What is a home study?
The home study is a report written by a licensed agency or social worker in your state of residence. Its purpose is to confirm that the adoptive parent(s) are financially, emotionally and physically able to add to their family. The study consists of medical reports, criminal record checks, income verification, autobiographies, copies of marriage and divorce certificates and reference letters in support of the adoption. A social worker will visit the prospective family in their home to insure the adoptive parents are suitable for such an undertaking. An approved home study is required by your state of residence, the USCIS, and the foreign country.
A home study involves two LRRNT volunteers coming to visit your home. The potential adoptive dog may or may not be brought along during the home study. The volunteers will check your yard, making sure it meets the requirements. This meeting allows the potential adoptive family to spend time with the Lab and ask any questions or concerns they may have. Also, the volunteers can observe how the Lab interacts with the family and/or other pets. From the home study, the volunteers then can determine if the Lab is the perfect fit for your family.
A home study is simply an evaluation of a home, and the family living in it, to be sure it/they can provide a safe and loving environment where the physical and emotional needs of the child can be met. Many different areas are covered, including almost all areas of your life. The home study is required by all courts in the State of Michigan.
The home study process gives the caseworker and the agency a chance to get to know the adoptive family. The process includes a series of interviews with at least one meeting taking place in the family’s home, one joint interview, and one individual interview with each applicant. The caseworker will also interview any age-appropriate children in the home. The caseworker will hold in-depth discussions of key adoption issues including, motivation to adopt, marriage and family history, child preference, and the adoption process. This is also an opportunity for the family to ask questions and learn about the process.
