Back to Basics - The Adoption Home Study

Why do you need a home study? 

Anyone looking to adopt a non-relative child age 17 or younger, in the state of Florida, is required to have a home study.  It is typically filed with the courts and in short, it is a document that approves someone to be eligible to adopt. 

 What is a home study?

A home study contains all sorts of information all about you, the prospective adoptive parent(s), including personal inventories, background checks and financial statements. Your home study professional will review all the documents you provide, interview you individually and as a couple and then produce a document called a Home Study that approves you to adopt.

 You can expect the information collected to include the following:  

 A written personal inventory which includes

·         Information about your family of origin (parents, siblings)

·         Where you grew up

·         Family traditions

·         How did you meet your spouse?  What endears you to him/her?  What is something you would change in your marriage?  How long did you date before you married?  When and where were you married.

·         Child care plans once you bring your child home

·         Your religious belief if any. How do you intend to incorporate your belief system with your adopted child? 

·         Why you are adopting? 

·         How do you feel about parenting and discipline? 

·         Why do you think children are placed for adoption? Do you plan to tell your child he/she is adopted and if so, when?

·         How you feel about post adoption contact with birth parents

 You will also need to provide information and documentation for the following:

·         Previous marriages/divorces

·         Medical history (you will need current physicals)

·         Background checks with local, state and federal officials as well as child protective services

·         Income and monthly expenses. Does your income exceed your expenses?

·         Employment and Salary Verification

·         Information regarding health insurance and life insurance

·         Copies of documents like Drivers Licenses, Marriage License, Divorce Decrees and taxes

 Lastly you will be asked to provide letters of reference from family and friends.   

As you can tell…the list goes on and on!  All of the above information (plus more!) is collected and written into a report that hopefully, approves you to be eligible to adopt! 

Is it hard to “pass” a home study?

Honestly, most people can get an approved home study.  There are disqualifying factors, of course.  If you have something in your background that concerns you, discuss this with a social worker.  Your social worker is not there to find problems… rather he/she is there to be on your team and wants this to happen for you and your family.  They should be a support to you and your biggest cheerleader! 

 How should I prepare for a home study? Do I have to have everything perfect for the first home visit? 

Your home study provider will provide you with a list of documents she/he will need to complete your home study. Some of these take longer to get than others, so begin right away. Be sure to read the list carefully so you understand what needs to be notarized, which documents need to be originals and what can be copies or print-outs.

 There is not much to do to prepare for the home visit.  Everyone will say, “just be yourself!”  While it is cliché, it is absolutely true.  It is important to be honest and open when meeting with your social worker.  She is not looking for perfection, and believe it or not, there is not a white glove test!  Your social worker is there to make sure your home is safe and suitable for children. 

 How long does a home study take to complete? 

The amount of time it takes to complete a study varies.  Our agency typically completes a home study in about 30 days. 

 Do I “own” my home study?  Is it transferable and will it work with any agency or attorney I want to work with? 

This is at the discretion of who you work with.  Yes, some home study providers do believe you “own” your study and will give you everything you need so that you have the greatest flexibility in your future adoption possibilities. Whether or not an agency will give you your study to be used elsewhere, outside of their office, is at their discretion.  So be sure to ask if this is important to you!  In a perfect adoption world, you want to “own” your study along with the supporting documents so you can take it where ever you like.

 What are post-placement visits and do they tie into the home study at all? 

Post placement visits are required Florida in order for a person or family to finalize their adoption.  Often the same provider that completed your home study will complete your post-placement visits. Once you bring your child home your social worker will meet with you, often at your home, to gather information for the post-placement report.  You can expect the following questions during a post-placement visit:

·         How has your child adjusted to their new home? How about your adjustment to parenthood?

·         What is your child’s schedule for sleep and feeding? What types of food/formula do you provide? Any likes or dislikes so far?  

·         How have you celebrated becoming parents, what has been the response you have received from friends and family?

·         Who is your pediatrician and when has your child been to the doctor? 

·         Your child’s stats such as weight and length/height. 

·         Lastly, are you happy?  Are you tired?  Hopefully the last two answers are YES and YES!

What should I look for in a home study provider? 

It is best to look for a home study provider that makes you feel comfortable, is experienced and you can trust.  You will be sharing A LOT of personal and private information about yourself with someone you do not know well, so being comfortable with someone is a must!  It is always best to work with a referral from a friend, adoption professional or family member.  There are support groups and many adoptive families are willing to share their experience. The home study is often one of the first fees a family will pay in the adoption process so you also want to choose a provider with competitive fees.  Let’s face it, adoption is expensive!

 What's the funniest thing that's ever happened on a home visit? 

The funniest thing that has ever happened to me when visiting a client was when I showed up to their home the day before they were expecting me!  Everyone who lived in their home was home that morning, so we met while they had bedhead and pajamas on.  Luckily, they were good sports about it!