Frequently Asked Questions about the Home Study Process

• What is a home study?

A home study is an evaluation written by a licensed adoption agency regarding the suitability of single people or married couples to become adoptive parents. This evaluation process includes interviews with the prospective adoptive parents, obtaining documentation, verifying birth, marriage and divorce of the adoptive parents, criminal clearances, and child abuse registry clearances, verification of employment, reference letters, physician's report, and any other background information needed by the state.  It may also include information required by the country or state, where the adoption is to take place. Home studies are a time for your social worker to help you prepare for adoptive parenthood, address issues unique to adoptive families and provide education about adoption.  In North Carolina, a home study must be completed within 90 days.  

• Can you complete a home study for an international adoption for an adoption under The Hague and UAA?

Yes, NC Homestudies, LLC can perform home studies for international adoptions from Hague convention countries and for families adopting under the Universal Accreditation Act (UAA).   This is written into the laws of both the Hague Convention on Inter-country Adoption and the Universal Accreditation Act (UAA) In this role, NCHS would be acting as a supervised or exempt provider, of your primary provider (placement agency).  The staff of NCHS is very experienced in completing home studies under The Hague and UAA regulations.  We urge you to speak to your primary provider before contracting with NCHS.

• What documents will I need to provide to NC Homestudies, LLC

Any information that will support your suitability to be a parent. This will include information such as criminal background, child abuse clearances, medical report, references, financial, home evaluation, employment stability, etc.  

• How do I apply for a home study report?

Once the agency has received the application, the home study agreement and the applicable fees, the process will begin.  You must complete the packet and send it to NCHS.  We prefer that you fax or scan your documents. Once your documents have been received, and all fees paid, your social worker will contact you so that the home study interviews may begin.  The social worker will advise you who needs to be present at the interview.

We advise families that background clearances should be completed immediately, as it takes time to receive the results.

• What information will I need to give about my finances?

You are asked to verify your income by providing a copy of your income tax form (1040 or 1040 EZ) for the last three years. You are also asked to provide a Letter of Verification of Employment. During the home study process, you will be asked about your savings, insurance policies, assets and other investments and debts, including your monthly mortgage or rent payment, car and charge account payments, etc. This helps determine your general financial stability. You do not have to be wealthy to adopt, but NCHS needs to know that the child will be coming to a family that manages its finances responsibly and can financially support the raising of a child.

• Who should I ask to provide a letter of reference on my behalf?

Your references should be nonrelatives.  They can be close personal friends, an employer, a former teacher, a co-worker, a neighbor, or your pastor. References are generally used to get a complete picture of a family's application and an idea of their support network.

You should pick as references people who know you the best. If possible, they should be individuals who have known you for several years, who have seen you in various kinds of situations, who have visited in your home and know of your interest in children, and who are also able to comment on your lifestyle.

Please notify and obtain the consent of references before listing them on the Agency Application.

• What will the social worker be looking for when he or she visits our home?

The social worker is not visiting your home to conduct a white glove inspection. The social worker is simply looking to see if the child will be entering into a safe and healthy environment and whether you have thought ahead as to how you are going to accommodate the new family member. The social worker will want to see the child's bedroom and all the other areas of the house or apartment, including the basement or back yard.

It is not necessary to clean the whole home from top to bottom. A certain level of cleanliness is necessary, but "lived-in" family clutter is expected. Most social workers would worry that people living in a "picture perfect" home would have a difficult time adjusting to the clutter that a child brings to a household.

• What questions will my home study worker ask?

 The home study is the presentation of you, your life, your family and their life.  It includes information about your childhood, your marriage or singlehood, your extended family, your values, religion, education, finances, etc.  It also discusses your decision to adopt and how you will integrate an adopted child into your family.  In the case of a different race and/or culture, the home study will discuss your knowledge of the culture and your commitment regarding how you intend to help the child keep that cultural connection.  The home study will discuss your discipline practices, communication skills, etc.  You will be expected to receive training regarding adoption issues such as, health and developmental issues in adoption, as well as culture.  We currently use a variety of training to include The Learning Partners online education program, the BG Center and various articles pertinent to adoption.

• What if I have a criminal record or something that I think would prevent me from qualifying as an adoptive parent? Should I keep this information from the social worker?

Definitely not!  It would not be wise to be deceptive or dishonest.  Report even minor incidences. The documents collected in the home study process will expose an inconsistency in what you have presented about your family. This may harm your chances of obtaining an approved home study or in the case of international adoption, USCIS approval. Answer all questions honestly and be forthright about matters that can be checked or that continue to cause problems.

• What if I or any member of my family that lives with me has a medical problem or a history of substance abuse or emotional problems?

         It is important that you discuss this with your social worker.  They can help you determine what impact this may have on an adoption.  You can also call NCHS’ office and speak to the Executive Director who has handled many of these types of issues.         

• NCHS does not complete home studies to be used for foster care, foster to adopt or adoption from foster care.                                                                                         
   
• Will I obtain a copy of my home study report when it is completed?

Yes. You will obtain three (4) notarized originals for your use and to submit to your placement USCIS/NBC.

 If you have additional questions, feel free to call the office at (704) 258-4029