The adoption home study is a key component
of any adoption and is required by law in every state. The purpose of the home
study is to help you work through the issues of becoming the parent of an
adopted child and, at the same time, evaluate your motivation and suitability
to be a parent.
The home study often makes people
very nervous. It can feel intrusive and, for those who are not used to or
comfortable with expressing their feelings, it can be unsettling. Many people
worry that they will go through the home study and not “pass the test” to
become a parent.
Here’s the reality. The social
worker who will conduct your adoption home study wants you to become an adoptive parent.
His or her job is to help you think through the process you are experiencing,
identify any issues and work through them.
The home study usually takes place
over two to four months. It’s a lengthy process because it typically involves
multiple sessions with a social worker and at least one home inspection
visit. Although there are often state
guidelines that agencies must follow, those guidelines typically provide a
great deal of flexibility for the agency to create its own process.
Here is a brief list of the typical
components of the adoption home study.
- Personal and family background-including upbringing,
siblings, key events, and what was learned from them
- Marriage and family relationships
- Motivation to adopt
- Feelings about infertility (if this is an issue)
