The Adoption Home Study Checklist

A home study is often the first concrete step towards starting your family.

The sooner your home study is complete, the sooner you can move on to the exciting journey of adoption. You can start the process today.

American Adoptions of Indiana is a licensed and accredited home study provider with offices in Brownsburg and Indianapolis. Our full service agency is here to guide you and your family through every step of the adoption process, from this home study checklist all the way to your finalization hearing.

Follow this home study checklist to ensure your home is prepared.

Indiana Home Study Checklist

Preparing for a home study couldn’t be easier when you know what your social worker will be looking for. We’ve compiled this check list for you to ensure you’re prepared to meet Indiana’s expectations.  The Indiana home study consists of three primary components:

• Required documents
• Home inspection
• Interviews

Learn more how you can prepare for the home study or begin your home study and adoption process today.

Home Study Checklist: Required Documents

Probably the most tedious part of your home study is also one of the most important: gathering documentation. This is the court’s main avenue for due diligence. We’ve tried to make this list as exhaustive as possible, but keep in mind thee may be things we’ve missed.

Check in with your social worker once the home study process begins to double check you have everything you need, or to get help locating documents you no longer have copies of.

• Background checks
• Child abuse history
• Criminal history
• Drivers licenses or other photo ID
• Social Security cards
• Passport(s) (if applicable)
• Green Card (if applicable)
• Naturalization Papers (if applicable)
• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Divorce decrees (if applicable)
• Previous adoption decrees (if applicable)
• Financial statement
• Proof of income
• Tax returns
• Proof of insurance: home, health, auto, life
• Health statements from a physician
• Disciplinary statement (if applicable)
• Military discharge(s) (if applicable)
• Pet vaccinations (if applicable)
• Autobiography
• References

Home Study Checklist: Home Inspections

The safety inspection is a central part of the adoption home study check list. Most homes have most or all of these requirements met already, however, it’s never a bad idea to take an afternoon and double check your social worker visit checklist to make sure you have everything squared away.

• A smoke detector within 10 feet of each bedroom door.
• A carbon monoxide detector.
• Fire extinguishers, at least one per floor.
• Sharp objects stored securely.
• All weapons and ammunition stored securely (in a locked room or safe).
• Covered outlets, and no electrical hazards like exposed wiring.
• Gates and handrails on staircases.
• Fencing around a swimming pool (if applicable).
• No environmental health risks like lead paint, mold, radon, or asbestos.
• General baby proofing, like making sure drawers and cabinets have child locks, and any sharp corners of furniture are covered and padded.
• General safety concerns, like heavy furniture being anchored to the wall.
• General maintenance, like working basic appliances, nothing in obvious disrepair.
• General cleanliness, a non-hazardous living space.

Home Study Checklist: Interview Questions

There is no single list of home study interview questions. The specific questions are often left up to individual social workers. However, you can expect the questions asked in a home study follow the themes outlined here, so practicing your answers is still possible.

Your Personal History and Lifestyle

• What do you do for fun? Describe your personality.
• How do you think your friends would describe you?
• What values are important to you?

Your Relationship and Family Dynamic

• How did you and your partner meet?
• How do you handle conflict with each other?
• How is your relationship with your in-laws?

Your Family’s Overall Health

• Do you or any members of your family have a history of substance abuse?
• Have you had fertility treatments in your past?
• What will happen with your plan to adopt if you get pregnant / your spouse gets pregnant?

Your Parenting Style

• What do you expect from raising a child?
• Do you have a plan in place for a child if something happens to you?
• What are your plans around childcare?

Your Thoughts On Adoption

• Why did you choose adoption? How long have you been considering it?
• What is your opinion of an open adoption?
• How soon are you prepared to complete your adoption placement?

How do I Prepare for the Adoption Process?

Once the home study is done, you’ll need to acquire an adoption license. Then the process of finding a prospective birth mother can begin. You’ll need to create an adoption profile. Once you’ve found a birth mother, read up on newborn care, and make sure you discuss the adoption finalization with your adoption specialist or attorney. 

We have helpful guides with more information about every step of the process. Our experts are standing by, ready to help you at every step of the way. Contact us today to begin your adoption process.

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.