Preparing for the Arrival of Your Child - 4

Medical Needs

Before the first visit in your home, your child's social worker and foster family will familiarize you with all of the child's medical needs, how to give medication, how to use medical equipment, and who to call in case of a medical emergency. If this information is not offered, ask for it.


In situations where the social worker is new to the case and especially if the child has been in the current foster home for less than 12 months, you may not receive all of the medical information you need. It is a good idea to ask for an opportunity to review the child's entire "case file," usually done in the social worker's office. Take notes on anything you may wish to ask your family doctor or the child's current doctor about.

You may discover medical needs documented in this file that are not currently being met, like a need for a hearing aid, or for eyeglasses, or for allergy medication.

The comprehensive psychological evaluation will document current medical needs. However, it is wise to take the child to your family doctor shortly after the adoption so that the two can meet, at least. This is also a good time to arrange for the transfer of medical records to the new doctor.

Next Page: Daily Routine Needs

•1. Introduction
•2. Safety
•3. Pre-Placement Visits
•4. Medical Needs
•5. Daily Routine Needs
•6. Bonding & Attachment
•7. International/Transracial Adoption
•8. Maintaining Contact

Copyright © 2003 Rita Laws and Nancy Ashe. All rights reserved. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form without written consent.