What you need to know about preparing for your adoption home study

Preparing for your adoption home study is an extensive process. Every state requires a home study. Also, as a licensed Texas adoption agency, we require every prospective parent to complete the home study process. You may feel overwhelmed at times. However, our experienced team is always here to help and answer your questions.

Gathering and completing the documents for the home study process

The home study process involves multiple steps. Preparing for your adoption home study starts with our in-depth application. The application provides us with the information we need to move you to the next phase. You need to provide us with autobiographical information. We also need the following information and documents.

• Social security number
• Medical background and records
• Proof of income
• Personal references

Once we have this information, you can move to the next step of your adoption journey.

Background checks are part of the process

Birth mothers trust us to help them find a loving family for their baby. We leave no stone unturned, thoroughly vetting all prospective parents with background checks and fingerprinting.

Scheduling and completing the FBI fingerprint check is part of your responsibility during the home study process. You also need to turn in your medical records, references and documents to our Texas adoption agency.

Getting your home ready for the in-home visit

You may be expecting the white glove treatment during your in-home visit, but that isn’t the reality. Your social worker comes into your home to look at the space and check for safety issues. You will need to provide him or her with photos of your home and floorplan. Here are some things you may want to do before the in-home visit.

• Clean and organize with a baby’s safety in mind.
• Check your smoke and CO2 detectors to ensure they are working.
• Think about how you would babyproof your home.
• Provide vet records for your pets.
• Think about pool safety and firearm storage if you have those items.
• Be prepared to show the social worker the bedroom the baby will use.
• Plan for everyone who lives in your household to be present during your in-home visit so that your social worker can interview them.

Preparing for your adoption home study requires reflection

Preparing for your adoption home study requires more than physical energy. You also need to mentally prepare for the home study visit and interview. We want to know about many aspects of your life.

• Your childhood and your parents’ parenting style
• The parenting style you plan to adopt
• Your education and work
• Your hobbies and interests
• Your relationship with your spouse, your siblings, family and friends
• Your health history
• Your community

During the interview, we encourage you to ask questions about modern adoption and any other concerns you may have.

At our Texas adoption agency, we are here to help you build the loving family you dream of. Contact us for more information about the adoption home study process.