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The Home Study Process
Often times families become overwhelmed when they hear the words “home
study.” Most wonder what to expect and how to prepare.
A home study often seems similar to a job interview. Your licensing worker
will gather historic and current family information and eventually write a
short biography on family members. These "biographies," as well
as information from background checks, references, and your written information
constitute the home study. Though questions may seem personal, keep in mind
they are important to ensure safety for both your family and each child, and
the home study helps in finding out what kind of child might be the best match
in your home.
Beginning Your Home Study
Typically, the process begins by filling out an application
and attending an agency orientation meeting. Most agencies require the following:
- Complete a background
check form. In addition to this background check,
you might also have to do local police checks, fingerprinting, credit checks,
etc.
- Health checks or physicals & TB testing, which may be completed by
your regular physician.
- Proof of Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance.
- Proof of Vehicle Liability Insurance.
- Indication that your home is safe (which may include water testing, fire
safety inspection, animal vaccinations, house in good repair, etc.)
What Is Your Licensing Worker Looking For?
Workers want to make sure your family is safe and stable. They will ask you
for an employer reference, and employment history to ensure you have and continued
stable employment.
References from at least three nonrelatives are required. These references
will be asked how long they have known you and how they know you. They will
be asked about how they feel you would parent. You want to pick references
that will honestly represent you. The longer the reference has known you,
the better. References help to paint a picture of your personality, morals,
and beliefs.
Questions that your licensing worker may ask
you include:
- Why is your family interested in adoption?
- How do you plan to provide for an additional child/children in your home?
- What is your support system? ? i.e. Who can you talk to when you’re
feeling stressed out? Who can you ask to watch your child for a few hours
or a few days?
- What types of discipline do you plan on using for your child?
- How were you disciplined as a child?
- If in the event of a death or illness who do you plan on supporting your
child/children?
- Tell me a little about your family. How would you describe your relationship
with each person in your family?
- What does your medical history look like? Have you ever been hospitalized?
If so, for what?
- Are you on any medications, if so, for what?
- Is there a history of mental illness in the family? Explain. If so, how
does the family cope with this?
- Do you have a criminal history? Explain.
- Is there any history of alcohol or drug abuse? Explain.
Remember these questions are important to ensure the safety of an adoptee
and the potential adoptive family.
Home studies vary by the agency and depending on what type of adoption it
is. For more information on
licensing, please contact your licensing agency or contact Adoption Resources
of Wisconsin at 1-800-762-8063.
For specific HFS 56 (foster home licensing) guidelines visit: http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/memos/num_memos/2002/2002-04_hfs56%20attachment.pdf.
For more information on international adoptions and home studies, visit:
http://adoption.state.gov/about/who/homestudy.html
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