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We are adopting my first cousins baby which is due to be born on Dec, 8th. We were thinking that we could just go through a lawyer and not have to deal with the Home Study because it is a family member. We have since found out that we do have to do a Home Study. We're not sure what to expect with the Home Study, so can anyone tell me what to expect? We're kinda nervous about the questions they might ask and want to be as prepared as possible.
Thanks a bunch!!
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A Home Study is a term they use to describe a process where every aspect of your life is examined. Fingerprinting, FBI Background Checks, references, your opinions about the strengths and weaknesses of your own marriage..etc...Oh, and they ALSO come to your house to look at the general layout..identify any potential hazards etc..They just need to call it a "life study." The CW then writes up a report describing "life with this couple" based on all the information she/he gathered.It's EXHAUSTING to go thru...I never had to think so hard about my life before!! But it isn't scary. It's just MASSIVELY detailed.
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It also depends on which state your in as to the detail that's required. I am in South Carolina and I didn't have to do fingerprints or things like that. They did run a background check but other then that it was just a TON of forms to fill out. Most of mine was done on paper. We had the initial interview which was basically the caseworker talking to us and answering any questions and describing the process. Then we filled out all the paperwork (took us about 6 mos but we took our time) and then he came to our house... basically just a walk through and asked us questions like, "Where are the guns keps?" "How often do we change the smoke alarms batteries?" Things like that. He stayed here for about and hour and we just talked. I was terrified but it was really pretty easy. Good luck! I hope it all goes smoothly!