For many people on the adoption journey, the home study can be an invasive and uncomfortable experience. However, if the home study is viewed from the very beginning as a learning process and not a test to be passed, some of the anticipated stress can be alleviated.
The goal of the home study is to prepare prospective adoptive parents for the unique challenges of adoption and by taking care in the selection of a practitioner, having an idea of what topics are talked about during visits and the documents needed, it becomes clear that the home study is an effective way to ensure an appropriate adoption placement for a child.
Choosing an Adoption Practitioner
One of the first and most important steps for people hoping to adopt is to choose an adoption practitioner. Since this person will become familiar with intimate details of the adopting parents’ lives and may be involved with the adoptive family for several years, it is advisable to consult with a few practitioners before making a choice.
Typically, the adoption practitioner will do four to six visits with the adoptive family over the course of three to six months. The home study process costs between $1500 and $3000 if being done privately, but home studies done through Children’s Aid Society or Family and Children’s Services are completed at no cost. It is not uncommon for Canadian practitioners, both private and public, to have waiting lists for home studies.
Issues Explored During Adoption Home Study
Although the content of each home study will vary depending on which type of adoption is being explored and issues unique to the adopting family, the following topics will be covered either through visits with the practitioner or by questionnaire:
- Personal and family background
- Couple relationship, if adopting as a couple
- Financial stability as well as education and employment
- Community and extended family support
- Social, medical, emotional and mental health issues
- Views on discipline and general parenting expectations
- Qualities desired in a child and range of acceptance
At least one of the visits with the practitioner will be in the adopting family’s home, during which a safety inspection will be done to ensure it is a safe environment for a child to live.
Documents Needed for Adoption Home Study
To provide further details on the adopting family, and to ensure an adopted child will be entering a safe and healthy family environment, the following documents are also required for the home study:
- Fingerprint check by the RCMP
- Medical clearance, including blood tests
- Police record checks from all past and present residences
- References from family, friends and places of employment
In Ontario, adoptive parents are also required to take PRIDE Training which compliments the home study process and provides further education on issues in adoption.
Despite it being another hoop for people hoping to adopt to jump through, the home study process provides an opportunity for prospective parents to recognize that that adoption parenting is different than biological parenting. When approached from an authentic and honest point of view, the home study will help ensure that the child will not only be raised in a home full of love, but will also have parents who understand the complexities of adoption.
Sources
- Canada Adopts! Website. “Home Study” (accessed April 12, 2011).
- Family Helper Website. “Adoption Agencies” (accessed April 12, 2011).
- Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services Website. “Home Study” (accessed April 12, 2011).
Angela Krueger - As an adoptive parent and PRIDE adoption trainer, Angela uses her insights to help others on their adoption journey.
Join the Conversation