What are the basics of the Homestudy?
The who, when, where and what of the Homestudy
- The Homestudy is a series of interviews that take place at your home by a social worker.
- The social worker is employed by the social services section of your local authority or by the handful of Voluntary Adoption Agencies that operate regionally in England.
- It takes from 6 to 9 months to complete a Homestudy.
- It involves at least 8 meetings with the social worker.
- The social worker will speak to you together as a couple, as well as, separately.
- You will need to give the names of at least two referees, who be interviewed by the social worker, and who will vouch for you.
- The social worker will interview any children over 12 that you have who live in the household.
- Adult children who are not living in the house may be interviewed.
- The social worker may want to interview your ex-spouses.
- The inteviews are scheduled at times that suit you and the social worker.
- The interviews are not recorded but the social worker will take notes.
- You will be asked on a range of topics, from your relationships to your faith.
- The Homestudy costs from £5000 to £7000 depending on who is doing it.
- A percentage of the fee is paid on commencement, during the process and on completion.
- You do not have a choice of the social worker as they are allocated to you.
- You commence the Homestudy after you have completed your three-day Preparation course.
- You cannot start a Homestudy until at least 6 months have passed since your last IVF treatment.
- You cannot begin a Homestudy until your youngest child is 2 years old.
- The Homestudy is compiled into a Homestudy Report.
- This report is presented to the adoption panel.
