Documents: What to Expect
The Home Study: Getting A Head Start
You may or may not have been in contact with the social worker or agency that is doing your home study, and your initial appointment is still some time in the future. Either way, go ahead and begin to work on your biography. Just jotting down notes on the memorable events in your life will make it easier when the time comes to sit down and write it. Set up an appointment with your doctor for your physical exam, and begin to gather evidence of your financial situation and insurance policies. Gathering all the documents that will be necessary for the completion of your home study will insure it is done in a timely manner.
Documents: What You Can Expect
You will be provided with a list of required documents for the specific country from which you are adopting. At various points during the process you can expect to need copies of the following:
- Certified copy of your birth certificate
- Certified copy of your marriage certificate
- Certified copy of any divorce decree
- Certified copy of the death certificate of any deceased former spouse
- Medical statement from your physician about your health, & completed agency medical form
- Financial Statement including information about insurance policies
- A background check: state and federal (done by fingerprinting)
- Verification of employment and salary
- References from friends and family
In addition to the copies of documents required by the agency, it is a good idea to request extra copies to be used for US CIS, Passports and finalization adoption procedures in your state. You should request a state-issued, pen-in-hand signature certified copy.
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