Home Study

Has anyone ever heard of or had a home study done? That is when they come and check out your house and surroundings and "interview" you I guess. I was wondering what kinds of things they ask or are looking for or what exactly it entails. How much of your lifestyle do they scrutinize? Does it matter how much money you make or how big your house is? What kind of car you drive? If you have insurance etc.? Or are they looking for how you eat and cook, do you smoke, drink etc.? Or is it more of a personality thing? I have no clue but if anyone does please let me know!!!
Thanks
Again feedback is appreciated:)

[momuvangels]

I just found your questions.  In response to this one about a home study. I am not familiar with Ct. law for I live in Virginia.. but a home study is pretty much the same anywhere.. It will really depend on the agency you work with.. but a homestudy is very a very serious and important part of the adoption process.  It often takes a couple months but could take longer depending on the workload of the worker, etc.  
Think of a homestudy as a way for someone to know you without ever laying an eye on you.  A worker needs to know everything from income and finance information(can you handle your bills, etc.  making sure you are not living above your means and how responsible you are.. making sure you manage your money properly for children are EXPENSIVE and you have to be able to put the child's needs first.  If you are already overextended then it would not be in anyone's best interest to have a child, you know?)  Also they check into your criminal background.. A child needs to be safe and they need to make sure you are.  They will make sure your home is clean and safe and suitable for a child.  They will make sure you are healthy and do not have any illnesses, etc. that would effect your parenting a child.  They will check work references and make sure you have a stable job that you have been at for a certain amount of time (again, it will depend on what your particular agencie's requirements are for this) and they will check personal references to make sure that you have a good reputation and it will also help them to know what sort of person you are.  They will make visits to your home and then they will also interview you privately.  It can be very intense and then again it doesn't have to be stressful.  Yes, they will check bank accounts and they will need to know about your insurances, etc....Then they when they have done all this then they will write up a report on their findings and the information they have been given by you and what they have found on their own and then a decision will be made.  THey will find out what sort of issues you have dealt with in your marriage.  They will want to know your childhood experiences, etc.  Is that of any help to you at all?  I hope so.  We have been through quite a few over the last 14 years and it's never easy.  Good luck to you.

[jennyfer976]

Wow! thanks so much for your response that really does help a lot! I feel like thats a bit intrusive but I have nothing to hide at the same time except for the fact that I smoke cigaretts which I worry they will not agree with. Other than that my home is spotless, safe and my husband has a great job and I am a full time college student. We have no health issues, no marital problems (4 years of marriage) and have insurance and pay all our bills with money to spare. I just hope they don't over criticize the smoking thing. Our references are all excellent, neither one of us drink alcohol. I've never even gotten a speeding ticket so background check will be fine. What types of things if any did they complain about or have a problem when they did this with you? Should I be worried?

[suzi-q]

Yes, I have had a homestudy done in NJ.  They are not as picky as I thought they would be.  They want to make sure you have a home to provide for them.  I am sure they look to see if it is basically clean, but they do not do a white glove test!  They want to see the neighborhood you live in.  They want to see if you have adequate space and a room to provide for a child.  They pretty much check out your views as well as your husbands.  We were interviewed together and separately regarding how we grew up and how we feel about adopting.  It is like big "discussions" no right or wrong answers.  Internationally speaking, it matters what the country you are adopting from wants to know.  China wanted to know our finances and health.  We had to provide documentation of EVERYTHING ABOUT US.  Your adoption agency works WITH YOU.  They are not out to find reasons to NOT ADOPT, but try to present you the best way possible.  If you have any other questions, please let me know....HAPPY TO HELP!

[jennyfer976]

Wow thats grea that the agency helps you out with all of this! The whole home study thing made me so nervous. I was thinking white glove inspection lol. Surely my basement is far from clean lol. Anyways I am worried about the health questions. I am in perfect health as my husband is too, but we both smoke cigaretts. I know we should quit and plan to soon but do you think they would not give us a child because we smoke?

[suzi-q]

I doubt that they wouldn't give you a child, however, make sure there are none to be found, air out the house, and spray a lot of lysol!  i would say that you are a "non" smoker if they ask...just to be safe...The medical form that is given to you does not include anything about being a smoker.

[suzi-q]

I also want to say that the agency gets quite a bit of money because their job IS to help you!  They organize everything for you to make sure everthing is in order before it is sent over.  That is why you need to be comfortable with your agency...you are going to have LOTS of questions so make sure whomever you pick is approachable and also very knowledgeable.

[jennyfer976]

lol I don't smoke in the house good thing right? I guess saying I am a non smoker is fine, technically I do quit every day right before bed. lol. Just gotta give it another shot and hopefully i will be smoke free for real soon.

I will def. make sure I am comfortable with the agency. Thank you so much. I am going to start the process in May hopefully when my school semester ends.

[suzi-q]

Please keep me posted!  I would love to help in any way that I can!