| When you begin the process of adopting a baby, one | | | | are on a sound financial footing. This is good |
| of the first things you will go through is the "home | | | | information for the councilor working on your case. |
| study". Although it seems like an incredibly intrusive | | | | Carefully consider your lifestyle. One of the things the |
| process, it must be done to be certain that the baby | | | | social worker will be considering is whether you are a |
| and the prospective parents are well matched. | | | | good candidate for parenthood. Not everyone is. Of |
| According to the law, there are no exceptions; a | | | | course, you do not have to bring up your deepest |
| home study must be conducted prior to adoption. | | | | secrets; just be candid about what kind of person |
| The following are some things you should do to be | | | | you are. This is a good time to visit your doctor for |
| sure the home study goes smoothly. | | | | your annual checkup to be sure you are healthy |
| First, have a talk with your spouse about the | | | | enough to face the rigors of being a parent. |
| adoption you are planning for. If you have no spouse, | | | | The social worker will delve into your personal life. He |
| instead find a family member or a good friend and | | | | or she is not on a witch hunt, this is just the time |
| talk with them instead. What is the reason for this | | | | when he must represent the interests of the baby. |
| talk? Just to get all your experiences and | | | | You are just going to have to go through this for |
| expectations out on the table. It is important that | | | | the sake of building your family unity. Once you get |
| you are absolutely certain that you want to go | | | | through this question and answer session you can |
| through with this adoption. | | | | move along to the next step in the adoption process. |
| Next, investigate the adoption agency you are | | | | The home study might seem invasive and |
| planning to use and any councilors they work with. If | | | | uncomfortable but it is all part of the routine. While |
| you have not yet selected an agency, ask friends or | | | | you might not like it, you will have to get through it. |
| co-workers if they have had a positive adoption | | | | It's just as important to you as it is to the baby that |
| experience. You might employ the internet to find a | | | | everyone makes a good match in order to establish |
| reputable agency in your area. Some things you will | | | | a healthy family unit. |
| want to know are their location and whether they | | | | |