Adoption Home Study: Seven Tips to Make the Process Easier

by | Jul 24, 2017 | Adoption Tips, Blog, Front Page, Home Study

The home study is one of the most important documents generated during the adoption process. It is required for every adoption, both domestic and international.  A home study is basically a detailed overview of the prospective adoptive family including upbringing, marriage, home, personal relationships, finances, background checks, family life, and health.  It is essentially the approval of a parent or individual to be adoptive parent(s).  There are many goals that the home study is geared to meet which include the following:

  • Determine the suitability of the applicants to be adoptive parents
  • Ensure the safety of the home in which the child will live
  • Prepare the family for adoption process and adoptive parenting
  • Explore the family’s motivation to adopt and their adoption plan to ensure the child will be the right fit for the family

For some, the home study process can be stressful because of the paperwork required, the questions, the home visits, etc.  The process can also be a positive way to learn more about adoptive parenting, and to better prepare yourself for the placement of the child in your home.  It is also an opportunity to establish a trusting, working relationship with your agency and social worker.  The home study process is exactly this: a process.  It does not begin and end with the home visit, but rather it is the beginning of a journey and relationship with your social worker and agency that results in the placement of your child!

Here are a few tips to remember to make this journey as easy and beneficial to you as possible:

 

Be organized

There is quite a bit of paperwork. Create a separate file for your home study documents with clearly labeled sections such as financial, references, medical information, etc. Your social worker needs complete, accurate information in order to finalize the home study on a timely basis. You can ask questions about paperwork if you get stuck. The agency and social worker are there to help.

Prepare a parenting plan

You can think ahead to to the day when your child arrives.  Have you and your spouse talked about parenting issues? Also consider the initial adjustment period. Will there be a language barrier, or will your child have immediate medical needs to manage? Will you and your spouse take parental leave? If so, how long will you take? Who will care for your child after you return to work? Your plan for disciplining your child is also an important issue to discuss during the home study process.

Think about what type of child you would like to adopt

Consider age, race, and medical conditions or developmental delays you may consider in a child. Are you open to birth mother exposure to drugs, alcohol, etc.? Your social worker will help you process your thoughts on these issues to determine what type of child would be a good fit for your family.

Your home does not have to be perfect

We are not looking for perfection. Your home does not have to be spotless, just a safe place for a child. Do have a plan for where the child will sleep and discuss plans to baby/child proof your home ahead of time. Also consider reducing clutter that may be hazardous for a child and have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors installed.

Discuss your finances

Now is the time to talk about how a child will impact your financial situation including monthly budgets, vacations plans, etc. How will you and your partner manage the adoption expenses, including including travel costs?

Research Community Resources for your Child

This applies to those adopting either a healthy or special needs child. Look into local public or private schools, medical professionals, and other professionals who can help address any medical issues, developmental delays, learning challenges. Research the youth programs in your community such as recreation, library programs, early childhood playgroups, etc.

Ask questions

If there is something that is not clear about adoptive parenting, or if you have concerns about anything related to the process, your social worker is there to help. For example, you may have completed your parent education requirement, and want more information on how to talk to your child about adoption. Your social worker can suggest additional readings, and give you more information on this topic to address your specific concerns.

Remember, the home study process is not just about the agency getting information about you, it’s also about us giving you more information about adoption. We are here to help!

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