Meet Our Staff

James (Jim) Wheeler, ACSW, LCSW

Director of Social Services, Oregon & Social Worker

Role & Responsibility:  I serve IFS as the Director of Social Services for IFS of Oregon. In this role I provide home study services for adoptive families, services to birth parents and supervise the IFS of Oregon social workers to insure IFS of Oregon complies with state regulations.

Family: I have been married to my wife Pam since 1968. We have 4 children, 3 of whom were adopted internationally, 2 from Korea and 1 from Viet Nam and we have 7 grandchildren.

Part of the IFS Team Since: 2011

Little Known Facts About Me: I have a wealth of experience in the arena of adoptions. I was the founder and Executive Director of another Oregon adoption agency for many years. As I neared retirement and understood the looming requirements associated with COA/Hague accreditation I opted to retire from the agency I worked so hard at for so many years. In that process IFS heard about me and we put together what became a win-win for both of us.

I have been a leader in the adoption community in Oregon. Years ago, when a number of private agencies offered to help DHS place children out of the state foster care system, DHS started contracting with a few of those agencies, including the agency I founded, to provide those adoption services. I brought some of those relationships with me to IFS. I enjoy remaining in the social work and adoption world that I have loved for so many years, but also have to admit that I totally enjoy being free from the administrative and management responsibilities associated with directing an entire agency. Now I have time to travel, play bridge, garden and spend time with grandchildren, a few of my passions.

Contact Information: jimwheeler@ifservices.org