Concerns about home inspections for adoption?

Question

Does anyone know what the initial home visit consist of? Hubby and I are getting ready to sign up to adopt if we are not pg this time. I want to know what the adoption agency looks for when they come out to inspect the home.

Answer 1

The other answers you've gotten about the specifics of the home study are good ones.  I just wanted to add that the home study is not the really that early in the process.  You'll probably go to a group orientation/meeting where they tell you about the programs they offer, maybe some more group sessions/classes, and private one-on-one meetings with your worker at her office, before anyone comes out to your home.  I've never heard of an agency starting with an initial home visit (that doesn't mean it's impossible, but it would be pretty unusual).  So don't worry that you have to have your house ready to be seen before you call the agency!  By the time you get to that stage, you will be acquainted with your worker, and it won't seem quite as scary.

Answer 2

My friends went through the very long process of adopting 2 children.  It took a few years for them to adopt their first son, Zack..now they have a second.  They described the home inspection as quite thorough.  The house and garage were inspected for safety & condition.   They had to make sure tools, paints, and all home improvement supplies in the garage were locked away.   I would make sure you have kiddie locks on all cabinets, safe electrical outlets & cords, safe furniture, safe decks & stairs, and make sure there is no way for a child to obtain harmful tools, items, or chemicals. nm

Answer 3

They are not going to peek in closets and drawers, etc.  

They are simply wanting to make sure your home is conducive to raising a family in-safe, loving, child friendly.  The home study is also not just about the home-it is about the people that live there.  They will want to know why you wish to adopt, how you feel about adoption, what kind of support you have in your family/community, etc.  

Try not to stress over it!

Answer 4

They just want to make sure that your home is nice and that you take care of it. So make sure that there is not garbage laying all over or cockroaches climbing around the bathroom. They are not going to get out a pair of white gloves they simply want to make sure that your home is suitable for a child

Answer 5

We were really worried about our home inspection, but it was really not a major ordeal.  The agency worker came out and spoke with us and basically did an "interview" in our home.  She then just walked around and made sure that our home was "safe" for a child and that the child would have a room.  She made recommendations on places that should have gates or outlet protectors, etc., but it was not a problem.  Our experience was a good one.  

Good luck to you.

Answer 6

It's really not as bad as you think.  Your probably worrying more about things than you should.  They will look over the house and see where a baby would be.  Does it have it's own room or will it have to share?  Cleanliness of the house, and it's basic condition.  They will ask about the status of your marriage, how long, etc.  What are your beliefs in religion, discipline, schooling.  About your extended family structure....are their relatives living nearby and do they visit and lend support.  What are their opinions of the fact that you are considering adoption.  Where do you work, how stable is the job.  What are the plans for someone staying home or is their a daycare planned.  Just a note to the wise...make sure you have properly installed and operating smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  I almost think that is all, if I think of anything more I will modify my message.

Answer 7

The counselor who came to our home was very laid back.  Most want to help you adopt.  There are some basic requirements such as you must have a place to live.  You do not have to own a home, after all many perfectly nice people live in apartments.  We had to agree to put up baby gates at the stairways, we had to agree to turn down the water heater to (I forget the temperature).  If we lived on a busy street or next to railroad tracks or if we had a pool we would have had to put up a fence, but this was not the case.  All in all it was not a big deal.

Friends who adopted had a former Easter German prison guard do their home study (I exaggerate a bit).  She made them put padding on the corners of the coffee table etc.

You never know what to expect.  If the counselor makes a request or suggestion, you will more or less have to agree.

Answer 8

Speaking for the two agencies I have gone through:

Questions about your reason to seek adoption, health, relationships, support systems, expectations, children you would consider excepting.  They also ensure you have a room for your child, you home is safe and hazard free.  You will need to have a floor plan with the square footage.  Show where the child will sleep.  You will need child safety locks on cabinets, doors, and burners a fire extinquisher etc.

Other agencies give personality profile test and medical releases, require physical exams and letters of recommendations.