Having a social worker come to your house to determine whether it’s a good setting to raise the child you feel like you’ve been waiting for is possibly the most daunting guest you’ll ever host. Don’t stress out: today we’re sharing seven tips to help you excel at your adoption home study! These 7 adoption home study tips will allow you get closer to bringing your child home.
1.) Make a homemade snack to serve
The yummy scent of homemade goodies will make your home warmer and more welcoming. Don’t bake? You could just light a sweet-smelling candle (such as vanilla or cinnamon) and pop some ready-to-serve cinnamon rolls in your oven.
2.) Prepare some questions
Lifetime is here for you to answer any questions you might have, but you’ll likely have many more so write them down as they come to mind. Having prepared questions will show your genuine interest in adopting.
3.) Love where you live
Even though the idea of a social worker coming over and evaluating your house, they should see that you love your home and that you desire to raise a little one in it.
4.) Be uniquely you
The social worker has to get an idea of who you really are, so make sure to be yourself. Be truthful and heartfelt in how you answer their questions.
5.) Be “prayed up”
Being prayed up means that you’re spiritually prepared and empowered because of recent praying. We also suggest asking church friends, family, and close friends to lift you up in prayer for your home study visit.
6.) Pre-plan
Once you adopt, there will be several calls and emails to make, such as to employers, pediatricians, and insurance companies for both you and your spouse. You’ll be thankful later if you make some of these calls ahead of time! It’ll also help you become well-informed about your choices once your child comes into your family.
7.) Don’t over clean
You definitely need to clean and tidy your house before your home study, but some adoptive couples stress out about cleaning way more than is needed. For example, clearing out junk from drawers and cabinets is overkill. We recommend you have these safety measures in place:
– Smoke detectors in each room
– A room where your child will sleep (but a crib and/or bed is not needed right now)
– Outlet covers
– Carbon Monoxide detector on every floor
– Baby gates (if you have stairs)
Once you’ve had your home study done, your next step is to wait. Waiting to be chosen can be the most difficult part of your journey to adopt a baby. Use this time of waiting to begin to prepare for your future child. Lifetime has some wonderful posts about what you can do during your adoption wait:
Hurry Up & Wait! 6 Ideas on What to Do During Your Adoption Wait
Adoption Q&A: What Can We Do During the Adoption Wait?
As Vice President of Lifetime Adoption, Heather Featherston holds an MBA and is passionate about working with those facing adoption, pregnancy, and parenting issues. Heather has conducted training for birth parent advocates, spoken to professional groups, and has appeared on television and radio to discuss the multiple aspects of adoption. She has provided one-on-one support to women and hopeful adoptive parents working through adoption decisions.
Since 2002, she has been helping pregnant women and others in crisis to learn more about adoption. Heather also trains and speaks nationwide to pregnancy clinics to effectively meet the needs of women who want to explore adoption for their child. Today, she continues to address the concerns women have about adoption and supports the needs of women who choose adoption for their child.
As a published author of the book Called to Adoption, Featherston loves to see God’s hand at work every day as she helps children and families come together through adoption.
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