How can I pass my home study the first time through?

Question

We are trying to get custody of my niece (baby) and we're nervously waiting for the home study. I want to be sure that we pass this thing the first time so that we can move this along more quickly. Any hints or suggestions? What can I expect? (we're in Michigan)

Answer 1

Have a clean, well organized house.  Also the nusery should be safe and clean

Answer 2

Homestudies aren't so bad.  The social worker will ask questions, but basically is looking for a functional and healthy home/family.  The SW is not going to be running a white glove over the bookshelf, looking for dust.  Or opening up your medicine cabinet!  

You'll be fine, don't sweat it!

Answer 3

What do you mean "the first time"?  It's not a driver's license test.  It's a one-shot deal.  And how you pass it is simple.  Clean up a little, and be yourself (i.e. honest, no matter what).  If you're a good person, you pass.  If you're not, you fail.  That's it.  No big mystery.

Answer 4

I have gone through 2 different home studies.  One 4 years ago when I adopted my son and one 6 months ago, to try to adopt again.  They are really only making sure that the house is safe for the child.

1. Have a nursery set up

2. Make sure all the plugs are baby proofed

3. Have all your medicines ( no matter how safe you think they are), locked up in tackle box, with a lock on it.

4. Have all your cleaning supplies up high and out of babies reach,

5. You have to have a first aid kit handy

6. You will need to have a fire extinguisher handy but out of the reach of the baby.

7. Make sure you have all breakable decorations nic/nacks etc. out of the reach of the baby.

If you have all this covered, you will be absolutely fine.  Good Luck and Congrats on the baby.

Answer 5

We failed or first HS (safety inspection part) 'cause there wasn't a fence around the pool. So do that if you have a pool. Aside from that, we needed a fire escape plan setting out who gets who and where we meet. We needed a calender that had listed a fire drill once a month. The house needed to be baby proof. We were confused about the date so she kinda just popped in. We had a few dished in the sink and we were all running around and dancing to the Disney kids music. We had people stopping by, 'cause they didn't know. We looked a bit silly, but after the home study was done, I was glad the we were ourselves. We're not perfect, but they're not looking for perfect.

Answer 6

My first thought when I read your question was: if you don't pass the first time, there shouldn't BE a second time!

With that said, make sure you have smoke detectors in every bedroom as well as one in the kitchen and one in the hallway. Put baby safe locks on each cupboard in the kitchen and bathroom and store all medicines and cleaning products either up high (out of a child's reach) or behind locked doors. The baby's room should be fully stocked with a crib and appropriate bedding, toys, diapers and other necessary changing supplies, toys, functioning lighting, and probably lots of other things I'm not thinking of right now. Make sure the baby has plenty of clothes in the right size and that your fridge is fully stocked with appropriate foods for ALL of you. If you have stairs, have a baby gate at the top AND the bottom. Put toilet lid locks on each toilet so the baby can't fall in.

Answer 7

pray to fail it so you don't commit to the corruption known as adoption?

Answer 8

Whoa! Hold the phone... you can fail and go back to retake it?

Are kids like a car? You can just get retested if you fail your driving exam...

Sorry but I would suggest you look at some adoption websites and figure out how to "pass" the first time...

sorry i am stunned by this. it isn't a test, it is a child's life.

Answer 9

It is not as bad as you would think.  We did the fire extinguisher / locks on our cabinets...etc.  We didn't have a fire escape plan and they just suggested we get one together just in case.  Good luck and thanks for helping out your niece and opening your home to a child in need!

Answer 10

Were you talking about the whole home study, or just the physical home inspection?  

The home study part with the social worker appointments and papers to fill out - there are no tips for that. Just be completely honest.  

For the home inspection - they should give you a list of the requirements for your state when you begin the process.  Where I live, they were checking to see that there were smoke detectors and extinguishers on each floor. We had to have a first aid kit. If you have well water or a gas fire place, they wanted an inspection/test certificate.  Also, in my state, parents must have their bedroom on the same floor as the child, the child's room must have windows.  Like I said, they should give you a list of the regs when you start, so you can make sure you're in compliance before they show up.

Answer 11

I just adopted my niece! Had the home study, it was not as grueling as I expected. It was actually a very pleasant experience. The most important thing for you to remember is that they do not want to separate the child from you. As long as you provide a loving home and basic needs, you will be just fine. I waited so long for the adoption and it is finally done. My home study worker let me know in advance that she would not be looking in my cabinets and drawers but that she would need to view the child's room. The home study mostly consisted of questions about your upbringing, your family, your relationships. They wanted my income (which I told her in advance was not very high), the child's pediatrician, childcare, and 4 letters of reference from non relatives and criminal history. I am in Indiana. Good luck, I am sure you will be just fine.

Answer 12

Ah the home study. It was insane for me, I cleaned under everything, dusted every nook and corner......and then they turned out not to use the white gloves on the corners. Relax, and be yourself, as long as you have an appropriate place set aside for the child, and your house is overall clean and safe you'll pass with flying colors. One thing I know that was looked for however was smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher. Above all relax because even tho they are studying your home, it's also about studying how you are in your home. Good luck with everything.

Answer 13

it's not as bad as you think.  as long as you have nothing to hide and can provide for the child you should be fine.  be honest and open.  provide the correct information the first time.  it's not a test.  a social worker will come into your home, look around and speak with your family about you.  how you are with children.  if you can provide for a child, and that you have the room for a child in your home.  it's nothing to stress over if you are capable of taking care of a child.  it just seems like it's going to be an issue.