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I have been contacted by several family's that tell me that, they do not need a Homestudy to adopt my baby, Is that true? I have mostly got all my advice from friends and web sites other than the agency's that I have spoke to, some one please tell me, what is true here please? DD ↓
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| Name: tattudemom | Date: May 16th, 2007 4:04 AM |
It depends on the laws of your state. This is why it's a good idea to seek advice from an attorney. While it's true in some cases of private (independent) adoption you don't need an attorney, in many cases, a state requires a placing agency to be involved and you would certainly need a homestudy for that. If you google your state's adoption laws, you should find many sites with at least an overview of such things.
Also, it's well within your rights to personally require a homestudy to feel more secure with a particular couple/person. Some won't have a homestudy unless forced because it can be expensive and they'd rather not spend "needless" money, but also some folks tell you that because they know there may be a chance they won't pass a homestudy due to a criminal history, financial factors, or other types of issues. I personally went through the state foster licensing system and it cost nothing, so it can be done without spending a fortune. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I think it's great that you are taking the driver's seat in this very important decision for your baby and not letting someone else make all the decisions (like an agency). However, if you find yourself confused by all the inquiries, regulations, paperwork, etc, it's a good idea to consult/retain an attorney. The final bill will be charged to the adoptive folks upon adopting, not to you.
If anyone acts as if you're being pushy or asking too many questions, be cautious with them. Be conscious of whether they act like "yes" people or flash their financial status overly much. (It's my own personal opinion at least that it's more important that a person offer love and a reasonable living, not wealth alone.) Also, expect any well-meaning potential adoptive parents to ask lots of questions about you and how you'd like to proceed as well, such as an open versus closed adoption, your prenatal care, what you're seeking in adoptive parents, your physical/mental health history, etc.
Sorry for hogging so much room, but you sound really proactive and I felt these were important things for you to consider. ↑ |
| Name: Dreamer | Date: May 16th, 2007 4:04 AM |
Dezzy,
DOn't Let them tell you that. All adoptions (or most all I know of a few states PA beening one of them) they regqire a homestudy. and PA doesn't require it IF your adoption is in state. If nothing else for your OWN peace of mind to have the Potential adoptive parents checked out and make sure they ar a good home for your child.. If you have ANY questions please feel free to email me at [email protected]
I wish you all the best. ↑ |
| Name: Dezzy | Date: May 16th, 2007 4:21 AM |
| Thank you, I will call a Lawyer tomorrow, I understand that maybe homestudy's are expensive but I also understand that if that is the law, I will not break it nor will I put my child in that danger of not knowing, what and who the adoptive family's background history may hold. DD ↑ |
| Name: Dreamer | Date: May 16th, 2007 4:51 AM |
Dezzy,
This Is the best thing to do. Most Potential adoptive parent already have a homestudy (like myself) the others, Maybe in the process or are just thinking of adoption, but unless you know the whole adoption process will they realize What is required if them. I know of many Homestudied approved adoptive parents that would be HONERED to be the parents of your baby. Why settle for less.
Good Luck ↑ |
| Name: vrs31proverbs31 | Date: May 16th, 2007 11:19 AM |
Hi Dezzy
As a adoptive mother of two I did my first private adoption WITHOUT a home study done first, my 2 my home study was still good. In Private adoption the adoptive parents in some states DO NOT need to have a home study done in order to have the child placed in their home.
BUT inorder to have the adoption finalized in every state in the US you have to have a home study done, A adoptive parent can not get a adoption finalized with out it. But again the adoptive parents do not need to have a home study done in order to have the child placed in their home but they do need to have temp custody papers done.
For the adoptive parents it is cheaper to find a birth mother first then go to a agnecy. A home study is only good for a limited time and they have to pay to have it redone every time, it is not cheap.
Always go with how you feel about the family and if you want a open or semi open adoption please have it in writing BEFORE you give your child to any couple.
God luck and God bless ↑ |
| Name: dmt | Date: May 16th, 2007 5:34 PM |
I think that in the US you have to have a homestudy. If you pick out a couple that does not have a homestudy they can go see an adoption lawyer. The lawyer will set them up with a homestudy. It takes 3 to 4 months to complete. If you have the baby before it is done they can probaly have papers drawn up for temporary custody. Then finish the adoption process as soon as the homestudy is complete. Best of luck to you.
