Typically the first step in the process of working with individuals, families, and groups is

There are several steps involved in the process of adopting a child:

1. Initial enquiry

Please note, during the COVID-19 pandemic, progressing some of the steps as outlined below will be limited.

Please review the relevant information outlined in the steps below, before ordering an Adoption information package and paying the relevant fees.

The first step to begin the adoption process is to understand DCJ adoption procedures and requirements, and some of the issues facing adoptive parents and adopted children. This information is included in our Thinking about adoption factsheet.

When you have considered this information and want to learn more, complete the Adoption information package order form included in the Fact Sheet and return it to DCJ’s Adoption & Permanency Services with the relevant fee.

If you are considering the adoption of a child in your care, please also speak with their caseworker.

2. Expression of Interest for inclusion in adoption programs - local or intercountry

The Adoption information package includes the information booklet ‘Considering adoption’ and an expression of interest (EOI) form. When you have read ‘Considering adoption’, you may wish to complete the EOI form and return it to DCJ.

Your EOI will be screened to see if it is likely that you meet the criteria for adoptive parents.

A decision is then made about your suitability to progress to step 3.

3. Preparation for adoption seminar

If you are first time applicants to the local or intercountry programs, you are required to attend the Adoption Preparation Seminar. These 3 day seminars are held in Sydney.

4. Formal application for adoption

When you complete the adoption preparation seminar, you will be invited to nominate which adoption program you are interested in applying for.

Following receipt of this nomination, Adoption Services will review the needs of children for whom adoption is being considered and may invite you to formally apply to adopt.

5. Initial screening of application

Your application will be screened to see if DCJ can proceed with your adoption assessment.

The screening occurs after all the required documentation is received (such as medical reports, criminal record checks, personal references, birth and marriage certificates and if applicable certificate(s) of naturalisation).

You will receive notification in writing about whether your application is able to be progressed to an assessment.

6. Assessment

The assessment reflects the legislative requirements of the NSW Adoption Act 2000, and identified predictive placement risk and success factors from adoption research.

There are specific assessment requirements in relation to the adoption of children over 24 months of age, the adoption of sibling groups and the adoption of a specific child or children in permanent care.

What is the assessment process?

The assessment will take a minimum of three months, and usually takes three to four months. This length of time allows for a fair and thorough assessment of your suitability and also gives you the opportunity to explore the prospective adoption from all angles under the guidance of an adoption specialist.

Who conducts the assessment?

An independent assessor will evaluate your suitability for most adoption programs.

7. Determination of your suitability to adopt

The completed assessment report and a recommendation from your assessor is then forwarded to the relevant Program Manager, who will determine your suitability to adopt.If approved, your names will be entered on the DCJ Register of approved adoptive parents.

If your application is not approved, you will be informed of this decision and the reasons for it. The decision is a ‘reviewable decision’ under the Adoption Act 2000. You will be advised of the procedures to have the decision reviewed.

Intercountry adoption

Once an application for intercountry adoption is approved, your approved assessment report/s will be sent to the overseas adoption program for consideration and their determination of your suitability. You will be advised of additional procedures and documentation required by the country you are applying to adopt from. Learn more about Intercountry adoption.

8. Next steps

The process of identifying the most suitable adoptive family for a particular child and the placement procedures differ in the various local and intercountry adoption programs. You will be advised of the next steps for your specific program.

Your obligations

It is your responsibility to maintain your eligibility for adoption at all times, until a court order for the adoption is granted.

Changed circumstances

The Adoption Regulation 2015 (clause 48(2)) requires an approved applicant to notify the relevant decision maker as soon as practicable, of any significant changes in their circumstances.

An updated assessment report may be required if there is a significant change in your circumstances.

9. Placement

The placement procedures differ in the various local and intercountry adoption programs and placement timeframes can vary.

Placement process

All placements are preceded by an interview, during which prospective adoptive parents will receive all the relevant information DCJ holds about the child and their social and medical history.

The length of time taken to introduce a child to his/her adoptive family will be determined on a individual basis to ensure the process is suitable for the individual child’s circumstances and in their best interest.

10. Post placement stage

The placement of a child will bring adjustments for you, your family and, of course, for the child. The assessor will visit during this period to offer support and advice, and to report on the placement. Overseas authorities also require post placement reports.

For local adoptions, until an adoption order is made in NSW, the parental responsibility for your child will rest with the Secretary, DCJ.

DCJ generally proceeds to finalise the adoption about six to nine months after the child's placement.

11. Adoption orders in NSW

In NSW, the Supreme Court is responsible for effecting adoption orders.

