Adoption Home Study Services of Arizona

At Az Adoption Services we are committed to providing professional timely services at an affordable rate. We are passionate about adoption and find nothing more rewarding than seeing families GROW through adoption. The adoption journey can be challenging yet extremely rewarding. With such a range of emotions it's nice to have a professional to guide you through the process. We would be honored to walk with this journey with you.

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

The Home Study Process

The Home Study process is a universal requirement for Adoption. Different states may have slightly different requirements, but every state will have some type of home study requirement. In Arizona adoptive applicant's certification is signed by a Judge of the Juvenile Court. A rather lengthy report is submitted to the court for approval. This report is typically any where between 12-15 pages in length and covers topics such has (family background, health history (physical and mental), employment, financial status, current living situation, type of child desired, background checks etc.). As part of the process you will be required to work with an licensed adoption agency. You will be meeting with an adoption specialist for a minimum of 4 hours. This time allows your worker to get to know you. Although it is a professional visit it best to talk candidly and openly about your situation and your view about adoption. Most adoption workers are committed to finding safe, healthy stable homes for children. If there are things you are unsure of it's best to be open and have the conversation. If there is any history of an arrest record even as a minor it's most likely that the court will be notified of that. An arrest record doesn't automatically disqualify an applicant, but the judge will want to know that you are being candid with your adoption worker about your history. The same applies to physical and mental health background. Be open about your situation. Lots of applicants are nervous about the home inspection. Your adoption worker won't be checking how much dust has collected on your furniture, but will want to insure the general safety of the home. The court is most concerned about water features and firearms on the property. Make sure you are in compliance with the requirements outlined by Arizona adoption law. You'll want to make sure that you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and that medication and toxins are stored properly and that your home is generally safe. Not only is the Home Study process a time for your worker to get to know you, but for you to learn about the adoption process. You will want to get adoption specific training. Training will prepare you for such things as transracial adoption and open adoption etc. 40% of adoptions are transracial adoptions and 90% of adoptions are open according to the Adoption Family Magazine. Those that have adoption training tend to have healthier adoption experiences. The Home Study process also allows the applicants to asses their commitment to adopt. Many applicants seek adoption certification following struggles with infertility. Although adoption provides a way to become a mom or dad it does not resolve fertility. Part of the Home Study process is having individual and couple interviews(if married). It's best to be open, engaging, and curious during these interviews. It's okay if you don't have all the answers or haven't thought through all the aspects of adoption. Have a conversation and ask questions so that you can make informed decisions. Your adoption worker will want to identify what strengths you can offer to children with different demographics. Enjoy your adoption journey and embrace its unique experience. Although there will be bumps along the way adoption can be a very rewarding and fulfilling experience!