[Melissa1978]

Ok, I just so switched directions last week, when we went from starting our foster care, to now working on international adoption.
I have looked at 2 different agencies at this point and i likely wont decide for a few more months, after more research and when my statistics DH tells me which is better( he is a numbers guy LOL) Anyway, one agency said to start the application and then after a couple weeks, if we are approved, we start the homestudy, and the other said, dont apply until we have a completed homestudy. I am sure the more agencies we come across will have similar or different views on this.
We are thinking, in a few months, of contacting a local home study and getting that all started, taking the classes that they require, and getting all the paper togther i need, like birth certs, marriage cert Social Security cards, Shot records, applying for my passport, renewing DH's passport...you know... all that stuff that will be required, and will save time when we are ready to go.

So how long are home studies good for? Is it still good if DH gets a new job?( same industry just better pay and benefits) Is it best to do the homestudy right before we pick an agency and we have enough money?
Another thing is, we were going to apply for a couple adoption grants, and all I found said, we have to have a completed homestudy...

So what is your experience?

Thanks

[sak9645]

Each state has different rules regarding the validity period for a homestudy. In many cases, it is about one year. If you do not complete an adoption in that period, you will need to redo it. In some states, the redo is more like an update; in others, it is fairly comprehensive. Ask a homestudy agency in your state about the rules where you reside.

Also, if your circumstances change materially after you have an approved homestudy, you must obtain a homestudy update. A change in job will trigger a homestudy update, though it won't be a major one, if the job is about the same distance from your home, the pay is the same or better, etc.

In general, it is best to do a homestudy once you are just about ready to apply to adopt Because of the long time frames in many countries, as well as the 18 month validity period for USCIS approval, you will probably need at least one homestudy update during the process, even if you wait to have your homestudy until you are ready to adopt. Why pay for even more updates, if not necessary?

It is true that many agencies do not allow you to apply until you have a completed homestudy. The reason is that the agencies don't want to waste their time and your money, reviewing your application, if you can't possibly be approved. Having the homestudy done is also a sign that you are serious about adoption.

However, this is usually no big deal. Once you have your completed homestudy, you can apply to the agency and it should not take more than a couple of weeks for you to hear whether it wants to work with you.

Sharon

[Mich71]

Our home study took about 1-month to complete.
We signed up with the agency and started the homestudy at the same time....we used a social worker they recommended.

I think it would be wise to wait until you are sure of which country you will be traveling to. They all require different things to be in and not to be in the homestudy.

I believe that Kazakhstan now requires all documents to be less than 6-months old.

My husband changed jobs right before our homestudy. The reason and increase in pay was all detailed in the homestudy. It would have been much more of a hassle if it happened after our homestudy was complete.

As for having enough money, it is not required to have it all saved up at the time of application. Since it is not all due at that time. Just make sure you can save and come up with the rest of the funds while doing paperwork.

Good Luck

[KellyKA]

I havent started mine yet but I have heard it depends on your country and agency. A homestudy for one country might not be valid for another as some are very specific what what they require and it varies from country to country. Im sure the angency you decide to go with will reccomend what is best for your situation! While guatemala is closed right now I was told they are very strict with their homestudy and want to see guatemala written all throughout it so if you were to do the homestudy for russia then you wouldnt be able to transfer it to guatemala.