Are you considering adoption? Wondering what is required to become an adoptive parent?
Whether you are looking at adopting internationally or domestically, you will need to complete a home study investigation. Once you have explored adoption agencies and chosen an agency to work with, you will then begin the home study process. As of July 2014 it is required that all home study investigations for international adoption must be conducted by Hague Accredited agencies. What does a home study entail?
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Paperwork - you will have many forms to complete and documents to provide to your agency. This may seem overwhelming but breaking them down into chunks will help to keep you organized and on task
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Social Worker Home Visit and Face-to-Face Interviews – All members of the prospective adoptive family and any adult household members (anyone living in the home age 18 years and older) will need to be present at the home visit so that the social worker can meet them and talk with them about the adoption. The social worker will typically spend a couple of hours getting to know the family, their home, and will discuss with the prospective adoptive parents the type of child they wish to adopt. The social worker will also conduct a home safety assessment to be sure the prospective adoptive family’s home is suitable and safe for a child. The number of home visits can vary depending on the specific requirements of the adoption, some international adoptions may require more visits.
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Background Checks – There are three types of checks that will be conducted on each prospective adoptive parent and any adult household members:
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Child Abuse and Maltreatment History Report – Some may refer to this as a child abuse clearance. A report is required from each state and country where the prospective adoptive parent(s) and adult household members have lived.
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Criminal History Report – You will need to make an appointment to be fingerprinted (your agency will provide you with the instructions for completing this). You will need a report from the New York State Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. You will also need to obtain a report from any country where you or any adult household members have lived. The agency will also require prospective adoptive parents and any adult household members to sign and have notarized a Sworn Statement of Criminal History that either denies having a criminal history or discloses a history of arrest(s) or conviction(s). If you have arrests or convictions supporting court documents will need to be submitted.
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Vulnerable Persons' Central Registry - A screening report will be obtained for each prospective adoptive parent and adult household member from the New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs.
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The Adoptive Parent(s)’ Birth, Marriage, and Divorce (if any) - These need to be verified with proof of documentation. Copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates and any divorce decrees will need to be submitted and the social worker will want to see original documents at the home visit.
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Medical Reports – Each prospective adoptive parent, adult household member and any children in the home are required to have a signed medical report from their physician that will be submitted to the home study agency.
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Financial Statement – The prospective adoptive family will be required to complete a financial statement and provide supporting documentation showing income, assets, liabilities and insurance coverage.
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Questionnaires on Adoption – The prospective adoptive parents will be required to complete adoption related questionnaires that will explore their understanding of the adoption process, their feelings about adoption and their preparedness for adoption and parenting an adopted child.
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Education, Marital History, Parenting History, and Employment – When the social worker comes for the home visit these will all be discussed and explored so that the social worker has a better understanding of you and your family.
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References – You will need to ask five close individuals (friends, not family) to provide the agency with a letter of personal reference. You will want to ask people that you have known for a long time, those who can comment on your experience with children, your morale character, your marriage, and personal values.
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Training – Each adoption is unique and each prospective adoptive parent’s training requirements will be also. Depending on how you plan to adopt (international or domestic) you will have a certain amount of training to complete. This can be done through classes, online courses, one-on-one personal training from a social worker and also reading adoption related materials. Your social worker will help you determine what is required and assess your training needs.
If you would like to explore your adoption options, we at Family Connections, Inc. offer a free no obligation consultation. You can contact Anita or Renee by clicking on the link below or calling 607-756-6574 or 1-800-535-5556. We serve the entire state of New York, including the Syracuse, Utica, Rochester, Albany, New York City, and Binghamton areas.
Family Connections, Inc. is an authorized New York State Adoption Agency that has achieved Hague Accreditation from the Council on Accreditation. The Agency provides home study investigation services to families wishing to adopt a child internationally, domestically (private independent or private agency), or from the public foster care system.
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