How to Get a Home Study
Families who wish to adopt a child work with a licensed adoption agency. One of the major steps in adoption is the completion of a home study which includes a home visit followed by a written report prepared by the adoption agency. In some states, this may be done by a licensed independent social worker. Following an examination of relevant documents and a series of home interviews, the agency then can recommend a family to adopt a child.
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Instructions
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Speak to the adoption agency and find out the procedure to be followed. Ask if you have to bear the costs of the home study and if so, the expected amount.
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Attend any orientation or training sessions conducted by the agency. Get information about the children they have for adoption and specific information the agency requires for a home study. Although specific requirements vary, they generally includes a physical examination, income statements, a criminal background check report, letters of reference from a few other people, and your own autobiographical statement.
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Keep a copy of the previous year's income tax form, W-2 form or paycheck stubs handy to provide as proof of sound financial status. If asked, provide information about your monthly expenses, savings, and mortgage payments. The purpose of collecting this data is to ascertain that you have the financial means to provide for a child you adopt.
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Get a physical exam from a physician and obtain a certificate that confirms you are healthy, and physically and mentally capable of handling the needs of a child.
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Undergo a criminal background check as specified by the adoption agency. All states stipulate that adoptive parents should undergo this check to confirm they don't have a past record of criminal activity or child abuse.
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Provide names and contact details of three or four people to serve as your references. Select people who have known you for a long time, but to whom you are not related, such as a neighbor, close family friend, or a colleague. Be careful about whom you choose because negative feedback from any of your references may jeopardize your chances of being approved for adoption.
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Write the autobiographical statement in a way that clearly helps the agency understand your family. Ask if the agency has guidelines about how to write this. Some agencies ask for a scrapbook about your family to show to those putting up their child for adoption.
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Prepare for the social worker's home visit. During this visit, expect questions about your education and employment, experience with children, interactions with other family members, and religious beliefs. Answer all questions honestly, and to the best of your ability.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are planning to adopt from another country, ensure the adoption agency is approved as per the norms of the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption of April 2008. The home study in such cases needs to meet the Hague Convention requirements.
Learn more about the process of completing a home study from the Child Welfare Information Gateway website (see Resource).
