What is a Home Study?

It is a law in every state that prospective adoptive parents (no matter how they plan to adopt) must have a home study completed. A home study is designed to help us match a child with every family and a family with every child. An Adoption Specialist will interview you and your family to gather information, and educate and prepare your family for the adoption of a child.

Autobiography

Your autobiography is essentially the story of your life. We will provide you with an outline that asks you to tell about your family origin. You will be asked to describe your childhood, siblings, and birth order. You will be asked to describe your marriage, children, and specific adoption related issues. It is important to provide as much information and specific details as possible when completing your autobiography.

Medical Exam

You will be required to have a physical exam. Your doctor will need to complete a checklist and run some tests to verify your health status. This is to verify that you are essentially healthy, have a normal life expectancy, and are able to physically and emotionally care for a child. There are different requirements for each country in regard to medical conditions. If you have a medical condition, talk with you Adoption Specialist prior to obtaining your physical examination.

Child Abuse and Criminal Clearance

Most states require that criminal and child abuse record clearances be conducted on all adoptive and foster parent applicants. This involves filling out a form with your basic information (name, former names, social security number, etc). If you are adopting internationally, USCIS will take your fingerprints and you will have a different method for obtaining background clearances.

Income Statement

You will be asked to verify your income by providing your latest income tax form 1040. You will need to provide verification of your wages and income. You will also be asked to provide information regarding your savings, insurance policies, investments and debts, including monthly mortgage, car and charge account payments, etc. This information is to verify that you can adequately and responsibly care for a child financially.

References

We use those references to provide the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of six (6) people to serve as references for you. These may be personal friends, a former teacher, a co-worker, a neighbor, or your pastor.

References are used to get a picture of you as a family and an idea of your support system outside of the home. They should be people you have known for several years and have seen you in various situations, know of your interest in children, and can comment on your lifestyle.

Interviews

We will interview you several different times. One or two of these may be conducted in the agency office, and at least one will take place in your home. Your Adoption Specialist will discuss with you various topics in your autobiography, gather information that was provided and clarify any questions that may have risen on what information you provided.

The Adoption Specialist will not be conducting "white glove" inspections during the visit but will be looking for a safe and healthy environment. A certain level of cleanliness is necessary, but "lived-in" family clutter is expected. It is important to have a working smoke alarm and possibly even a carbon monoxide detector. You will also need a fire extinguisher near the kitchen and an evacuation plan case of an emergency. All weapons must be inaccessible, and if you own a pool it must be gated or fenced. No vicious dogs. Basically, we ask that you child proof your home, including locking cabinets that contain medicine and household cleaners. If you have any questions regarding what else needs to be done to make your home as safe as possible please discuss it with your Adoption Specialist.

Children Already in the Home

Your children, depending on their age, may be asked questions about their life and their feelings toward having an adopted sibling. It is important that your children are aware of your plans to adopt a child before meeting with the Adoption Specialist. There are children's books available to help explain adoption to children.

Helpful Hints

**Having a sense of humor and flexibility are important characteristics when raising children. Be sure to relax so the Adoption Specialist can see your true personality. There is nothing to be nervous about! You are not expected to reveal every intimate detail of your lives, but it is important to be honest and be yourself. If you had a difficult childhood, experienced financial problems, or any other problems you feel may disqualify you, chances are if you discuss it openly with your Adoption Specialist it will not present a problem.

**Remember your home study is conducted to prepare you for the adoption of a child and to assure the child is being placed in a loving caring, healthy, and safe environment. Make sure you ask any questions that may be weighing on your mind to your Adoption Specialist.