Home Study
My conversation with myself was, “Don’t get overwhelmed with the home study. In the beginning, It seems like a rigorous and overwhelming process. But focus on completing one thing at a time, and before you know it, you will have positive results of being approved. And yes, don’t forget, God is for you”.
After choosing to go through a private consultant agency for my adoption I was able to find a home study agency. There are different ways you can choose to adopt: private agencies, independent adoptions, foster adoptions, and more. Do your research. Every situation is different. My recommendation for my home study agency came from my adoption consultant at the Christian Adoption Consultant Agency. At first I thought I was going to get a list of over thirty recommendations but my consultant had a filtered list of the best ones to call. I was relieved when she gave me a list of three home study agencies to contact. The first home study agency I called was out of my jurisdiction and could not take me on as a client. However, the second organization I called had all the services I needed. This is the family Network Inc and they were very supportive and thorough. I really enjoyed working with them.
They sent me an application and gave me time to fill it out. Depending on your situation you want to be efficient and time conscience with working on your application. I was charged an application fee of $200-300. Afterwards, I was sent a link to start uploading all my files this includes fingerprints, employment and financial verification, physical from your doctor, immunization records, etc.
After my initial application was complete, I was assigned a social worker whom I e-mailed and set up two appointments for her to come out to visit my home. The visits are about the safety of the home and your well-being mentally to care for a child.
I scheduled my first meeting with my social worker, and I was anything but calm. I read a few personal experiences online to prepare myself. One person said that they had refreshments to share so I decided to make some refreshments and sat them out on the table with water and coffee and tea available. I cleaned my apartment two days in advance and did some more cleaning before she came that day. I found out later that I was too critical of the process.
When my social worker showed up at my door, she appeared very professional and after getting to know her for about 15-20minutes I found she was extremely understanding and helpful at putting me to at ease and she reassured me that everything looked nice and well prepared.
At this first meeting, my social worker checked for fire extinguisher, fire alarms in each room, carbon dioxide boxes, first aid kit, within reach, all cleaning supplies and chemicals put away, proper coverage over pools, and fire alarms locked up. We then sat down at my dinning room table and she asked me some questions regarding my neighborhood, where I planed to take my child to school, she asked about finances and such things.
The second visit was solely an interview. She basically asked me questions that I had written about on my application. Some of these questions were regarding my style of parenting, what are my plans when the child comes home, she asked about my extended family, who will be in contact with the child in such things.
My social worker informed me before she left my apartment that she was going to write up my report and have it signed by her boss. During this time, I couldn’t help myself but worry. I started to incorporate peaceful things into my life. When I was tempted to worry, I would turn on my music, go for a run or walk and I would focus on all the good things that were happening. And just trusted that God was for me in the process.
I had some hiccups during the paperwork process like the agency wanting me to turn and specific information about court cases from years ago that I had been dismissed. For years I worked in health care and with children my background checks were always cleared.
The worst things were going through my head. But I decided that I was not going to allow the legal aspect of the process to take the joy from the journey. So, I prayed and let it go. I decided I was going to wait on the Lord.
Both these issues occurred in cities about 4-6 hours from where I live and at one point I thought I was going to have to take off work to drive and pick up documents. Thankfully, I was able to do everything online and through the mail. The courts responded quickly, and, on their end, there was no delay. That didn’t stop those worrying thoughts. Again, I had to remind myself that God is for me.
After, my report was turned in from my social worker, I thought this is going to be another long wait and about three to four days later I got an e-mail from the Family Network Inc. with my home study approval. I CELEBRATED. IT WAS GOOD NEWS!
If you are interested in adopting there is so much information and support out there where you don’t have to be intimidated by the process or question if you are capable, you just have to say yes and start! If I can help you with anything, don’t hesitate to contact me. I have a wealth of information from my experience.
