How do you feel about your upcoming home study? Some couples might feel a little anxious and overwhelmed by the journey to adoption, and those are perfectly normal feelings to experience. Remember, a home study is part of the adoption process, and it will take you one step closer to bringing a little one into your family. For most people, the home study experience is new to them, and it can be hard to know how to prepare. We’re sharing three ways you can prepare for a home study below.
Make Sure You Have All Required Documents
There’s a lot of paperwork required in the adoption process, and it can take a bit of time to gather all of the documents you need. You should have a list of required documents from your adoption agency. It’s always best to start this part of the process as early as possible because you might need to make calls or visit certain offices to receive hard copies. If you wait until the last minute, finding all of these documents can become a very stressful task. If you have any questions, be sure to give your agency a call to make sure you’re not missing anything.
Think About Your Journey
Do you know what types of questions you might be asked in your home study? Your adoption agency can give you some ideas about what to expect, but many couples find it beneficial to take time to reflect on their journey to this point. How did you decide you wanted to pursue adoption? What are you looking forward to most? What are you the most nervous about? Talk with your spouse about some of these questions, and take some time to reflect together before your home study date.
Clean Your Space
Many couples feel more at ease during their home study when they have a clean, organized space to invite the home study expert into. Pick up any clutter, deep clean spaces on your to-do list, and try to make your space as organized as possible. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but most couples feel more confident and comfortable when their space feels fresh and well organized. If you have any questions, reach out to your adoption representative, and they can help prepare you further for your visit.