If you’re interested in adoption, it’s important to understand that it is indeed a lengthy and tedious process, but well worth it. What many prospective adoptive parents don’t know, however, is that one of the requirements is to participate in an adoption home study. An adoption home study is simply an arrangement that involves an adoption agency visiting your home to decide whether the child would be a good fit in that particular household.
The study serves multiple purposes. First, it helps to collect information about possible families that will help them find a home. It also evaluates the potential adoptive family’s home for health, security, and safety. Overall, an adoption home study helps prospective adoptive families prepare and educate themselves to add an additional member to their family. Around 53% of parents cope “very well” with the demands of parenting, but it’s still important to make sure you’re prepared. Here are a few mistakes to avoid if you’re preparing for an adoption home study.
The most important thing to remember during an adoption home study is to be honest. Evading questions or being dishonest, even about little things, may be an indicator to an adoption center that you’re not a good fit for adoption. Go into the study with a sense of openness. If you have nothing to hide, it should show in your attitude and overall demeanor.
Another mistake often seen during an adoption home study is being too preoccupied with cleanliness.
Ashley Kodet, an adoption specialist who conducts adoption home studies in Delaware, told Adoptions From the Heart: “Remember that the home visit is just a small portion of the whole home study and that we don’t expect your home to be spotless! We won’t come in with white gloves, I promise!”
You should make an effort to be tidy, but don’t stress if you don’t live in a mansion or if there are a few dishes in the sink. You’re only human, after all, and remember, the most important aspect, well above cleanliness, is safety.
Again, assessing safety is the top priority during an adoption home study. Most adoption agencies don’t require a full baby-proofing setup, but you should make sure all of the smoke alarms in your home are in good working order. On top of that, make sure you have a fire extinguisher in your home. It’s a small but critical detail.
Overall, the adoption process may be overwhelming, but the prospect of adding another member to your family can be extremely exciting. Go into the adoption home study with an open mind and heart, be prepared, and make sure to ask plenty of questions.
