There are many different kinds of adoption. Anyone considering adopting will soon learn the lingo. There are agency and private adoptions, international and domestic, open and closed adoptions and children ranging from healthy infants to emotionally disturbed teenagers.
The adoption process is long and often arduous. It consist of a family making the decision to adopt, gathering information and deciding what kind of adoption suits them finding an agency or private attorney to work with them. Then comes the dreaded homestudy. Homestudies are in important part of adoption, but they can be frightening when you don't know what to expect. Homestudies vary depending on the agency you are using and what kind of adoption you are pursuing. They are generally done by social workers who have to make sure that your home and lifestyle meet minimum requirements set forth for adopting. It usually consists of obtaining a financial statement that attest to the fact that you are self-supporting and have means to support any children you adopt. Then there is the actual home visit where things like basic safety features and sufficient room for a child are checked for. This is also a chance for a social worker to visit with a couple and discuss their motivation for adoption and what kind of parenting style they embrace.
It is an intrusive process and it is difficult to not feel a sense of being judged on your worthiness as a person and a parent. It helps if you are comfortable with the social worker that you are dealing with. Be as relaxed as possible, and most importantly, be yourself. When the homestudy is complete you will have the satisfaction of knowing you have taken an important step on a difficult journey. The rewards are worth it.
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