Help!!! We just got our first adoption homestudy appointment. (7-20-06)?

When I had the home study before I adopted my daughter, I had cleaned my house from top to bottom. I thought for sure the social worker would go through the whole house and kind of evaluate my housekeeping skills. Wow - I spent 3 days cleaning my house, and what a waste of time! She did NOT go over my housekeeping skills - she just wanted to make sure the house was safe, that I was a sane person who would be thoughtful as a parent, and that I was making the minimum required for adoptions in the U.S. (I forget what the minimum is, but it's really low).

She also asked about my assessment of my health, wanted a medical report from my doctor (he just had to do an assessment and fill out their form), wanted a letter of employment and verification of my income, as well as copies of my last 3 income tax reports. You may have to list your assets and debts. Some agencies may want to do a credit check on you, some don't. They will ask you about any criminal charges and will ask you to get fingerprinted and also do a child abuse history check. They may also ask you to write a short essay about your parenting philosophy or how you will raise the child within his or her cultural background (if you are going for an overseas adoption), etc. It feels a little like writing a school paper, but don't worry, they DON"T grade you! :) They just want to make sure you have thought through the issues and are not adopting impulsively.

I had 2 interviews with the social worker - and actually it was very easy and kind of fun once I got past my nervousness! They are there to help you and answer your questions about adoption, and they want to see you succeed as an adoptive parent! They are there to evaluate your overall fitness, of course, but they DON"T have the 'white glove' test - not of your house or your life.

Try not to worry, and lots of luck in your adoption journey!!

there'e nothing to be afraid of :) All they do is ask for a few pay stubs, your income tax forms, etc.

The homestudy process isn't scary unless you have something to hide. Yes it's alot of info being given and alot of your life is made public so to speak, just be honest with your Social Worker and it'll be a breeze

check the web you should be able to find something that will help you.