr. Erin Jacklin), our training requirements slow the process down considerably so we request that you plan accordingly. Graduate student assessments usually take 4-6 weeks to complete.

What if we need additional support post-adoption?

We love to continue our relationship with adoptive parents post-adoption. Often, the families we have worked with return to The Catalyst Center for parenting coaching and support, or even just for a quick “tune up” during major developmental milestones in your parenting journey.

A wonderful aspect of going through the pre-adoption evaluation process at The Catalyst Center is that we can offer support and personalized recommendations long after you bring home your son or daughter. Because we work within a tight-knit team of therapists, several of whom specialize in child and family therapy, understand the unique needs of adoptive children, and focus on building attachment bonds within families, we can make personalized recommendations and help connect you with the right support and services so you can jump right into getting the assistance you need.

We pride ourselves on being there for our clients as much or as little as they need us, and acknowledge that this need is constantly changing.