[jenjram]

OK. I am just starting out. I don't know a thing having just filled out my application for my agency. My agency (CCAI) is in Colorado obviously, and I am in California and have to use a different agency for a homestudy. What is involved with paperwork that needs to go to the homestudy agency. I seem to have a grip on the dossier side of things, but now that I was talking to an agency today to get a packet for an application for a homestudy...silly 'ole me had no idea I have to send them all kinds of things, too. Can someone fill me in on what they get? Thanks!

Jen

[nicki56]

Jen -

Every state has different requirements. Your homestudy agency should provide list of items that you will need. Or perhaps another Californian can pop in and answer.

There is generally a small overlap - such as health report from the dr. but often it is a whole other set of documents. Don't get overwhelmed. Set yourself up with 2 colored binders. Use the document list as the index in the front. As you collect your documents, check it off your sheet and insert it into a plastic page protector and slip it in your binder. As items get mailed our for certification (dossier) or submitted - notate when the item was shipped out and what the tracking number is. If possible also keep copies of any items sent. Sorry I know this is more than you asked about... but it just came to mind.

Nicki

[Tsmom]

I live in Southern California (I highly recommend my HS agency!! PM me if that's where you live)
Here is everything I needed:
* Send out I-600a form (which turns into your I-171h)
* Get Live Scan fingerprints (Your agency will give you the paperwork for this and you get them done at the sheriffs station)
* Certified birth certificate for both you and spouse (photocopies of any children who live in your house)
* Certificed marriage certificate
* Photocopies of divorce decree (if you or spouse were ever divorced)
* 4 references from friends you have known at least 4 years (your agency should give you a letter for them and they send their reference letter directly to your home study agency)
* Full Physical (you, spouse and any children living in the house)- your agency will give you their medical form.
* Average monthly balance from your bank (Your bank needs to send this directly to the home study agency)
* Photocopies of any investments - IRS'a, stocks, bomds, etc.
* Photocopy of page 1 and 2 of last years Federal tax return
* Employment varification (You and spouse) needs to be on company letterhead.
* An original letter from your health ins. company or HR department varifing your ins. will cover your child at the time you aquire custody and pre exsisting conditions.
* 2 different informal pictures of you as a couple (or single person)
* A guardianship letter from the party who will take responsibilty of your child.
* 2 different informal photos of each child
* Photocopy of any adoption decrees for previously adopted children
* If school aged, teacher will fill out school report form and return it directly to the agency.

Nona