Whats involved in a Homestudy

{This information is based on OUR experience, we do not know what other agencies require}

Cost: Around $1000 by itself

1 - A 4 to 10 page Autobiography on you and your spouse (1 each). You are given an outline of what types of information that they want included.
2 - Two Recent photographs of you and your family
3 - Birth Certificates (certified copies - same as what is required for passport)
4 - Marriage Certificate (certified copy)
5 - Previous Divorce decrees (if applicable)
6 - Death certificate of deceased spouse (if applicable)
7 - Questionaire (why you want to adopt, etc.)
8 - Medical Report by physician for each person living in the house
9 - Children's birth certificates
10 - Letter from Medical Insurance Company stating that the child will have coverage.
11 - Criminal Record Check for each applicant (fingerprints taken and sent in)
12 - Two Letters of reference from non-relatives
13 - Two Letters of reference from an extended family member (1 from husbands and 1 from wifes)
14 - Employment letters (position, how long, salary, references, etc.)
15 - References from organizations that you worked with involving children (in the last five years)
16 - Financial data
17 - Tax Returns for the last two years
18 - Statements from financial institutions supporting info on financial data form.
19 - Copy of water and sewage bill as proof of service
20 - Verification of inoculation for any domestic pets
21 - Statement that any freestanding gas heaters are vented to avoid fire
22 - Statement regarding where and how firearms owned in the home are locked away from children (if applicable)
23 - Statement regarding swimming pool is fenced with locked gate to prevent unsupervised accedd and that it meets all applicable community ordinances. 9if applicable)
24 - Statement that smoke alarms are present and functioning on each level of the house.
25 - Verification of attendance of a newborn instruction course (if adopting newborn)
26 - Release and Request for Information form for a child protective services check.

The home study involves 3 visits. 2 at their office (including separate interviews), 1 at the home.