Edna Schaefer, LMHC has worked with over 60 couples in the process of adoption throughout the State of Florida. She completes Home Study documents and Post Placement visitation reports, counsels couples who have experienced infertility and loss and can provide information on domestic and international adoptions. Edna hosts free informational adoption seminars for prospective adoptive parents.

Next Adoption Seminar: 
Sunday, December 4, 2011  3-5pm
Location: First Baptist Church of Fernandina Beach

To ask questions : Contact form

Edna has worked with the following agencies and attorneys:

Adoption Authority
Adopt Abroad
             Angelic Adoptions          
                     American Adoptions of FL                 
Adoption Source
Jewish Family Services

Joy N. Owenby, P.L.
        Americans Adopting Orphans   
Carolina Adoption Services     
 Celebrate Children International
Cynthia Stump Swanson, P.A.

The Home Study Process

Once prospective parents have decided whether they will adopt internationally, domestically or through their state child-placing agency, the first step in the journey of adoption usually begins with a document referred to as a Home Study. It is an important process that examines your home, your reason for adopting, your childhood and family life and your life as a couple. You will be required to undergo criminal background checks and will have to gather other important documents like birth certificates and last year's tax return. Edna Schaefer, LMHC will make two visits to your home and will complete individual, couple and family member interviews. It takes 2-6 months to complete the document if all information is presented in a timely manner. 

The following areas will be addressed in the report: family background and childhood, education, employment, relationships, home environment and community, finances, health, and religion. It is a lengthy, complicated and necessary process, but you do not have to complete it alone.

If you are in need of an adoption home study or would like to attend a seminar, please use the contact form.  Please include the information of the agency or attorney with whom you are working, if applicable,  and indicate if a home study has been initiated.