We are still waiting to hear if all the paperwork we sent in was correct for the home study. But, for all those wondering, here is some information that we were given from American World (our adoption agency) on what a Home study is:
1. What is a home study?
Once prospective adoptive parents apply to adopt a child (whether they apply to an agency,
an attorney or facilitator, or directly to the court in an independent adoption), the laws of all 50
states and the District of Columbia require that the applicants undergo a "home study." This process
involves education and preparation as well as the gathering of information about the prospective
parents. Ideally, the home study helps to build a partnership between the adoption social worker
and the applicants. A home study is a written document that provides a comprehensive picture of
your current life and background. In order for an international adoption to be finalized, a home
study must be submitted with your dossier.
2. What is discussed in a home study?
Some of the topics discussed are motivation for adoption, expectations regarding adoption:
short-term and long term, attitude towards biological parents, type of child desired: age, sex,
medical concerns, and attitudes of extended family and non-resident siblings. Your caseworker will
also explore your values related to parenting, marriage, finances, spiritual beliefs, and child-care
plans. In addition to the issues discussed, state criminal record checks, child abuse registry checks
and references will be obtained. For residents in the state of Maryland, motor vehicle clearances,
child support clearances, a home fire safety inspection, a home sanitation survey and an FBI
clearance for each adult in the home must also be obtained. Other states may have other
requirements as well.
3. General information about the home study process
There is no set format that adoption agencies use to conduct home studies. They must follow the
general regulations of their state, but they have the freedom to develop their own application
packet, policies, and procedures within those regulations. Some agencies will have prospective
parents attend one or several group orientation sessions or a series of training classes before they
complete an application. Others will have their social worker start by meeting with family members
individually and then ask that they attend educational meetings later on. America World staff
members are glad to answer any questions and to guide applicants through the process.
The home study itself is a written report of the findings of the social worker who has met with the
applicants on several occasions, both individually and together. At least one meeting will occur in
the applicant's home as this is what makes it a “home study.” If there are other people living in the
home they also will be interviewed by the social worker.
**The average home study process takes 1 to 4 months to complete, but it can take longer depending upon the size and dynamics of your family. The home study process, the contents of the written home study report, and the time it will take to complete vary from state to state. In general, the following information is included in a home study:Personal and family background including upbringing, siblings, key events and what was learned from them Significant people in the lives of the applicants Marriage and family relationships Motivation to adopt Expectations for the child, Feelings about infertility (if this is an issue) Parenting philosophy, including discipline and integration of the child into the family Family environment Physical and mental health history of the applicants Education, employment and finances including insurance coverage and child care plans if needed References and criminal background and child.