Love,
Michelle ↑ |
| Name: headimoe | Date: May 16th, 2007 6:05 PM |
Hi Dezzy,
As far as I know a homestudy and/or evaluation of the adoptive family is required in all adoptions. I know for a fact the Michigan requires this because my husband and I had to have one when we adopted our boys. Though theirs was an international adoption and things are different with domestic/US adoption all agencies I have spoke with or researched have required the study/evaluate. Over our 18 year marriage and our struggles with infertility I have done extensive research on traditional domestic and international adoption. Open and semi-open adoptions in this respect should be no different as far as their need for a homestudy/evaluation.
Base upon the research I have done on open/semi-open adoption this is required. If, they are working with an attorney maybe the people spoke did not realize the evaluation and a homestudy are one in the same. Also, it may be of interest to you that I have a bachelor's in social work. Most caseworkers are social workers and/or attorneys.
If, you have any further question you may want to research the national adoption registery website they have links to several resources. Otherwise, you may e-mail me at [email protected] ↑ |
| Name: dmt | Date: May 16th, 2007 7:10 PM |
It is not up to you to get the homestudy the addoptive parents have to. if you are in the same state you can probally have the same lawyer. So you can talk to them together. If you are in a different state I was told that I would have to get a lawyer for the girl. Once that is done you can ask the lawyer all the questions you need to. If I were you I would pick out a family ask if they have a homestudy. Once you have picked out the family they need to immediately go and see an adoption lawyer. Not just a lawyer one that specializes in adoptions. They will then set them up with a homestudy. Make sure if you pick a family that does not already have a homestudy give them at least 3 to 4 months to do so. They should also get a lawyer in your state. Which I am sure that you can use. The two lawyers will then talk to one another to make sure that all the laws in both states are followed so that it will be legal. With the homestudy they will do one before your child is placed with them and then they will come back and check after your baby is placed with them. This is what I was told by an adoption lawyer. I hope that this information is useful to you. Do you mind me asking what state are you in? I wish you the best of luck.
Love,
Michelle ↑ |
| Name: michellesnook | Date: May 16th, 2007 9:00 PM |
I can't imagine doing an adoption without a homestudy! Our son's birthparents even had access to ours if they wanted it. Our homestudy included fingerprint checks, criminal record checks, medical checks...should they be mandatory for everyone (I think step parent adoption is the only exception) But as a birthparent, I can't imagine you choosing a family who didn't already have all these checks in place..
Also, remember that once you choose a lawyer, the adoptive parents you choose will pay all the legal costs, so don't delay finding a professional to help you. You want to make sure that you've got good supports in place.
Good luck!
Michelle :-) ↑ |
| Name: sweetmary | Date: May 16th, 2007 11:55 PM |
| DMT you obviously don't have a Homestudy. How come? ↑ |
| Name: cl1145 | Date: May 17th, 2007 2:02 AM |
| I live in Missouri and we have to have a homestudy. Ours is finished if you would like to look at our profile. shadandchar.blogspot.com ↑ |
| Name: dmt | Date: May 17th, 2007 3:15 AM |
sweetmary.
We will be getting a home study. I just starting talking on this site about a month or two ago. We have been trying to decide which way we want to go through the state or go straight to an adoptive lawyer and let them set up the homestudy. If I were to meet someone that was a match for me I would immediately schedule an appointment with a lawyer. Right now there is no rush it is not like I know of anyone that wants to do a private adoptions right at this point. We just starting looking in to things we are trying to figure out what we want to do. We were looking at state adoption. I have considered private adoption. That would be great if that happened. We are also considering going through project cuddle. Don't worry about it we will get a home study. You have to you can't adopt without one.
Love,
Michelle ↑ |
| Name: sweetmary | Date: May 17th, 2007 3:31 AM |
DMT you've already posted twice now i think it is that you have matched up with someone, why didn't you start the homestudy process then?
I don't get your desperation to adopt when (a) you already have children and (b) won't go through the agency channels (c) haven't even got a Homestudy started. ↑ |
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