Compass Adoption Services FAQ

1. Tell us a little about the founding and development of your organization?
   Compass Adoption Services was established in 1993 as The Datz Foundation of North Carolina. Late in 2021, The Datz Foundation began doing business as Compass Adoption Services, a name that not only represents the services that are provided, but also reflects the guiding nature of the work that is being done. Compass remains committed to the founding goal of offering adoptive parents a full range of services throughout the entire adoption process.
2. How are your adoption home study and your organization unique?
   The team at Compass has extensive adoption experience as well as personal adoption insight. The team at Compass Adoption Services of North Carolina has a combined total of over 25 years of professional adoption experience. Their knowledge, compassion and understanding provide substantial expertise and ensure thorough, proficient, reliable services tailored to each family’s needs. Compass Adoption Services offers an integrated, impartial experience. We embrace the opportunity to work with individuals, couples, and families regardless of their marital status, age, religious affiliation, sexual orientation or gender.
3. Why are you passionate about adoption and the home study process?
   We are passionate about adoption because we have experienced it. Our owner relishes in having the title of “mommy” because of adoption and our social workers have witnessed the joy of families being created and expanded through adoption. We believe strongly that children deserve a loving, nurturing, safe environment in which they can thrive. We are passionate about assisting hopeful adoptive parents navigate the process and helping to guide their family together.
4. How long is an adoption home study valid?
   North Carolina home studies are valid for 18 months. The state or country you are adopting from may have different guidelines. The home study validity guidelines may also be different per your placing entity. It is crucial to inquire to your placement agency, consultant, facilitator, or attorney to understand their requirements.
5. Approximately how much time is necessary to complete an adoption home study by your organization?
   North Carolina requires that home studies be completed within 90 days. Typically, the home study is completed sooner. Expedited services are available.
6. Can adoptive parents use a home study completed by your organization to adopt a child born in another state?
   Yes!
7. If you complete my home study, do you also have to complete my post-placement visits?
   We are not required to per North Carolina regulations, but we would like to! We find that it is often easier for families to utilize the same agency and social worker so the post-placement visits feel more familiar and less invasive.
8. How many post-placement visits does your organization require?
   North Carolina requires two post-placement visits, but the state or country you are adopting from may require more. It is crucial to inquire to your placement agency, consultant, facilitator, or attorney regarding the post- placement guidelines outside of North Carolina.
9. What is some advice you can give to potential adoptive families about the home study process? What should they be prepared for?
   Our advice to potential adoptive families beginning the home study process is to take a deep breath and take one step at a time. We understand that there is anxiety about the home study and the process can feel intrusive and daunting. Allow us to guide you; ask questions and share your wonders. Also, remember that perfection is not what is expected. Prospective adoptive parents should be prepared to be honest, open-minded, thoughtful, and thorough in their participation in the home study. They should understand that they will engage with a social worker who is compassionate, knowledgeable, and friendly, who will create a relaxed setting and who will educate and guide potential adoptive families as the process moves forward.
10. What do your home study social workers look for in a home and a family when they visit potential adoptive families' homes?
    Our social workers look for a safe, orderly, happy, and stable home. Our social workers will assess the home for basic safety measures such as fire extinguisher, carbon monoxide detector and smoke detectors, as well any potential hazards or safety concerns for children. The social worker will consider the general tidiness of the home and will also gauge whether the home has adequate space for the adopted child(ren). Social workers look for people and families that are engaging, candid and compassionate; for people and families that truly have an open heart for adoption. They will assess the family for stability of finances, medical and emotional health as well as a supportive, strong marriage or relationship. They will also evaluate each member of the household to ensure they are in favor of the plan to adopt. The social worker will aim to observe how you make your family work and how adding another member to the family will affect the current dynamic. Our personable and compassionate social workers understand that the home study process may feel invasive and dauting; they will aim to create a relaxed setting during the visits to encourage discussion. They truly want to help guide families and welcome questions that families may have.
11. Are you Hague accredited, and if not, does your international home study comply with Hague International Standards?
    We are not Hague accredited, but our home studies do comply with Hague International Standards. The Hague Convention and the Universal Accreditation Act allows us to complete home studies as a Supervised Provider. We have considerable experience collaborating with Hague approved placing agencies and completing international home studies.
12. Do you have experience in completing the home study and working with international placement companies?
    Yes, we have considerable experience collaborating with Hague approved placing agencies and completing international home studies. We provide adoption support and education during pre-placement and post- placement as well as resource information to allow families to connect with local providers that may be of assistance.
13. Are there other services and benefits you would like to share about your company?
    Our dedicated team is ready to help you navigate the home study process. We offer flexibility in scheduling calls and visits to accommodate hopeful adoptive families.