1st Post-Placement Assessment...

A post-placement assessment is when your social worker (or case worker) from the adoption agency comes to assess how your adopted child is adjusting to his new family, along with how the adopted family is adjusting to the child. The assessments are done by the first month of the child's placement, then another one by the third month of placement, and the last one is done by the sixth month of placement. These assessments are sent to the Intercountry Adoption Board in the Philippines as well. We had our first assessment on Friday, September 25th.

Our social workers, Cherie and Lorean, came by and grilled us a little bit. But, overall, it was pretty relaxed. Leo did well answering all the questions, and Maile even helped us answer some of the questions they asked Marvin and I about Leo. The kids showed off their bedrooms and we all had dinner together then took pictures. It was a nice time.

One of the things we discussed privately with Cherie was Leo's sensitivity level. Leo is sensitive. Although he doesn't say so much in words to express his feelings, there have been a couple incidents where he has cried. So we talked about that. But overall, Leo appears to be very happy. He doesn't seem to long for the Philippines or his foster family at all. Perhaps he thinks we'll assume he doesn't like us if he admits that he misses anything from the Philippines. So I told him that it's okay to miss his foster family, friends, and social workers...it's normal, I said. Yesterday, he finally said that he misses them a little. That was good to hear.

All in all, I am pretty amazed at the transition that we have ALL made into our new family. Marvin is awesome. And, Maile treats Leo like a "real" brother (which can be good and bad)...I haven't heard her mention him being adopted in a while. I have no doubts that Leo is happy about being a part of our family now. It's all a work in progress, but although there have been a few rough spots here and there...as there should be...there's no denying how happy and complete we feel as a family. To God be the glory!!!