Adoption Home Study

Whatever type of adoption you pursue, the adoption homestudy is part of the process. These are written reports compiled by social workers specially licensed for this purpose, and you should receive a packet of homestudy guidelines to assist you.

 

1. Prepare for a series of visits in your home and/or at the social worker's office.
2. Advise members of your family and significant people in your lives that they maybe included in the homestudy interview process.
3. You will be asked to prepare an autobiographical statement... your life story in a nutshell. Your social worker will have guidelines of information to include.
4. You will need to visit your family physician (and possibly your infertility specialist if this applies) for a health statement.
5. Make sure you have access to documents relating to your financial stability, insurance coverage, and employment. These should include verification of income, debt, and other financial dealings.
6. Many states require criminal background checks. Learn where fingerprinting is done in your community, and expect to be asked to complete forms that will be sent to various agencies for child abuse and/or criminal records checks.
7. Prepare copies of your personal legal documents such as your birth certificate and divorce decree (if applicable).
8. Your home does not need to be spotless - the home visit won't be a white-glove inspection! Normal cleanliness will, of course, be observed and noted.
9. Be prepared for separate interviews if you have a spouse or partner. You will be interviewed together, but also individually.
10. Prepare for several visits, and the visit to your home may last anywhere from two to four hours.
11. Try to stay calm. You are not expected to be perfect. Your social worker will be looking for your preparedness and willingness to be a parent.

Tips:

1. Take advantage of the relationship with your Social Worker to ask questions and explore learning opportunities.
2. Depending on the type of adoption, the homestudy may vary slightly to explore special needs the child may have.

Additional Resources:

• Homestudy Information & Resources
• Locate an Adoption Professional

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