[katie8471]

we had our last home visit the beginning of April. it is now mid june and still no homestudy. My agency does not return my calls. When I do manage to get ahold of someone who knows anything about my case I get the same excuse, we got swamped with birthmoms. Last week I found out that neither the worker or the agency did the background checks yet. Each thought the other did it. Because we recently moved from another state they need to do a background check there too. I was told that I needed to fill out some paper to do the MN check. I have not yet received said paper. We already have a child (Romania) that we want to adopt but can not proceed without the homestudy! I am soooooo frustrated! I dont even know who to complain to.

[donna v]

is this through the state or a private agency? if its through the state, its probably normal - it takes forever. but you talk about being swamped with birth moms. i have my guard up against people who say they are looking out for your best interest, then let these things "fall through the cracks". adoption is hard enough without feeling like you are being sabotaged.

[katie8471]

well I had my husband call there. He has a way of getting people to do what he wants(hes a physician so he just has a way of talking to people) they said 3 weeks tops. they dont have our homestudy from the social worker. blah blah blah. but she said for sure in 3 weeks. Thank goodness this is NOT the agency we planned to use for our adoption.

[kjdaisey]

Hi Katie!
I am a social worker in NH for a small, private agency. I am given six weeks from the time a family is assigned until the home study report needs to be on my supervisors desk. I know they also have to wait for INS and background checks, but my part (which includes the interviews, references, financial and medical info) should take no longer than 6 weeks if the family is helpful. So many people have a hard time getting home studies done efficiently. I know you don't want to start the whole process over, so hang tight and then report them to the BBB. Good luck!
My husband and I have also adopted two children quickly in the past two years

[katie8471]

wow! 6 weeks? thats amazing! They told us 30-60 days after the last home visit. We have done everything they asked us to. Our last home visit was the last of March and now she is saying she hopes we can have it done by the end of JULY! thats 4 months!!!! and the way things have been going I wont count on that either. But she wants payment of half now. If I pay them now are they going to have any incentive to get it done?

[kjdaisey]

Is there a way for you to find out if other agencies can do your home study report? I'm not sure I would pay any money unless they are waiting for your money to complete the report. Can I ask what state you are working through? Is the agency you are adopting with in the same state? I'm really sorry this is so difficult to get finished! I always describe adoption as a roller coaster ride that has to be as bonding as pregnancy for a family. This may just be one of your low points- but I would look into it more. You may even want to consult an adoption attorney in your state- they usually give a free consultation for about 30 minutes (hoping you'll be interested in private adoption of course). But, maybe they can send you in the right direction. Let me know how it goes...

[shnoogiepoo]

I'd switch while you can. It will probably be faster to start new then deal with people that can't get thier act together.

[katie8471]

I sent them half the payment. and all of our background check papers. (we are in Iowa but used to live in MN so have to do checks for there too) when they sent us the papers for the background they said End of JULY! ugh. thanks for all the good thoughts and support. We hope that they will get their act together long enough to get this done!

[HollynSteve]

Katie:

I would look into your state's laws. In Maryland the agency only has 90 days from the time you turn in all of your paperwork. We should be receiving our home study the end of next week and it's only been a month and a half.