Adoption Wise
NUTS & BOLTS OF HOME STUDIES
Written by -
Monday, 06 March 2006
Page 1 of 2
Home Study is required in Adoption:
Prospective Parents for additional information (760) 356-5565
Home Study is required in Adoption:
Once prospective parents apply to adopt a child (whether they apply to an agency,
attorney, 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."
Details of the Home Study:
This process involves education, preparation, and 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. Individuals who seek to adopt may face the
entire process with tender egos and mounting anxiety that they will not be “approved.”
Armed with accurate information, however, prospective parents can face the home study
experience with confidence and the excitement that accompanies the prospect of welcoming
a child into the family.
Nuts and Bolts of the Home Study:
There is no set format adoption agencies use to conduct home studies. The agency 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. Usually agency 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 that has met with
the applicants, individually and together, usually at the social worker's office. At least one
meeting will occur in the applicant's home. If there are other people living in the home, they
also will be interviewed by the social worker.
In general, the following information is included in the home study: Personal and family
backgrounds including upbringing, siblings, key events, and what was learned from them.
Additionally prospective adoptive parents should consider submitting information on people
who have a significant impact on the lives of the applicants, which would include all
marriage and family relationships.
Motivation to adopt
Expectations for the child
Feelings about infertility (if this is an issue)
Parenting and integration of the child into the family
Family environment
Physical and health history of the applicants
Education, employment and finances-including insurance coverage and child care plans if
needed
References and criminal background clearances
Summary and social worker's recommendation.
Requirements for adoptive Parents:
The following sections will describe typical information or activities that will be required of
families who want to adopt.
Autobiographical Statement:
The autobiographical statement is essentially the story of your life. Most agencies have a
set of guidelines that detail the kind of information they require to assist you in writing the
autobiography, and others have the worker assist you directly.
You may be asked to describe who reared you and their style of child rearing, how many
brothers and sisters you have, and where you are in the birth order. Your statement may
answer many questions.
Were you close to your parents and siblings when you were a child; are you close now; how
much contact do you have with them? What are some successes or failures that you have
had?
What educational level have you reached; do you plan to further your education; are you
happy with your educational attainments; what do you think about education for a child?
What is your employment status; your employment history; do you have plans to change
employment; do you like your current job? If you are married, there will be questions about
your marriage.
These may cover how you met, how long you dated before you married, how long you have
been married, what attracted you to each other, what your spouse's strengths and
weaknesses are, and the issues on which you agree and disagree in your marriage. Others
may ask how you make decisions, solve problems, settle arguments, communicate, express
feelings, and show affection. If you were married before, there will be questions about that
marriage.
If you are single, there will be questions about your social life and how you anticipate
integrating a child into it, as well as questions about your network of supportive relatives
and friends. In your statement, you will probably describe your ordinary routines, such as
your typical weekday or weekend, your hobbies and interests, and your leisure time
activities. You may also describe your plans for childcare if you work outside the home.
There will be questions that cover your experiences with children, relatives' children,
neighbors, volunteer work, babysitting, teaching, or coaching. You might be asked some
"what if" questions regarding discipline or other parenting issues.
You will probably be asked about your neighborhood: How friendly are you with your
neighbors? What kinds of people live nearby? Is it a safe area? Why did you pick this
neighborhood? Are you located conveniently to community resources, such as medical
facilities, recreational facilities, shopping areas, and religious facilities?
And you will be asked about religion, you’re level of religious practice, and what kind of
religious upbringing (if any) you will give the child.
There may also be a section on specific adoption-related issues, including questions about
why you want to adopt, what kind of child you feel you can best parent and why, how you
will tell the child he or she is adopted and when, what you think of birth parents who make
an adoption plan for their child, how you will handle relatives' and friends' questions about
adoption, and whether you can bond to a child not genetically related to you.
You may not know all these answers right away! A home study is supposed to help you
think through these issues. Hopefully, the social worker guiding you through the home study
process will offer advice on describing these topics.
You will be asked to provide a copy of your birth certificate, your marriage license or
certificate, and your divorce decree, if applicable. Health Statements most agencies require
a physical exam of prospective adoptive parents, or at least a current tuberculosis test (X-
ray or scratch test).
Some agencies that only place infants with infertile couples require that the physician verify
the infertility. Others just want to know that you are essentially healthy, have a normal life
expectancy, and are able to physically and emotionally handle the care of a child. If you
have a medical condition, but are under a doctor's care and it is under control (for instance,
high blood pressure or diabetes that is controlled by diet and medication), you can probably
still be approved as an adoptive family. A serious health problem that affects life expectancy
may prevent approval.
