What is a home study?
A home study is a process of education and evaluation that helps determine if a family is ready to adopt. Home studies are conducted by a social worker licensed in a family’s state of residence. Requirements for home studies vary by state but generally include in-depth interviews with prospective adoptive parent(s) and at least one visit to the home. Interviews will cover prospective adoptive parent(s)’ motivation to adopt, personal and family backgrounds, views on child rearing, and preparation for international adoption. During the home study process, social workers help prospective adoptive families by providing information and resources according to the families’ needs. Upon the completion of interviews, visit(s), and adoption education, the social worker submits a written report to the adoption agency and makes a recommendation.
A home study is a document prepared by a licensed social worker that describes the prospective family. The home study must be conducted by a social worker employed by an agency with a China adoption program. A typical home study will involve three visits with the social worker, one at home and two at the social workers office. The family will also need to arrange letters of recommendation from people who know the prospective parent(s) well, these letters are sent directly to the social worker. The final document, which usually runs to six pages or so, can be thought of as a short biography of the parents and an evaluation of whether they will be acceptable parents. The agencies are not looking for perfect parents (to-be), they are looking for people that will provide these children with a loving and stable families to grow up as normal kids.
• The home study is a process in which prospective foster parents complete an application and participate in a series of personal interviews in their home. • Prospective foster parents are assigned to a licensing worker from their licensing agency. • As part of the home study, the licensing workers complete thorough criminal background checks and reference checks. • The licensing workers inspect residences to insure that they satisfy the State’s requirements to meet the needs of children in foster care. • The licensing worker gathers information about the applicants’ parenting skills and abilities. • The workers discuss the reasons applicants are interested in fostering and assesses how fostering may potentially impact them and their family members. • The home study insures that homes are in compliance with the agency’s licensing requirements. • The process of the home study provides an opportunity for prospective foster parents to ask questions and discuss concerns. What is the purpos
