Our Adoption Story: The Home Study Process (Part 5)

I will start this post by saying that a lot of excellent families are terrified of the home study part as it places your home under a fine-toothed comb to be examined on all levels. Many homeschoolers and holistic families are afraid to open up their home to the state or any agency due to an encounter with someone who sees this lifestyle as child abuse. Crazy we have to worry about these things when in reality it's the exact opposite...

We were a little nervous at the thought of it all, but we knew God would direct our steps. We prayed and sought wisdom on who to contact. I think that step is key. I only used trusted sources from day one rather than a blind call. By doing this, I haven't had a single -both private and state- caseworker in my home that wasn't 100% supportive of our lifestyle. They have all been wonderful! Do not let the system make you think that all people are bad. Every caseworker that came to our home loathes the system, but they all were thrilled we were throwing our name in the ring to save a child. They were on our side!

Before we started the process, we covered every single one of our bases just out of precaution. Our children had an updated documented wellness exam. Nothing serious-weight, height, vitals, eyes. Simple! As far as homeschooling, we kept finished curriculum to prove their work if needed. We are also members of Texas Homeschool Coalition if any issue came up.

I also made each person who came into our home a homemade baked good for them to take home. The ole "I made breakfast for your family, so you don't have too" gesture is a great one for working parents. Honestly though, everyone said our home was a dream, it's ideal for a child, and they could see how happy we are. Having a caseworker in your home is absolutely no big deal if you have nothing to hide. Not a single second was unsettling. Everything went smooth and we enjoyed having them in our home. I also never needed the doctor's visits or homeschool material.  That was just to give us peace of mind to ease us into the process.

The Process of a Home Study

State versus Private Agencies have different home study requirements. Our private home study is good for one year. If you need to update it, it's a small fee and just needs revised here and there. A home study is the official file saying that you are legally ready to adopt a child.

The process consists of mounds and mounds and mounds of paperwork to complete before any interviews can take place. Nothing too hard, just a million forms, documents, and essays. Our first interview was in our caseworker's office. (We got to know our caseworker at orientation!) It lasted about 4 hours. He interviewed both Blake and I as a couple, and then each of us separately.  There is not a single question they don't ask and won't ask. They even asked about intimate marital details...yep...all documented. But hey-it made for a hilarious chat in the car on the way home! There were no trick questions or anything like that. Just tell me about yourself and it just goes from there. Our caseworker is so nice and kind. He's sat where we've sat during his adoption process a couple years ago. We get along great! He's been such a blessing to our family!

The caseworker also comes to your home to see your house and to interview your children. You will be in the room when they do. For us, it was, "Hey-want to show me your room? What's your favorite toy? Are you excited about a baby...." VERY casual and simple! 

Once we completed ALL the paperwork and interviews, it took our agency about two months from that point to complete the home study. 

Home Study Requirements

Our agency did not require a shot record for anyone in our family. Each of us - children included- had to see a medical professional of our choosing, so they could sign a medical release form saying we were all healthy and medically able to adopt. You can use a Nurse Practitioner or a PA for this. 

They did require that our dogs have an updated rabies shot. I used the homeopathy protocol to flush out the toxins and to nullify the harmful effects. Three days before the injection, I gave Nat Sulph 30c & Thuja 30c 3x a day and continued remedy for three days after the injection. And we asked God to continue His mercy and protection over our animals.

Two separate gun safes. One for firearms, one for the ammo. 

Fire extinguisher. 

A plan in place for baby proofing things like stairs, detergents, medications. Things like that. We didn't have to do locks on those items with a private agency. 

A full emergency and disaster plan. Mom, if you're reading-we're headed your way if disaster strikes. 

CPR & First Aid Certified. 

Fingerprinting

Novels about yourself and every family member you may or may not have. They asked everything!

Final Thoughts

I think every couple should have a home study done. It was really so good for our marriage. My husband and I had to stay up late talking about all the things that men really don't want to talk about, and women want to hear. Haha. I mean you both have to write novels about your feelings towards one another and the life you're building. It forces you to talk about things that you otherwise may never voice how you really feel because it's assumed you both know. Something about hearing it come out of each other's mouth really is powerful. This whole process has really strengthened us and refined us even more. It's been great! Highly recommend! 

Our home study is completed.  We can legally adopt a child at any moment. It's getting very real at this point. I really love my adoption pregnancy!

Next up: Matching!