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A homestudy is a series of meetings between you and a social worker. The study provides more in-depth information about adoption
and helps you to prepare for the role of parent. It is a way to assess your readiness to adopt and a means for you to learn
more about what will be required. It is also a process to help you clarify your own thinking. Keeping this in mind, you understand
that the homestudy can be viewed as a mutual assessment and preparation for adoptive parenthood.
Some parents find
the prospect of a home study intimidating. It is only natural to be a bit nervous! Keep in mind that you are not expected
to reveal every intimate detail of your life; neither are you expected to be perfect. There are no ten commandments of "right
answers". It is important for you to be honest, be yourself, and present a true picture of what your family history and
family functioning are like.
There will be one or more interviews in your home. An important point here: we are
not visiting your home in order to conduct a "white glove" inspection! We simply need to see if the child will be
entering into a safe and healthy environment, and whether you have thought ahead as to how you are going to accommodate the
new family member.
As a final note about the homestudy, remember that even though an adoption homestudy may seem
invasive or lengthy, it is conducted in order to prepare you, and help you decide whether adoption is really for your family.
The regulations serve to protect the best interest of the child, and to make sure he or she is placed in a loving, caring,
healthy and safe environment. Once you accept this premise, it will become a lot easier to follow through with what is required
of you.
After it is all over, you will be on your way to building and expanding your family. There are thousands
of children that await a stable and loving family like yours.
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