In local adoption matters, Adoption Services or an accredited adoption service provider lodges the application at court. Where it is necessary to make an application to the Supreme Court, intercountry adoption applicants may prepare the application themselves or engage a private solicitor.

Following the making of an adoption order in NSW, the Supreme Court provides DCJ with a certified copy of the order and authorises the NSW Registry of Birth, Deaths and Marriages to issue an amended birth certificate to recognise the child as a member of the adoptive family.

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As a child and family social worker, you’ll have the opportunity to make a difference in your community by advocating for children and parents alike. These types of social workers are responsible for connecting families in need with essential services as well as monitoring the well-being of children and their families.

For people who want to work with children and help those in challenging circumstances, this may be an attractive career path. This guide is designed to help you learn more about child and family social work—including how to become a child and family social worker, what the career outlook looks like in this field and more.

Child and family social workers focus on assisting children and families, especially those with living situations that put the children at risk of neglect or abuse. Some common tasks fulfilled by social workers in this field include:

Identifying and monitoring the well-being of at-risk children
Providing counseling to improve the social and psychological function of children and their families
Arranging adoptions and foster homes for children
Assisting families through fostering and adoption processes
Acting as a liaison between a school and its at-risk families

Becoming a social worker is a big decision that requires completing specific educational and training requirements. Most states require a master’s in social work (MSW) and the completion of a social work licensing exam to become a social worker, but this may vary depending on where you live and what type of career you are pursuing.

If you’re thinking about becoming a social worker but aren’t sure what the process entails, read about child and family social worker requirements below.

The first step to becoming a child and family social worker is completing your undergraduate studies. In addition to listening to lectures, completing assigned readings and performing research, earning a bachelor’s in social work (BSW) may require field experience or work placement. Field experience is designed to provide students with an opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-world situations while allowing them to develop new knowledge.

Although there are some social work positions available to those with a BSW, many prospective child and family social workers choose to continue their education with advanced degrees. To become a clinical social worker, an MSW is required.

Whether you choose to enroll in-person or online, it’s important to choose an MSW degree program that fits your lifestyle and helps you meet your career goals. Many MSW degree programs offer specializations in child and family social work that may help you prepare for your future workplace.

To become a licensed social worker, you must pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) examination. The ASWB administers several different levels of social work exams: bachelor’s, master’s, advanced generalist and clinical. The exam you take depends on your education level and what type of social work you want to practice. Each level of the ASWB exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within a four-hour window.

Before registering for the ASWB exam, be sure to check with your local social work licensing board for specific eligibility information.

Once you’ve passed the ASWB exam, you’ll need to obtain social work licensure to begin your career as a child and family social worker. The process of obtaining licensure varies from state to state, but in general, it involves submitting an application and paying a licensing fee. After you complete the ASWB exam, your results will be forwarded to your local social work board for review.The type of social work licensure you obtain depends on which category of ASWB exam you took, as well as what licenses are available in your jurisdiction. For more information, find your local licensing board website.

The typical social worker salary differs based on where you live and what type of work you do. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data on social workers, the median child and family social worker salary in 2020 was $48,430 per year. BLS data also shows that the industry in which you work can have an effect on your potential earnings. For example, social workers who worked in local government had higher median salaries than social workers who worked in individual and family services.

Regardless of your specialization, the BLS projects a positive job outlook for social workers. It is projected that social work jobs will grow by 12% from 2020 to 2030. This is faster than the average projected growth for all professions.

Before you enroll in a social work degree program, it’s important to research potential careers that might interest you. Below, we address some commonly asked questions about careers as a child and family social worker.

How long does it take to become a child and family social worker?

While the amount of time it takes to become a social worker varies depending on the individual, it generally takes about four to six years to complete child and family social work requirements. Earning your bachelor’s degree takes roughly four years, and earning your MSW usually takes another two years. In addition, child and family social workers who want to work in a clinical setting are required to complete at least two years of supervised work experience before earning a license.

Is child and family social work a good career?

Social work may be a very rewarding career, but this perspective will vary based on the person. If you want to provide services to vulnerable youth and help families navigate complex situations such as finding foster care services or housing, then a social work career in child and family services may be a good fit for you.

Where do child and family social workers work?

Child and family social workers usually have an office as their base, but they are often out in the community performing outreach, visiting clients and developing programs that connect people to resources like food stamps and childcare. Some social workers may also work remotely on occasion, meeting with clients over video conference.

What skills make a good child and family social worker?

Crucial skills for social workers include active listening, critical thinking and effective communication. It is also important for child and family social workers to be empathetic and to have patience for their clients.

Last updated October 2021