Even thinking about the homestudy sends chills up the spines of many people. As a social worker who does homestudies all the time, and as an adoptive mother, I know that a good homestudy can ease anxieties, answer questions and point prospective parents in the right direction. Unfortunately, I have heard from clients that I have not had this experience. In addition, it is important to know that the social worker or agency who does your homestudy has experience in the type of adoption that you are doing. To get a sense of their up-to-datedness and experience, before you agree to do your homestudy with any social worker or agency, ask them the following:

10 THINGS YOU WANT TO KNOW BEFORE DOING YOUR HOMESTUDY

1. Have you done homestudies before?
2. For domestic or international adoption?
3. Have your homestudies been used for interstate adoptions? for the specific country I am looking to adopt from?
3. When did you last do a homestudy for the type of adoption I am doing?
4. Can you do the necessary clearances (if appropriate, for your state) for the homestudy?
5. Have you worked with my "placement agency" before? When?
(We do homestudies all the time for people working with another agency that actually locates and places the child with your family)
6. Can I review the report before it goes to my agency/attorney/BCIS?
(Know that in some instances, you are NOT allowed to see it prior to release)
7. Who sends the report to my attorney/agency/BCIS?
8. How long does the homestudy process take?
9. How much does the homestudy (and any additional documents or post placements) cost?
10. Can I call you if I have questions during the process? After the adoption? Will it cost more?

You are on the right track by asking questions before getting started. Remain an educated consumer. Talk to professionals about
their programs and experiences. Attend meetings that agencies hold (like our How To Adopt) or adoptive parent groups sponsor. Seek references from other adoptive parents and local adoptive parent support groups (not just the names the agency or social worker gives you) on who they used, who they liked and who was responsive to their needs and returned phone calls in a timely manner.

Best of luck throughout your adoption process...