Income Statement Usually, you are asked to verify your income by providing a copy of your
paycheck stub(s), a copy of a W-4 form, or an income tax form (1040 or 1040 EZ). You will
be asked about your savings, insurance policies, and other investments and debts,
including your monthly mortgage or rent payment, car and charge account payments, etc.
This helps determine your general financial stability. You do not have to be rich to adopt;
you just have to show that you can manages your finances responsibly and adequately.
Criminal Background Clearances:
Child Abuse and Criminal Clearances Most States require by law that criminal record and
child abuse record clearances be conducted on all adoptive parent applicants. This usually
involves filling out a form with your name (in a woman's case, it would include her maiden
name and former married names, if applicable), date of birth, and Social Security number;
possibly getting the form notarized; and sending it to the Department of Justice, The
Federal Bureau of Investigations and the State child welfare and police agencies for
clearance. In most States it involves being fingerprinted. The authorities will check to see if
you have a child abuse or criminal charge on file. Misdemeanors committed long ago for
which there is a believable explanation (for example, "I was young and foolish and did what
the guys expected me to...") usually are not held against you. A felony conviction, or any
charge involving children or illegal substances, would most likely not be tolerated.
Personal References:
The agency will probably ask you for the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of
three or four individuals to serve as references for you. These might be close personal
friends, an employer, a former teacher, a co-worker, a neighbor, or your pastor. The social
worker will either write a letter to or talk to your references on the telephone, asking
questions about you that you have already answered yourself. These would address such
areas as your experience with children, the stability of your marriage, if applicable, and your
motivation to adopt. References generally are used to get a complete picture of a family's
application and an idea of their support network. Approval would rarely be denied on the
grounds of one negative reference alone. However, if it were one of several negative
factors, such as ill health, a questionable criminal record, and a poor work history, or if
several of the references were negative, the agency may not approve the application. You
should pick as references people who know you the best. If possible, they should be
individuals who have known you for several years, who have seen you in various kinds of
situations, who have visited in your home and know of your interest in children, and who are
also able to comment on your lifestyle. For instance, they should know what some of your
hobbies and interests are. These kinds of references are the most useful and compelling to
the social worker completing the home study.
Next >
Written by -
Monday, 06 March 2006
Page 1 of 2
Home Study is required in Adoption:
Prospective Parents for additional information (760) 356-5565
Home Study is required in Adoption:
Once prospective parents apply to adopt a child (whether they apply to an agency,
attorney, 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."
Details of the Home Study:
This process involves education, preparation, and 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. Individuals who seek to adopt may face the
entire process with tender egos and mounting anxiety that they will not be “approved.”
Armed with accurate information, however, prospective parents can face the home study
experience with confidence and the excitement that accompanies the prospect of welcoming
a child into the family.
Nuts and Bolts of the Home Study:
There is no set format adoption agencies use to conduct home studies. The agency 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. Usually agency 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 that has met with
the applicants, individually and together, usually at the social worker's office. At least one
meeting will occur in the applicant's home. If there are other people living in the home, they
also will be interviewed by the social worker.
In general, the following information is included in the home study: Personal and family
backgrounds including upbringing, siblings, key events, and what was learned from them.
Additionally prospective adoptive parents should consider submitting information on people
who have a significant impact on the lives of the applicants, which would include all
marriage and family relationships.
Motivation to adopt
Expectations for the child
Feelings about infertility (if this is an issue)
Parenting and integration of the child into the family
Family environment
Physical and health history of the applicants
Education, employment and finances-including insurance coverage and child care plans if
needed
References and criminal background clearances
Summary and social worker's recommendation.
Requirements for adoptive Parents:
The following sections will describe typical information or activities that will be required of
families who want to adopt.
Autobiographical Statement:
The autobiographical statement is essentially the story of your life. Most agencies have a
set of guidelines that detail the kind of information they require to assist you in writing the
autobiography, and others have the worker assist you directly.
You may be asked to describe who reared you and their style of child rearing, how many
brothers and sisters you have, and where you are in the birth order. Your statement may
answer many questions.
Were you close to your parents and siblings when you were a child; are you close now; how
much contact do you have with them? What are some successes or failures that you have
had?
What educational level have you reached; do you plan to further your education; are you
happy with your educational attainments; what do you think about education for a child?
What is your employment status; your employment history; do you have plans to change
employment; do you like your current job? If you are married, there will be questions about
your marriage.
