What is a Home Assessment?

by Linda Michie Executive Director and Founder at Wishing Well Adoption & Family Services

What is a Home Assessment?
A Home Assessment is a snap-shot of a family and their living arrangements. It’s a one-visit tour of your home and interview with each household member. Pictures are taken and a summary report is sent to whomever requested the Home Assessment.

Who requests Home Assessments?
Judges, lawyers, social workers, and parents. Often, out of state courts will request a Home Assessment so they can gain a neutral perspective of a home and family that they are not able to visit. Sometimes parents will ask for their own Assessment in order to have documentation of their living situation to present to a judge.

Why would someone want a Home Assessment?
Usually for a custody hearing.

What’s the difference between a Home Study and a Home Assessment?
About $2,000.00. A Home Study, mostly used for adoption, is an in-depth look at a family and home. Several visits, interviews, and training occur. Research is done, collateral sources are used and documents are gathered. A Home Assessment is a one home-visit and report process that does not substantiate information gathered during interview (unless specifically requested.)

What is the fee?
$500.00 (plus travel over one hour.) The fee is due at the time of the home visit.

How much notice do I need to get one done?
Because everyone who lives in the home must be present, it does take some scheduling. But a good estimate would be to ensure you have at least two weeks before your hearing.

How do I begin?    

Call (757) 739-2118 to schedule.

Linda Michie

Linda Michie

Executive Director and Founder at Wishing Well Adoption & Family Services
Linda Michie holds a Master's degree in Urban Studies, and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Old Dominion University.
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.
Linda Michie

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