So What IS a Home Study?
We're currently in the midst of our home study, and have been getting a lot of questions lately about what is involved, how long it will take, etc. So, I figured I'd give a little insight into this part of the process. :)
First up, what is a home study?
A home study is an assessment of our family to make sure we are good candidates for adoption. This process involves loads of paperwork, including background checks for every state we've lived in (we've lived in 6 between the three of us). Here's a rough idea of some of the paperwork involved:
- Background checks
- Questionnaires for each adoptive parent on our parents, our relationships with parents, childhood, siblings, education, career history, future career plans, personality, marriage, reasons behind wanting to adopt, and questions.
- Special needs checklist--determining what we are open to considering (this is a very extensive list)
- Various scenarios to consider and respond to
- Physical exam, including TB testing, for all of us
- Fingerprinting by the Highway Patrol and by our local county police department
- At least five references
- Copy of our old home study
- Statements from my former counselor signing off on our adoption
- Copies of birth certificates, SS cards, health insurance, drivers licences, marriage certificate, tax return, pay stubs
Once all of this paperwork is complete and submitted, we can begin the formal assessment process. This involves a series of interviews--one together, as a family; one where the social worker will interview each of us (including Selah) one-on-one; and one home visit in which the social worker will ensure our home meets the requirements (e.g. clean and in good repair).
Home studies can take up to 3 months to complete, it just depends on schedules and how quickly the paperwork is completed. Hope that helps to give some perspective on what this process involves and why it's not super fast/easy.
Questions are always welcome!
First up, what is a home study?
A home study is an assessment of our family to make sure we are good candidates for adoption. This process involves loads of paperwork, including background checks for every state we've lived in (we've lived in 6 between the three of us). Here's a rough idea of some of the paperwork involved:
- Background checks
- Questionnaires for each adoptive parent on our parents, our relationships with parents, childhood, siblings, education, career history, future career plans, personality, marriage, reasons behind wanting to adopt, and questions.
- Special needs checklist--determining what we are open to considering (this is a very extensive list)
- Various scenarios to consider and respond to
- Physical exam, including TB testing, for all of us
- Fingerprinting by the Highway Patrol and by our local county police department
- At least five references
- Copy of our old home study
- Statements from my former counselor signing off on our adoption
- Copies of birth certificates, SS cards, health insurance, drivers licences, marriage certificate, tax return, pay stubs
Once all of this paperwork is complete and submitted, we can begin the formal assessment process. This involves a series of interviews--one together, as a family; one where the social worker will interview each of us (including Selah) one-on-one; and one home visit in which the social worker will ensure our home meets the requirements (e.g. clean and in good repair).
Home studies can take up to 3 months to complete, it just depends on schedules and how quickly the paperwork is completed. Hope that helps to give some perspective on what this process involves and why it's not super fast/easy.
Questions are always welcome!
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