Ep. #137: Cannabis, Therapy, DUIs & Adoption: Do Past Mistakes Matter? | Molly Berger on Home Stu...

This episode tackles one of the most anxiety-inducing parts of the adoption process: the home study. For many hopeful adoptive parents, the home study can feel like an investigation. They're worried about old mistakes, mental health diagnoses, fertility struggles, finances, medical conditions, past trauma, or whether one wrong answer could jeopardize their dream of becoming parents. In this episode, Rebecca sits down with Molly Berger, licensed social worker at The Adoption Center of Illinois, adoptive mom, and foster parent, for an honest conversation about the questions families are often afraid to ask out loud. This conversation offers reassurance, practical guidance, and a behind-the-scenes look at a process that often feels mysterious and intimidating. If you've ever wondered whether your past could impact your ability to adopt, this episode is for you. In this episode, we talk about: • What home study professionals are really looking for during the adoption process • Whether cannabis use, alcohol consumption, and medical marijuana impact approval • How agencies evaluate mental health diagnoses, therapy, and medication use • Why past trauma, infertility grief, and life challenges are often conversations—not disqualifiers • How finances are assessed and what financial stability actually means • The role chronic illness, cancer diagnoses, and medical conditions can play in a home study • The surprising emotional similarities between expectant parents and hopeful adoptive parents About Molly: Molly Berger is a licensed social worker with The Adoption Center of Illinois, where she works with both expectant parents and hopeful adoptive families. With more than a decade of experience in adoption, Molly has supported families through home studies, counseling, adoption planning, reunions, and post-placement support. She is also an adoptive mother and foster parent, bringing both professional expertise and personal experience to her work. Molly is passionate about helping families navigate adoption with honesty, education, compassion, and a child-centered approach. Connect with Molly: Website: https://www.adoptioncenterofillinois.... RG Adoption Consulting Website → ⁠https://rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠  Book a Complimentary Adoption Strategy Session → ⁠https://rgadoptionconsulting.com/contact Are You Ready to Adopt? Take the Quiz to Find Out → https://www.rgadoptionconsulting.com/... Before you choose an agency, spend money, or move forward—start with these 10 honest conversations that will help you: https://www.rgadoptionconsulting.com/...   Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow, a 5-star rating & review! THANK YOU! For questions about adoption, episode suggestions, or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email⁠⁠⁠⁠ [email protected]⁠⁠⁠