To assist in that process, I developed 10 THINGS TO ASK THE SOCIAL WORKER OR AGENCY: BEFORE DOING YOUR
HOMESTUDY
1. Have
you done homestudies before?
It is very important that the social worker
doing your homestudy has experience in adoption and writing of the reports as
there are specific state and federal regulations that must be adhered to.
2. Have
you done a homestudy for a domestic adoption or for the country I am adopting
from?
Just knowing what goes into a homestudy does not
mean the social worker knows the subtleties and wordings that are necessary to
meet a specific country, state or agency’s requirements.
3. When
did you last do a domestic/international homestudy for the type of adoption I
am doing?
Things change all the time. You want your social
worker to do it right the first time. Any unfamiliarity with current standards
or requirements will cause delays in your adoption process.
4. Can
you do the necessary clearances for the homestudy?
Different states require state criminal or child
abuse clearances. Additional federal clearances may be necessary, as well.
5. Have
you worked with my "placement agency" or “attorney” before? If so,
when?
Collaboration between your placement agency,
attorney and homestudy provider is critical during your adoption process. Find
out early if they have worked together and if they will work together at this
time to meet all the requirements for your adoption.
6. Can
you review the report before it goes to the attorney, agency, court or
immigration?
While there are some instances in which you
cannot see your homestudy prior to submission, you should know the answer
before you start the process. If you cannot see it prior to submission, will
you know what the recommendation will be? What happens if there is incorrect
information?
7. Who
“owns” the homestudy?
If you change your adoption process after the
homestudy is complete, can you get additional original documents to work with
another agency or attorney? Is there an additional interview or fee?
8. How
long does the homestudy process take and what is going on during that time?
Get a general time line and understanding of the
steps of the process. Will you be notified if there are delays?
9. How
much does the homestudy cost?
Get a description of all fees that may apply,
even if you are not receiving a specific service at that time. What other
services may be available/needed (ex. Post Placement Visits) and what are the
fees?
10. Can you call the
social worker, if you have questions during the process?
You want to make sure the person doing your
homestudy remains available to you during the homestudy process, and even after
the adoption. Can you call them from time to time with a question about the
process or if you are “having a bad day”? Is there an additional fee?
Be an educated consumer.
Seek references from other adoptive parents and local
adoptive parent support
groups.
Best of luck throughout
your adoption process…..
Kathy Ann Brodsky, LCSW is a New York and New Jersey licensed social worker, adoptive mom and
advocate for ethical adoption practice. Through her private practice and agency affiliations, she has
prepared thousands of adoption homestudies, counseled expectant, birth, pre/post adoptive parents and
adopted persons, as well as trained professionals to work with adoptive families. She was Director of the
Ametz Adoption Program of JCCA and a member of the Advisory Board for POV’s Adoption Series and
is currently a member of the Adoption Advisory Board of Path2Parenthood, Adoption Professional
Advisory Council of HelpUSAdopt and active in the Adoptive Parents Committee in New York. Her blogs
and written contributions can be seen throughout the Internet, including her BLOG and as Head Writer
for ADOPTION.NET She was named an “Angel in Adoption” by the Congressional Coalition on
Adoption in 2001. You can reach her directly at EMAIL
Kathy Ann Brodsky, LCSW is a New York and New Jersey licensed social worker, adoptive mom and
advocate for ethical adoption practice. Through her private practice and agency affiliations, she has
prepared thousands of adoption homestudies, counseled expectant, birth, pre/post adoptive parents and
adopted persons, as well as trained professionals to work with adoptive families. She was Director of the
Ametz Adoption Program of JCCA and a member of the Advisory Board for POV’s Adoption Series and
is currently a member of the Adoption Advisory Board of Path2Parenthood, Adoption Professional
Advisory Council of HelpUSAdopt and active in the Adoptive Parents Committee in New York. Her blogs
and written contributions can be seen throughout the Internet, including her BLOG and as Head Writer
for ADOPTION.NET She was named an “Angel in Adoption” by the Congressional Coalition on
Adoption in 2001. You can reach her directly at EMAIL
