Adopting a child will require an extensive home study.
Adopting a child in the State of Georgia requires an extensive home study to be done. The home study is an evaluation of your home and your family's ability to care for a new child. Many things are considered on the home study, with minor variations occurring from one agency to another.
IMPACT
To be able to start the home study process, interested applicants must take a 20 hour class called IMPACT. Impact offers classes that deal with the adoption process, such as information on children, the impact of adopting on your family and behavior management. During this time, a case manager meets with the prospective parents and will visit your home.
Family Background
During the home study in Georgia, a social worker will visit the family and ask a series of questions about the family background. The questions range from opinions on types of discipline to your favorite childhood memory. This is just to familiarize your social worker with the type of family that you are and how your family dynamics work.
Medical
In Georgia, paperwork will be collected that describes your physical health as well as that of your spouse. The agency wants to ensure that you are healthy enough to take on the challenges of raising a new child. In some cases, a full physical may be required.
Financial Statement
In the state of Georgia, a financial statement is required to show that you are financially stable enough to welcome a new child into your home. Financially stable is determined by the amount of money that you have available after paying necessary bills, such as mortgage and electric.
Criminal Background Checks
Every adult in your home will be required to undergo a criminal background check. This is regardless of whether or not they are actually an applicant. This means that a tenant or other adult family member that is living in the home will have to have a criminal background check done.
References
Three to four references will be required from the applicant. The references may be contacted by phone, or asked to write a recommendation. They should be people who have known you several years. They should also have seen you in a variety of situations, with and without your children, if you have any.
Tags: home study, your home, your family, Adopting child, background check, criminal background