The International Adoption Center works with prospective parents, preparing them to face the challenges ahead. Part of this process involves evaluating the child. Generally, all they have to work with is a video and a short medical-data form. The adoption center team evaluates the available data and makes a preliminary assessment. Mason stressed that he doesn't make a case for or against a particular adoption.
Every family is different in what they can handle.
Sometimes, the potential parents decide not to adopt, Mason said. Others learn about problems and adopt anyway. After adoption After a child is adopted, the International Adoption Center team assesses the child's needs thorough medical evaluation and laboratory screening, with special attention to identifying and treating developmental and behavioral issues, where, Mason said, early intervention can make a dramatic difference. From there, although the parents are encouraged to use a primary pediatrician, the center continues to track the child's development. Such information will help determine the impact of trauma, malnutrition and other forms of deprivation on a child's developing brain.