California Adoption Service Provider Services
Experienced Guidance through the California independent adoption process.
Independent adoption involves important legal requirements, paperwork, interviews, and decisions—and it can be difficult to know what needs to happen and when.
As a California Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Adoption Service Provider (ASP), I provide adoption services to prospective adoptive parents and expectant or placing parents completing independent adoptions in California.
My goal is to help make the process understandable and manageable while ensuring that everyone involved is treated with dignity, respect, and care.
What is an Adoption Service Provider?
An Adoption Service Provider, commonly referred to as an ASP, is a qualified professional who performs specific services required in certain independent adoptions in California.
An ASP helps guide placing parents through required aspects of the independent adoption process, which may include counseling and advisement, required meetings, adoption-related documentation, and assistance with the consent process.
If you are working with an adoption attorney, you may have been referred to an ASP because one or more of these services are required for your adoption to move forward. You don’t need to understand all of the requirements before contacting me. Part of my role is helping you understand what needs to be completed and coordinating with the other professionals involved in your adoption.
What You Can Expect
Clear Communication — I explain what to expect, answer questions, and help you understand the steps involved in the ASP process.
Respect for Everyone Involved — Adoption involves multiple people, perspectives, and experiences. I approach my work with respect for everyone involved in the process.
Experienced Adoption Support — My work is informed by extensive professional experience in adoption and an understanding of the legal, practical, and emotional complexities that can arise.
Collaboration — I work collaboratively with adoption attorneys, agencies, hospitals, and other professionals involved in the adoption when appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
My attorney told me I needed an Adoption Service Provider. What should I do next?
You can contact me directly to get started. I will learn a little about your situation, determine what ASP services are needed, and coordinate with your attorney as appropriate.
Do you work with adoption attorneys?
Yes. I regularly work with adoption attorneys and, with appropriate authorization, can coordinate with them regarding ASP services, required documentation, and the adoption process.
Who do you work with during the ASP process?
The prospective adoptive parent(s) typically retain me and are responsible for the ASP fee. My primary role, however, involves working directly with the expectant or placing parent to provide the required counseling, advisement, meetings, and adoption-related documentation. I also communicate with the prospective adoptive parent(s) as needed to gather information, coordinate services, and complete required placement documentation if the adoption proceeds.
Do you provide adoption home studies?
No. I do not independently provide adoption home studies in California. Adoption home studies are generally completed through a licensed private adoption agency or public agency. If you need a home study, I can help you identify appropriate options.
Where do you provide ASP services?
I provide Adoption Service Provider services throughout California. Depending on the services required and the circumstances of the adoption, some aspects of the process may be completed remotely, while required meetings with the placing parent are completed in person.
How much do ASP services cost?
Fees vary depending on the ASP services required and the circumstances of the adoption. I will discuss the applicable fees with you before services begin so you understand the anticipated cost.
Need an Adoption Service Provider?
Whether you are a prospective adoptive parent who has been referred to an ASP, an expectant or placing parent seeking information about the process, or an adoption professional coordinating services, I would be happy to talk with you about your situation and the next steps.
