Adoption homestudy?

Question

What finanical questions are asked as part of a homestudy. What documentation is required? Is a credit check done?

Answer 1

We had to fill out a financial work sheet and show proof of income and tax information but no credit checks were done.

Answer 2

Our 1040 forms for the last two years became part of our application.  When we had our homestudy renewed a couple weeks ago, they asked what our annual income was for 2007, and if we could still pay our bills.

This will most likely vary by state, by agency (or DHS if you're adopting through foster care), and by the method you're choosing for adoption.

Answer 3

We had to provide a written balance sheet with our household information on it.  We also provided copies of bank statements, brokerage statements, 401k info, 2 years copies of taxes, letter from husbands work stating his expected income for the coming year.  We had to provide all of this again when we did a second home study (first was for international second for domestic)  I don't think we signed anything giving permission for a credit check but that is pretty minor compared to getting FBI fingerprints, immigration approval, state child abuse registry clearance and local and state police records.

ETA Thumbs down for telling the process I went through?  Come on people you guys crack me up with your thumbs down.

Answer 4

It depends on the state and what type of adoption you are doing.

In most cases, previous credit has no bearing on adoption.  It is the current ability to provide for a child that is taken into consideration.

So, if you went bankrupt 2 years ago, but have been smart and can pay your bills and provide food and clothes for a child, then you should be okay.

Most documentation is:  physical examination, criminal background check, fingerprints, and then, again, depending upon agency, state, and type of adoption, things like birth certificates, passports, etc.

Answer 5

Credit checks are optional, it depends on the agency doing the homestudy. For some international programs, you will have to show a certain amount of net worth.

Usually there is a budget worksheet to fill out, and copies of your last three years tax returns.

Answer 6

Some depends on whether it is private adoption, or through the state.  The state is more likely to ask for a lot of paperwork.  For my private adoption home study, I wasn't asked for anything in writing, although I had prepared a written financial statement before they got there (if you do research before your home study, and have everything done, it can be much cheaper!)

You'll be asked your net assets (belongings), your debts, your income, and your monthly bills.  Include things like insurance papers, mortgage or rent amounts, etc.  The more assets you have, the better, although the purpose of the home study is to make sure you can pay for the child's expenses now and in the future.

I've never heard about a credit check being done, although if you've ever had bad checks, it might show up on a past criminal report.

Good luck, even though it seems rough, it is really easier to get through a home study than some people think (myself included).  The child you adopt will be soooooo worth it!  I know our son is!!!  We are starting the process over, through the state this time, so it will be different than before.