Has Anyone Been Through a Home Study?

Yes, twice, plus updates and post placement visits. We have two children adopted from China. I agree with the others that it's usually not as bad as people think it will be...we had a good experience both times. However, we have a couple of friends that had a few problems (primarily differences of opinion with the social worker on discipline methods) and warned us what to watch out for. Feel free to PM with any questions...if we live near each other, maybe we can even meet someplace where my kids can play and talk about it if you want.

B.

sorry hit wrong area.

I would be glad to chat with you-- it might be easier if you had specific questions. The social worker will want to see your home, talk with both you and your husband together and individually, as well as with your children. It will take place over more than one visit. In our case, the social worker asked us about why we wanted to adopt, our own experiences growing up, what we saw as our own strenghts and weaknesses, talked about lots of parenting issues, etc. Make sure before the visit that you have working smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, etc. We have a fire ladder in an upstairs closet since we have a 2nd story. If you have a pool, that she be secured, too. Anything else specifically? Best of luck to you!
A.
adoptive mother to two precious daughters, ages 2 and 3

My husband and I went through a home study back in 2003 prior to adopting our daughter. We were very nervous about it and it turned out to be so simple. We found a lady named Janet ?? from Adoption Alliance (www.adoptionalliance.com). She'll come to your home (even if you're not going through their agency - we were not) and just talk to you very comfortably. Then she looks around the house a little bit. All they really want to do is to make sure the child will have a warm place to live and a bed to sleep in. It's very simple. Dont' worry!

We have been through 2 for adoption. I think a lot depends on who is doing the study. I was really anxious before our 1st one. However, it was not anything scary. One thing that was that my husband and I were separated to answer questions and then together discussed things with our social worker. She asked a lot of questions pertaining to how I was brought up and what I thought of how my parents raised us. Would I change things with my own child? They also asked questions about discipline plan, future goals for the child and other things to make you think about raising the child. Also, about my personal goals, my education, interests, etc. During the 2nd home study (with our current agency) she asked what were our immediate goals when we bring home the baby. That one threw me because you know you think about the future. I think my answer (once I understood that she meant w/in the first week of being home goals) was to bond with the baby, make sure needs are being met, shower with love, set up doctor appts. As far as our house--during the 1st visit, not a whole lot was done. Our 2nd home study she pretty much walked through the house. Since we already had an 18th month old I told her that cabinet and drawer locks were already installed. We also discussed a fire escape plan, we had purchased 3 fire extinguishers (kitchen, upstairs and then one for electronics). She checked for smoke detectors. Our house is new so that was not an issue at all. If the house is older they ask about paint (lead or not). OH-I also moved all of my cleaning supplies to a cabinet over my oven and I let her know. Even though I had locks on the cab. that is just me wanted to be extra careful around my daughter. She never opened drawers or cabinets or closets. She did ask if we had guns in the house-we don't so not an issue, but if you do I think that they want to see a gun safe/locks.
Overall, it was not a bad experience. If anything, it really makes you think about being a parent. Obviously, you are quite familiar with that having 5 children.
Any questions you can email me at ____@____.com

T.,

It's not as scarry as I thought it would be. They just look around the house and interview you a bit. Your house has to be in very bad condition to not pass. I scrubbed from top to bottom and it was not necessary at all. They will want to interview you, as well as everyone else living in the house, so you'll have to make sure your kids are there. Are you guys using a specific adoption agency? I'd be happy to speak to you in more specifics about our situation - my e-mail is ____@____.com

Hi T.! We have been through one! Its not near as bad as you think!! I was so worried about every little detail and it ended up going very easy and smoothly. The social worker comes into the house and will interview every person seperately, kids and parents and will walk through the home and may ask a few questions here and there but thats about it. We have a large family with 5 children so it took a while to interview all of us one at a time but it was painless. My best advice would be to be aas open and honest as humanly possible. Good luck to you!!!

Hi T.,
No worries! It was an easy process and not nearly as horrible as I had worked it up in my head! I was a basketcase beforehand. I left work early that day to get home to relax a bit before she got there only to get stuck on I35 about 5 car lengths back from an accident that shut down the interstate where we sat and sat and sat for over an hour. I thought I'd have a heart attack! I got home about 5 minutes before the social worker got there and feared that I would come across as a crazy-hyped-up loon; but she put me at ease as soon as she got there and it was a smooth process. She interviewed my husband and I separately and then together, took a quick tour of the house and was on her way. Good Luck!!

We have been through the process and I second what Jennifer M said about it being painless. I, too, was worried about every detail, but it was a very laid-back, easygoing process. No super-natzi's came out to make sure everything was perfect. I couldn't have been happier. I did everything they told me and she came out and we just chatted. Don't worry about a thing!

My husband and I have. He adopted my daughter. They came in, looked around and talked to just the two of us. Then the three of us togther, then just my daughter alone in her room. Asked why we wanted to do this, just making sure we had her best interest in mind. They also asked her questions like if she wanted my husband to be her daddy for real or her real dad. Asked about our backrounds, if we have ever been arrested. Asked for our finance records, a detail list of our monthly expenses, and how we budgeted. All, in all, not as bad as I thought. I wish I hadn't stressed out so much.

I am in agreement with the other responses in that it isn't nearly as bad as I had worked it up in my mind to be. If you don't have someone to do your study yet, email me and I will give you the name of the lady that we used. She is awsome and made it sooo easy!