The home study

So, we are currently going through the home study process. We chose an agency in Smyrna, TN called Adoption Assistance and our Social Worker's mame is Kelly Stewart. What is the home study process? Well, by law, anyone that wants to adopt a child is required to have an approved home study. During this process, which must be handled by a licenced agency or social worker, the couple's life story is compiled and put together in report format.

The process can seem quite invasive and overwhelming because litterally no stone is left unturned. The paperwork required is quite extensive and includes financial statements, several letters of reccomendation, heath clearances, background checks, fingerprints, and FBI checks, 3 income tax returns, and other pertinent information. There are two visits involved; one in the home and one at the social worker's office. We will be expected to discuss why we are adopting and our expectations of the process. The social worker needs to get a good picture of our family through the interviews. Once all of the paperwork and interviews are complete the report will be compiled, and at that point it will be approved or disapporved.

I am not that nervous, mostly because our social worker is so nice and apporcheable. Hopefylly we will be done with this part over the next 30 days. Once this is complete, we are ready to be matched, so I am really excited.