by Linda Michie, Executive Director and Founder at Wishing Well Adoption & Family Services
Now that you have chosen the right agency to fit your needs, you can relax in that your agency will keep track of what will be done and when. You should feel confident that your agent will let you know what progress you have made, and what needs to be done to move forward at any given time.
Here’s what to expect in a Virginia home study:
Approved application – each agency will have their own
Contract – stating the fees and actions you have agreed to with the agency
At least three in-person visits with agent
Personal biography – with specific information
Home inspection – with specific information
3 written references – with specific information
Background checks – FBI and CPS checks from each state you resided in the past five years
Proof of income, assets, and debts – tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements
Physicians report and tb screening – with specific information
DMV driving records – showing good standing
Verification of marriages and divorces – if any
Proof of liability insurance for your vehicles
Emergency plans – written and interviewed
Pet vaccinations and licensure – rabies and current city license
State-approved training – signed by agent
Signatures on all applicable forms
Agreement to Post-Placement Supervision – at least three visits in the first 3-6 months
While the Virginia state codes and guidelines apply to all licensed agencies, home studies come in different qualities. Longer doesn’t mean better, more expensive doesn’t mean higher quality, and cutting corners is not an option.
Licensed child placing agents are strictly monitored by the state, and may not produce a product or keep files that are substandard. That said, as long as an agency operates within the guidelines, the product they deliver may be unique.
Wishing Well provides paper and electronic copies of the completed home study to the family. Many agencies do not. If your chosen agency does not provide a copy of your home study, make sure you are comfortable that this will suit your needs.
Wishing Well offers free consultations to Virginia families who are considering beginning the adoption process. Just call Linda at (757) 739-2118 or email: linda@wishingwellfamilies.com.
Linda Michie
Linda has worked in the child welfare field since 1999 and is a Licensed Child Placing Agent.
Wishing Well assists in domestic adoptions in the state of Virginia, and provides parenting coaching, and supervised visitation in Virginia Beach, VA.
Latest posts by Linda Michie (see all)
- …More on Home Assessments, Custody Investigations, and Home Studies - February 1, 2019
- Supervised Visitation Details - December 10, 2018
- The Problem of Overpraising - September 6, 2018