Adoptive Parents
Process
Home Study
Type of Adoption
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Home Study
A home study:
- Begins once we have received the completed forms and the initial payment.
- Takes approximately 3 months to complete.
- Is done by a registered social worker who will call you to set up mutually convenient meeting times. We always attempt to find a social worker who either lives in your community or is as close to you as possible. Choosing a social worker close to you reduces mileage expenses and has the added benefit of having someone who understands concerns that may be specific to your area such as local adoption support groups or specialized health services.
- Generally requires 5-7 visits with your social worker.
- Has a learning component that is included in your visits.
The educational part of the home study process will be integrated into the visits with your social worker. These are the reasons that we have found this approach to learning to be successful:
- You can read at your own pace and spend more time on topics that you find challenging.
- Your social worker is available to discuss the issues in a private setting.
- You don't have to travel to a seminar if you live in a more remote location.
- The home study can proceed more quickly if you don't have to wait for a seminar slot.
We will send you the package with the learning materials and additional forms (yes, there is a lot of paperwork!) you need to begin your home study.
Approval as adoptive applicants
- At the end of the home study period, your social worker will write a detailed report that concludes with either approval as a suitable adoption applicant or a recommendation that you not proceed at that time.
- If there are any concerns regarding your readiness or suitability to adopt, expect your social worker to discuss it with you in detail before making any recommendation.
- Although some prospective adoptive parents find this aspect of the home study intimidating, it is a safeguard for birth parents, who have the right to expect that their child will be placed in an appropriate home.
Home Study Transfer and Appraisal
If you have a current home study (less than 12 months old) you will need to register with the agency, and possibly re-package your study for presentation purposes. If your study was completed more than 12 months prior to your application you will need a home study update. If this is the case or you have a unique situation, including direct placement, please call us for specific information.
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Learning Material
Some of the topics covered in your learning material are:
- separation/loss issues
- adoptive vs. biological parenting
- the effect of adoption on child/adult development
- the impact of life experiences and inter-racial/cross cultural adoption.
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