Birth Mother Matters in Adoption Episode 43: Working in the Adoption Field

Birth Mother Matters in Adoption Episode 43: Working in the Adoption Field So often, everyone from family members, friends, clients, strangers or really anyone who catches wind that I work in the adoption field seems to be really curious as to what it is really like to work in the adoption world. My favorite- go-to answer is “It’s the best and worst job you will ever have.” When an adoption case worker spends a significant amount of time with her birth mother client; often times a relationship on both sides develops. The adoption caseworker has to maintain appropriate boundaries and be able to disconnect emotionally when decisions have to be made. There is a fine line where you have to remain professional and yet personable. In some instances, a case worker can become a significant person in a birth mother’s life; she may have come to the agency alone and the emotional support of a caseworker is imperative to her well being. A birth mother may be going throw an incredibly difficult time in her life during her adoption journey and she bonds and attaches to her case worker. In this situation, I have seen where a birth mother has a more difficult time saying “see you later” to the case worker than her newborn. This is where an aftercare program is crucial to maintain a relationship with the adoption entity and provide the ability for a continued relationship with another avenue rather than becoming pregnant again. Adoption case workers are human too, and have chosen the social service field for a reason; they too can become attached. The longer you are in the adoption service field, the more you are able to prepare yourself, maintain boundaries and learn how to make the decisions that are in the best interest of your client, even when it is difficult. Pregnant and intersted in adoption? Call 623-695-4112.