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Preparing For A Homestudy
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Questions that one could ask ahead of time regarding home studies. (Intent: to speed up the process) 1) How many references are required? When going to pick up the information from SW (Social Worker) or agency, take names and address for required number of references. Note: References can take longer than fingerprints, so speak to your references, ensure they are comfortable giving you one, and then follow up to make sure they've a) received it and b) returned it. You might want to give them an addressed envelope and stamps. 2) Ask where, when and how many fingerprint forms must be done. Each state has different rules, so research your home state's rules/laws. (Insert URL for National Adoption Information Clearinghouse State guidelines here) a) Ask where it is done, what the cost and what times fingerprints are taken for adoption. b) Ask how many forms are required. Most states want State, Federal and child abuse registries. 3) Obtain original copies of all relevant documents, including birth and marriage certificates, Divorce decrees (where applicable), death certificates in a widow/er situation, children's birth certificates, any adoption finalization records, etc. 4) If one or other spouse is paying court ordered child support, have copies available. Most states require a specific number of visits by a social worker doing the homestudy. After placement a required number of post placement visits are required. If the SW doing your homestudy will offer a package deal, it might be worth considering. The SW will usually meet once or twice with you as a couple and then individually at least once. Rehearse with your husband the important issues regarding the relationship. Make sure you are both on the 'same page' as to how you handle issues, what sorts of struggles you've had and how they have been resolved. Have copies of bank records, a family budget, last years tax returns, any savings plans, etc. available for review. Have some idea of your adoption budget. Think about some questions ahead of time. Most SW will ask: how did you get along with your parents? What is your favorite childhood memory? How did your family of origin handle conflicts? How do you and your spouse handle them? How will you discipline your children? Prepare you home ahead of time. Make sure you have child proof locks, toy boxes for toys, etc. "Child Proof' you home with a social workers eye. No open gates, or gates on yards that fail to close. No tools that are hazardous lying around the yard or places children might play. Ensure that medicines and cleaners are safely out of reach, or better yet, behind locked cabinets. Make sure you have a bedroom ready, not full of stored items and inaccessible. Be able to answer questions about your local school. How far away is it? Do they have provisions for special needs? Do you know the principal?
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Adopting Older Children | Adoption Plan/Contract | Adoptive Breastfeeding | After Adoption | Appropriate Adoption Language | Are We Ready to Adopt? | Attachment Issues | Books on Adoption | Choosing an Agency/Facilitator/Attorney | Creating a Family Website | Cross-Culture Adoption | Developing a Dear Birthmother Letter/Website | Developing a Relationship with your Child's Birthparents | Fostercare | ICPC | Internet Guidelines | Parenting | Placement Risk Factors | Preparing For A Homestudy | Subsidies | Transracial Adoption | Verifying / Interviewing Birthmothers | |||