You will be fingerprinted and you will need
to request a criminal background check. You may need a letter from your local
police authority stating that you are a good citizen. You will also undergo a
child abuse clearance investigation through your state’s registry. You may also
be asked to provide reference letters from non-relatives who know you well
enough to write a strong letter of support. By the time you are done, you will
have earned the equivalent of the “Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval”.
The social worker/evaluator looks
for the same qualities that make anybody a good parent: a sense of humor,
flexibility, and the ability to take responsibility and establish a safe and
constructive environment, warmth and caring, enjoyment of children.
He or she will also assure that:
- Your house is safe.
- You have sufficient income to support a child.
- You are physically capable of taking care of a child.
- You do not have a criminal background that makes you
unsuitable as a parent.
The social worker/evaluator will
write a lengthy report on the results of all components of the adoption home study. In
the report, he or she will make a recommendation about your suitability to
become a parent, the age range that would be appropriate and any other factors
that he or she considers important. You will receive a copy of the report for
your files as well as an original, notarized report to include in your dossier.
