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What to Expect During An Adoption Home Visit
Written by Nancy S
on December 02, 2014

adoption    You are at the point in your adoption journey where you are preparing for your adoption Social Worker to come for a home visit, and you are nervous.  You are worried that your house will not pass the white glove test, that you will be inspected and judged.  The first thing you need to do is relax, the Social Worker is not there to judge you, they are there to learn more about you and help you understand the adoption process better.  The Social Worker is not just there to see your home, this is a time when you will be asked a lot of questions also, about  your childhood, your marriage, your relationship with your parents and siblings and what your adoption plans are, and many more.  Every prospective adoptive family will have a home visit conducted by an adoption Social Worker to ensure the safety and suitability of the home for a child(ren).   The Social Worker will tour the home to determine if the home has proper space for an adopted child(ren) and is well protected and free of potential hazards.  Here are some ideas on what the Social Worker will be looking for during the home visit:

 

  • Child proofing (e.g. outlet covers, cabinet locks, gated stairs) or a plan for child proofing if no children are currently in the home
  • Fire/smoke detectors on every level of the home
  • Carbon monoxide detector in the home
  • Potential hazards (e.g. medicines, cleaning supplies) secured and out of reach
  • Stair railings
  • Fenced, locked and alarmed pool (if any)
  • Gated and protected fireplaces and/or wood stoves (if any)
  • Secured firearms in a locked gun safe with ammunition securely stored and locked in a separate location
  • Overall maintenance of the home inside and out
  • Other potential safety concerns
  • Adequate space for the addition of a child(ren) to the home
  • Appropriate bedroom space (e.g. size, windows, proximity to parent(s)’ bedroom)
  • Bathroom facilities
  • Kitchen/dining area
  • Recreational and relaxation space (e.g. living room, playroom)

 

If the Social Worker has any concerns regarding the safety of the home, the prospective adoptive parents will be given an opportunity to correct the safety hazard.  Once corrected, the Social Worker will return to the home to inspect the change and reassess the home’s suitability for a child(ren).   

 

Most prospective adoptive parent(s) are anxious about their home visit but then find the experience fun and exciting.  It gives the prospective adoptive parent(s) an opportunity to plan for and envision their adopted child(ren) in their home. The best thing you can do is relax and learn from the home visit, it will help you gain insight and understanding about adoption.  If you want to learn more about the home study process you can click on the link below to download our free Adoption Home Study guide.

 

            Download The Adoption Home Study Guide

 


Family Connections, Inc. is a New York State authorized adoption agency that has acheived Hague Accreditation from the Council on Accreditation.  With over twenty years experience in adoption we would be happy to help you explore all your adoption options.  To schedule a free no-obligation consultation or talk with Anita or Renee about domestic or international adoption call 607-756-6574 or 1-800-535-5556. Family Connections, Inc. provides home study and post-adoption supervision for families from Buffalo,Syracuse, Albany, Binghamton and throughout New York State.

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