During the home study process, you will be asked about your daily routine, education and work history, medical and criminal record, finances, hobbies, references, and more. As you can see, the adoption home study consists mostly of biographical information you already know, but it is still not unusual for people to panic when someone even mentions a home study to them. If you think there is an issue that might prevent you from being approved, your worries are usually unfounded. There are very few reasons people fail the home study. Here are a few reasons why people fail the home study process.
1. Felony Conviction
Adoption is usually prohibited for any person who has been convicted of felony child abuse or neglect, drugs or alcohol abuse, or domestic violence. Prior to a home study process, you and your partner will be subject to background checks to determine if any of this applies to you. Minor convictions that happened in your youth are not usually held against you as long as you don’t hide them.
2. Other Family Members
A home study process doesn’t just involve you and your partner. Every adult who lives in your home is involved in the process and in the criminal background check. If there is an issue with someone else living in your home, you may face some roadblocks with your home study.
3. Health Concerns
There is a possibility that a social worker will deny your home study approval if you or your partner have a life-threatening illness or disease. This means they are concerned that this is going to impact your parenting ability or will shorten your lifespan. Also, if there is a psychological disorder that impairs your quality of life, you could have some difficulties during the home study process. Having been in therapy or being on medication doesn’t necessarily prevent you from adopting as long as you have a letter from your therapist or prescribing physician. In every home study, prospective parents are asked about any medications that they take, so just be honest about this and make sure to get a statement from your doctor about those medications.
4. Financial Difficulties
During the adoption process, you’ll be asked to provide detailed information about your finances. You don’t need to be rich, but you will have to prove that you’re capable of providing your child with financial security. If you’re worried about your financial stability, research everything about adoption benefits, loans, credits, and other financial assistance.
5. Dishonesty
If you have lied or made omissions anywhere on your paperwork or during the home study interview process, that can be detrimental. Don’t lie about your criminal background, your medical records, or your finances, since that can be a huge red flag for your social worker and could certainly disqualify you. Talk about your past experiences as something you learned from and what good things happened as a result.
6. Being Uncooperative
The home study process can feel invasive, and you might sometimes feel as if your social worker is getting too personal. Remember that this comes with the territory. Do your best to keep your cool and don’t lose your temper. If a social worker feels like you are difficult to work with, that’s a reflection of your personality and parenting, which may cause the social worker to not approve you. Just do your best to maintain the patience and positivity to make it through your home study process and you’ll be on your way to a stamp of approval in no time.
