If you are considering adopting or are on your way to doing so, you will quickly find out that the homestudy is one of the most critical aspects in the process.It is a comprehensive evaluation of the prospective parents, to ensure they are prepared for the responsibility of raising a child and to assess the suitability of their home.
Most parents are frightened when they learn that they will undergo a homestudy, and that is normal. It is normal to feel anxious about opening up your life to someone you do not know and disclosing your most vulnerable sides. Let’s not forget that part of the adoption process and part of the homestudy requires that a social worker speaks to the people closest to you, to get an idea of who you are, your friends, your family, and who you associate with.
Components of a homestudy
To be best prepared for the homestudy and to ease your anxiety, let’s talk about the components that make up a homestudy, what you will likely be asked to do and what social services or an adoption worker will do.
- At least one home visit to ensure the safety and suitability of the environment the child would be living in.
- Interviews with all household members. The questions will include topics like family dynamics, parent philosophies, how conflict is solved within the household and motivations for adopting..
- Every adult living in the household will undergo a background check, including criminal history and child abuse clearances. This step seeks to ensure the child’s welfare.
- You must provide personal references from friends, family or colleagues who can vouch for your character and reputation
- While you do not need to be wealthy to adopt, the social worker will want to know (and will likely request for proof) if you have enough money to give the child the life they deserve and meet their needs.
The homestudy is usually the source of significant anxiety in prospective parents, but it doesn’t have to be. If there are any situations that are out of the ordinary, like estrangements with several close family members, come to us and speak with me.
I will explain what to do when you are asked something that might seem compromising when in fact, it is just something that needs to be further explained and is in no way reflective of your parenting abilities.