ABSTRACT

Th e screener’s task is to undertake the type of evaluation that every couple should undergo before committing to marriage. When it comes to adoption, the question for the screener is not whether the individuals sitting across from him are good people, but rather whether they agree on enough parenting issues to be good parents. Adoptive applicants oft en are surprised at their partner’s responses on parenting issues. A common comment is, “I didn’t know you felt that way!” Of course, you would not expect them to agree on all issues-just enough issues to provide the foundation for eff ective parenting.