Homestudy
ADOPTION HOME STUDY COMPONENTS:Adoption Home Study. Before one gets very far into the adoption journey, they hear these fearful words. Everyone who has ever adopted has heard them. What do they mean? Home Study does NOT mean white gloves inspection. NO! Home Study means a thorough background investigation to determine whether the prospective adoptive parent(s) will be appropriate parents & whether their home is large enough for current residents, safe, and sanitary. (A reasonably clean and healthy environment, not contaminated with obvious health hazards.)
A minimum of all the following:
First and foremost, it is customary to pay in advance for the home study. This protects both the licensed professional and the prospective adoptive parents, and prevents confusion and misunderstandings.
1.) Private interview with each prospective adoptive parent, and
2.) Joint interview(s) with both prospective adoptive parents;
3.) Adoptive Parenting Education Program: The most often referred to is the MAPPS Class. This is part of the home study and must be completed prior to submission of the adoption home study report.
4.) Survey of the home to determine adequate space, sanitation, and safety. Documentation of the providers of water and sewerage. If you have your own well and sewerage systems, documentation must be provided that this has been approved by local authorities.
5.) A Comprehensive Background Investigation including but not limited to
a.) Florida Dept. of Children and Families (DCF) Protective Services System Background Report, with finger print checks;
b.) Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) background check,
c.) at least three letters of reference attesting to your good character,
6.) Proof Of Financial Stability: this will require copies of
a.) financial records: including but not limited to copies of
(i) comprehensive banking information and
(ii) Federal Income Tax Returns for seven years,
(iii) mortgages,
(iv) investments.
b.) Insurance Policies: Health, Disability, Life, Home, Auto, and
7.) Physician's Report Of Examination of The Adoptive Applicants must be completed for each prospective adoptive parent and all other residents of the home. In addition, each of you will need to provide a thorough a mental and physical health history In order to proceed with this, all the documents listed on the enclosed Adoption Home Study Required Documents Check-Off List must be provided to the licensed professional, usually a social worker, who is to conduct the home study as soon as possible. If you are unable to provide any of these documents for any reason, please inform your "social worker" as soon as possible. When you have these documents together and are prepared to pay for your home study, you will be ready to begin this exciting adventure.
ADOPTION HOME STUDY NEEDED DOCUMENTS CHECK-OFF LIST
1. Birth certificates for each and every resident of the household;
2. Marriage certificate of applicants;
3. Previous marriage of either partner? Then, for each marriage, attach:
a. copy of each marriage certificate;
b. Final Decree(s) of Divorce for each marriage or
c. Death Certificate(s);
4. Education: For both applicants: Copy of diploma/degree or transcript from institution.
5. Copies of any certificates of training: including adoptive parenting classes.
6. Copies of any professional licenses:
7. Financial Stability: Purpose is to support an evaluation of your financial stability and ability to provide for a (another) child.
a. Copy of five most recent Federal Income Tax Returns; NOTE: New
b. Verification Of Deposit from bank; if with this bank less than five (5) years, then from previous bank(s) as well.
c. Copy of two most recent bank statements (FS 63.092 (2) (D))
d. W-2 for previous 5 years and two most recent pay stubs confirming employment; if Self Employed, include Schedule "C" - (FS 63.092) (2) (D))
e. Copy of policy(ies) / other Proof of Insurance: health, life, other (FS 63.092 (2)(D); f. Confirmation of property value, i.e. copy of your mortgage(s) and most recent Property Tax Estimate/ Appraisal(s).
8. Physician's Report for each member of the household.
9. Veterinary reports: If you have pets, attach copies of most recent veterinary report, confirming current vaccination status.
10. Verification of your residence, either a copy of your purchase contract, mortgage, lease, or rent receipt.
11. * Guardians: The complete name(s) address and phone number of the guardians of this child in the event of the death(s) of the applicants, and how this has been established.
* This information must be on file prior to submission of the Final Report to the court.
Other information regarding adoption:
1. National Adoption Information Clearinghouse (NAIC): is a comprehensive resource that provides professionals, parents, and the public with information about adoption established by Congress and funded by the Children's Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (http://naic.acf.hhs.gov)
2. Adoption Insurance may be available through Alexander and Alexander at (800) 827-7879. Please contact them for additional information. I believe this possibly would reimburse certain costs of the adoption if the adoption fails for any reason other than that you changed your mind. This is not an endorsement, it is for your information only.
Parenting Information: The following is available from the Consumer Information Center, U. S. General Services Administration, R. Woods, CIC - 8A, P. O. Box 100, Pueblo, CO 81002, or www.pueblo.gsa.gov
a. Child Transportation Safety Tips 311E. $0.50 how to protect your baby, 1997 (DOT);
b. Toys and Play 518E. Free - learn how play can improve your child's development. (1994. CPSC);
c. Kids Vaccinations Get a Little Easier. 516E. Free (1994 FDA) -What they are and how they work to keep your child healthy. Includes a vaccination schedule, 5 pages.
d. Learning Disabilities 312E. $0.50 Explains the differences between learning problems and disabilities. Chart shows language and reasoning skills to watch for at different ages and more. 40 pp. (1993. NIMH)
e. Growing Up Drug Free. 511E. Free. Shows parents what children should know about drugs, including alcohol and tobacco, at each age level. 33 pp. Learning Partners. 308E. $0.50. Activities to help your preschool and elementary-aged child learn reading, math, science, geography, history, writing, responsible behavior, and more. 29 pp. (1997. ED)
Elizabeth F. Ates is a Florida Licensed Clinical Social Worker; conducting adoption home studies since 1992: intra-state (FL), inter-state/ICCAP (state-to-state) and international; pre and post-adoption counseling for birthparents and adoptive families. efates@bellsouth.net (850) 995-1545. FAX (850) 995-1546
© Elizabeth F. Ates
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