[asweeet1]

I have homestudy coming up next Monday. The worker told me they'd look for smoke alarms and that if there were any other safety concerns that I lack, they'll tell me. Of course I know they'll do our background checks too.

Can anyone else give me MORE insight into this?

[GAdreamer]

You didn't say wether you were fostering or adopting or both. Homestudies can be slightly different. Also don't know where you are in the process.... Training completed etc. So here's a run down. Sorry if it included things you already knew....

They will probably do two things or at least start the process...

Homestudy is really finding out about you and your family. They will want to know how you were raised, how your family dealt (as a child)with feelings, discipline etc and how your present family deals with these things. Who was around you as you grew up (grand parents aunts uncles etc). Who your current extended family is. Your parenting beliefs/styles. Your hobbies, work etc. Your plans for daycare and future plans for your own family as well as any children you adopt or foster longer term. Such as college etc. They can also question you about past relationships/marriages/divirces. Some even will ask you about your sex life. Later they will ask for financal info, marriage lic, divorce decrees, pet vaccs, insurance(car/home).

We had to fill out many pages of questions etc. Then turn those in. Our first round of meetings were together as a family. Questions were based on our answers from the questions. If you have kids that are old enough they will talk to them as well.

They will also do a home inspection: They will look at things like safety issues: all chemicals put out of reach or behind a lock, first aid kit, outlet covers, safety gates if you have stairs, is the house kid safe/proof. If you have a pool or body of water(pond) is it fenced or covered. Is your house generally clean(uncluttered) in good repair. Water /sewage test are possible. Smoke detecotrs and co2 detectors present. Rugs have slip proof padding. Fire emergency plan in place.

They will also want to see the room you plan to house the placement in. Min most places is a bed and a dresser. Size etc depends on ages and sex. Over certain age and opp sex can't share rooms.

One thing I've learned is that all states and all cw's do it differently so they might not even ask you or look at these items. But generally this is what you can expect.

Good luck

GAdreamer