[fascha_rae]

I am wanting to adopt again but this time through foster care.


I am looking for info about homestudies. What do they look for? What kind of financial documents will they need? Bank statements, tax forms? Is there a minimum income you have to make to be able to adopt? If so what is it? How long did it take?
Any info anyone can give me will be appriciated. I'm just nervous and excited, and need to chat with ppl who have been through this! THANKS

[desilu]

we just contacted DHS and they started all of the paperwork and classes. We had to give them our bank account info, show them our income and explain any bills ect. that we had. They did make copies of our last years tax forms. I do not know about a min. income but my DH and I only make around 30k a year and we were approved.

[frida_94601]

Hello my name is Lillian, I worked with a non profit agency in Berkeley in CA, they did not ask me for much I had to fill out paper work 35-40 pgs general questions about family and lifestyle, a had to take a cpr class, physical exam, I had to verify employment, and fingerprinting, they did not ask for bank statements. i am adopting aas a single parent, I also had to attend maap classes about three saturdays. I hope this helps keep me posted!!!
Lillian

[mythreekids]

If you Google something like this "Adoption Process [your state name]", you should be able to get to your state's site that will answer all of the questions you posed. The answers to your questions depend on your state (regardless of whether you adopt from foster care in your state or from another state).
You do NOT have to go through your local DFS, DHS, Social Services or whatever your state calls that agency. There are many private agencies that will offer the same services (albeit for a larger fee), but it can GREATLY expedite the process. Just be sure that your private agency is willing to see you all the way through the process, including providing post-placement services. If a private agency cannot do the post placement, then find another one. Don't select one that does homestudies and nothing more.
Good luck!

[momto4prayfor1more]

Hello,

We are also seeking to adopt, about the home study rules etc. we had a home study in 2002, however they have to be updated yearly, so we have to do another one. What they are looking for is to make sure there are no dangers in the home for the adoptive child such as,water dangers{drowning hazards} and also you need a fire extinguisher, smoke detectors, the home needs to be free of clutter, roomy. My home study even went as far as to say there were alot of toys and the closet was full of clothes{for our other children}. They may or may not look in refrigerator, and closets. Also child safety locks on cabinets and all medications put away, if you have a fireplace or heater a screen is beneficial just small things like this. I too am in southern arkansas,
it is very hard for us to catch a caseworker available to help with adoption plans someone contracted by dhs done our homestudy and did a wonderful write up we were pleased. They will have visits after the child is placed until adoption is finalized, they also offer services to the parents if there is anything they need or any problems. I just saw your post and thought I would respond I'm learning alot about the process as we go forth with an adoption.write me should you need further help God bless and good luck.

[frida_94601]

Hello, I livein CA, all I needed was a letter verifying employment that is all, no bank statements!!!! Hope this works!!!!

Lillian