These may cover how you met, how long you dated before you married, how long you have
been married, what attracted you to each other, what your spouse's strengths and
weaknesses are, and the issues on which you agree and disagree in your marriage. Others
may ask how you make decisions, solve problems, settle arguments, communicate, express
feelings, and show affection. If you were married before, there will be questions about that
marriage.
If you are single, there will be questions about your social life and how you anticipate
integrating a child into it, as well as questions about your network of supportive relatives
and friends. In your statement, you will probably describe your ordinary routines, such as
your typical weekday or weekend, your hobbies and interests, and your leisure time
activities. You may also describe your plans for childcare if you work outside the home.
There will be questions that cover your experiences with children, relatives' children,
neighbors, volunteer work, babysitting, teaching, or coaching. You might be asked some
"what if" questions regarding discipline or other parenting issues.
You will probably be asked about your neighborhood: How friendly are you with your
neighbors? What kinds of people live nearby? Is it a safe area? Why did you pick this
neighborhood? Are you located conveniently to community resources, such as medical
facilities, recreational facilities, shopping areas, and religious facilities?
And you will be asked about religion, you’re level of religious practice, and what kind of
religious upbringing (if any) you will give the child.
There may also be a section on specific adoption-related issues, including questions about
why you want to adopt, what kind of child you feel you can best parent and why, how you
will tell the child he or she is adopted and when, what you think of birth parents who make
an adoption plan for their child, how you will handle relatives' and friends' questions about
adoption, and whether you can bond to a child not genetically related to you.
You may not know all these answers right away! A home study is supposed to help you
think through these issues. Hopefully, the social worker guiding you through the home study
process will offer advice on describing these topics.
You will be asked to provide a copy of your birth certificate, your marriage license or
certificate, and your divorce decree, if applicable. Health Statements most agencies require
a physical exam of prospective adoptive parents, or at least a current tuberculosis test (X-
ray or scratch test).
Some agencies that only place infants with infertile couples require that the physician verify
the infertility. Others just want to know that you are essentially healthy, have a normal life
expectancy, and are able to physically and emotionally handle the care of a child. If you
have a medical condition, but are under a doctor's care and it is under control (for instance,
high blood pressure or diabetes that is controlled by diet and medication), you can probably
still be approved as an adoptive family. A serious health problem that affects life expectancy
may prevent approval.
Income Statement Usually, you are asked to verify your income by providing a copy of your
paycheck stub(s), a copy of a W-4 form, or an income tax form (1040 or 1040 EZ). You will
be asked about your savings, insurance policies, and other investments and debts,
including your monthly mortgage or rent payment, car and charge account payments, etc.
This helps determine your general financial stability. You do not have to be rich to adopt;
you just have to show that you can manages your finances responsibly and adequately.
Criminal Background Clearances:
Child Abuse and Criminal Clearances Most States require by law that criminal record and
child abuse record clearances be conducted on all adoptive parent applicants. This usually
involves filling out a form with your name (in a woman's case, it would include her maiden
name and former married names, if applicable), date of birth, and Social Security number;
possibly getting the form notarized; and sending it to the Department of Justice, The
Federal Bureau of Investigations and the State child welfare and police agencies for
clearance. In most States it involves being fingerprinted. The authorities will check to see if
you have a child abuse or criminal charge on file. Misdemeanors committed long ago for
which there is a believable explanation (for example, "I was young and foolish and did what
the guys expected me to...") usually are not held against you. A felony conviction, or any
charge involving children or illegal substances, would most likely not be tolerated.
Personal References:
The agency will probably ask you for the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of
three or four individuals to serve as references for you. These might be close personal
friends, an employer, a former teacher, a co-worker, a neighbor, or your pastor. The social
worker will either write a letter to or talk to your references on the telephone, asking
questions about you that you have already answered yourself. These would address such
areas as your experience with children, the stability of your marriage, if applicable, and your
motivation to adopt. References generally are used to get a complete picture of a family's
application and an idea of their support network. Approval would rarely be denied on the
grounds of one negative reference alone. However, if it were one of several negative
factors, such as ill health, a questionable criminal record, and a poor work history, or if
several of the references were negative, the agency may not approve the application. You
should pick as references people who know you the best. If possible, they should be
individuals who have known you for several years, who have seen you in various kinds of
situations, who have visited in your home and know of your interest in children, and who are
also able to comment on your lifestyle. For instance, they should know what some of your
hobbies and interests are. These kinds of references are the most useful and compelling to
the social worker completing the home study.
Next >
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |