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WHAT IS A HOME STUDY?
The home study process has three objectives. The first objective is to assist the perspective adoptive parents in preparing for the adoption. The second objective is to give the couple a forum to present themselves to the court, Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), and the foreign country from which they intend to adopt. The third objective is to complete an investigative study to ensure the safety of a child placed in the home.
PREPARING FOR THE ADOPTION PROCESS:
The home study assists parents in preparing for adoption in several ways. This is a time the couple is asked to put into words how they arrived at the decision to adopt. The social worker will ask about the applicants’ expectations of an adopted child and answer questions from the applicants about common behaviors of adopted children. The applicants can begin to develop a plan for approaching specific issues.
They are asked to reflect on their past life, and discuss the events that shaped who they are today. It is important for the applicants to describe how past experiences have influenced their approach to parenting. This includes things they would do the same or differently from their parents. Through this process, the applicants will put into words their personal philosophy of child rearing and identify the values they intend to instill in their children.
The applicants are asked to describe long range plans for their children. This includes day care arrangements and educational plans. Questions about a will and identifying a guardian for the child will assist the applicants in identifying tasks to be considered as the adoption date approaches.
The perspective parents are asked to discuss their marital relationship, how they met and in what ways the relationship has changed over time. They will be asked how they resolve their differences. Identifying their strengths and weaknesses as a couple will help the applicants prepare for the addition of a child to their family.
A FORUM TO PRESENT THEMSELVES:
The home study is a forum for the couple to present who they are and describe their life style. They are asked to tell about their education and careers. A description of their interests, hobbies, memberships and activities also helps develop a picture of the couple. They can tell about their community and the resources available. The applicants can describe what opportunities would be available to a child in their home and what activities they envision doing with their adopted child.
EVALUATION OF CHILD’S SAFETY:
The home study is also an investigation to ensure a child would be living in a safe place. This involves a FBI clearance, local police check, and Child Protective Service records investigation. A tour of the home is included to view the living arrangements for the adopted child. The couples physical and emotional health is evaluated by their physician. Reference letters are requested, and a financial report verifies the couple’s ability to financially support a child.
SUMMARY:
Through this process the couple is preparing for the arrival of the child. They are identifying what kind of parents they intend to be and formulating strategies on how to deal with common problems in adoption. A picture of who they are as a couple and what they have to offer a child is stated. The investigation determines the safety of a child in this home based on the information collected.
The home study involves interviews with the couple together and individually in their home. The documents referenced in the investigative study are collected. The social worker then makes a recommendation to the court regarding certification of the family for adoption. If the social worker has concerns regarding the family’s ability to parent an adopted child, she will discuss these concerns with the family prior to submitting a recommendation to the court.
STEP BY STEP HOME STUDY PROCESS
1. Complete the Agency Application.
2. Return the signed Agency Application, the orientation form and a $75.00 fee payable to: Oasis Adoption Services.
3. Complete the fingerprinting process as soon as possible. The fingerprints take several weeks to be returned and the home study can not be approved by the court until the fingerprint results are back.
4. Complete the following forms in the packet and return to Oasis Adoption Services prior to the first home visit with the payment for the homestudy:
- Orientation Form – unless previously submitted with application
- Home study application
- Home study contract
- Autobiography – follow the directions provided on the guidelines to writing autobiography
- Family Photo
- Financial Declaration — submit copy to OAS –Save original for dossier
(Domestic Adoptions save original for records)
- Financial Statement
- Medical Report
5. As soon as all of your paperwork and the fee for the home study are received, Oasis Adoption Services will call to schedule your home visits.
6. Complete the Child Protective Services form and mail in the enclosed envelope.
7. Send out request for five reference letters: two to relatives, three to friends.
8. Photocopies of the following documents if they are applicable to you are requested for the home study:
- Certificate of Marriage (Marriage License is not acceptable)
- Divorce Verification
- Income Verification (one of the following: tax return, pay stubs, employer verification letter with salary stated)
- Copy of Birth Certificates
- Verification of investments (latest statements)
- For any children in the home- a letter from there doctor stating they are current on their immunizations and do not have any communicable diseases
- Verification of child support payments if applicable, and names, addresses and phone numbers of all adult children. h. Disposition of bankruptcy cases
- Disposition of any arrests
9. The information from the autobiographies, the interviews and supporting documents is compiled into a report to the court. The Adoption Worker will include in the report a professional evaluation and recommendation as to the acceptability of the client(s) to be certified as adoptive parent(s) in the state of Arizona. The Adoption Worker will inform the client(s) prior to submitting the home study of her professional recommendation.
10. The judge at Juvenile Court will read the report and find the family acceptable or not acceptable. The judge then issues a certification if the family is acceptable.