Home study - Page 2

theluvof2moms · #9 (**permalink**) 06-27-2008, 01:40 PM

Please forgive me for posting late and probably not making alot of sense, I am just so tired right now.

For the homestudy we used a SW outside of our agency just because we knew so many people who had used her and really she is just awesome. No worries with the homstudy because a good SW knows that life happens. L and I did a visit with the SW together, a visit seperate and a visit with one of our references. We had to get three reference letters. They asked us about our religion, our past family relationships, current family relationships, finances, education. We were as honest as possible and my SW was great because I have a HORRIBLE relationship with my mom and dad and you know what she understood and realized there is only so much I can do to change that. She also felt I was still in a healthy place.

The visits that I found stressful were the fire inspection and safety inspection, we failed the safety inspection because of the types of locks on our doors, we changed them and they came back out and we passed.

Just relax and don't do stuff that isn't normally like you. For example, when my SW came out we had cookies and fruits and veggies with tea, but that is totally my style backing some cookies for company. YKWIM???

Also when we started our homestudy it was halloween and we almost didn't decorate that year because we thought she would think we are nuts, but ended up decorating and she LOVED it, thought we were awesome. So just be yourselves!!!!

Ok sorry if I rambled. Good Luck and let us know if you have any questions we have all been through it so we can help you out if need be.

mildlydelirious · #10 (**permalink**) 06-28-2008, 11:21 AM

I'm late chiming in here but I thought I'd also say that I think you should start now. Our homestudy took three months. But, mostly because of the paperwork! Tons of paperwork. Remember that your SW wants you to pass your homestudy so just be who you are and do what you normally do. With the state fost/adopt program we do another home study every year to renew our license. It's a piece of cake now!

~m

JSquare · #11 (**permalink**) 06-30-2008, 06:00 AM

Thank you so much for all of this valuable information! I am so glad that Marian invited me to this board! Y'all are a wonderfully supportive and informative group

The religion question has DH and me concerned. I used to go to church very regularly, but since my mom passed I haven't gone to church except for holidays. It's too hard. All I do is cry at church. And now my dad is gone too and it's even more difficult to go. DH hasn't been involved in church in a long time either. We were married by a minister but not in a church. We definitely believe our child should be raised in faith, we believe in God and pray, but we've not been the best at going to church. I don't know how honest to be about that?

nicoleb · #12 (**permalink**) 06-30-2008, 06:20 AM

We are the same way at our house. Both sets of parents are very religious (overbearingly so actually) and we have faith and believe, but don't go to church very often mostly because we are both of different faiths.

Someday we will go back, but I dont think it will be a big deal. She probably will ask you more about your beliefs than how you practice them.

It is a huge stressor (this homestudy stuff) until it is finally over and then sometimes when you look back, it wasn't that bad.

Good luck!

theluvof2moms · #13 (**permalink**) 06-30-2008, 07:38 AM

I wouldn't worry to much about the religion question, I think they just asked us what religion we practice.

L is catholic but does not attend church, I am a believer but do not practice one solid religion, I like to incorporate many religions.

No worries.