How Do You Fail a Home Study?

Although statistically rare, you CAN fail an adoption home study. So, how do you fail a home study? Below, you will find the most common ways that people can and have failed a home study during the adoption process. You will also find the answers to some of the most popular myths about failed adoption home studies. Maybe one of these myths is what is holding you back from starting the process… Don’t let it hinder you anymore!

For tips and tricks for a successful adoption home study, make sure to read:

Adoption Home Study Tips | The “Do’s” and “Don’ts”.

Before starting the adoption process, you are going to want to research and learn what to expect along the way. The most daunting, tedious and time consuming part of the process is going to be the adoption home studies. Knowing what to expect during an adoption home study is the not only the best way to prepare for it, but also to know what is expected and what may end up in a failure.

However, even if you do all your preparation and you know exactly what to expect, there is still a chance that you might fail your home study…

So…how do you fail a home study?

Reason #1: Prior Convictions

Although you may know someone that has adopted with a criminal record, your record could still inhibit you from adopting. There are several variables when it comes to a social workers consideration of a hopeful adoptive family with a record. Factors that will help sway their decisions include: honesty about the offense, when the offense was, what the offense was, and how you have grown and changed since the event.

Reason #2: Unauthorized Adults

Everyone living in the household that is hoping to adopt MUST GO THROUGH THE HOME STUDY PROCESS. If an adult that has not been cleared through the process is found to be residing at your house, this could result in a failed home study.

Reason #3: Dishonesty

Lying, covering up, or omitting a truth is one of the easiest ways to fail a home study. It is pertinent that you remain vulnerable, honest and open about who you are and your expectations for the future as parents throughout the entire home study process. Transparency is truth.

Reason #4: Unsafe Living Conditions

The social worker won’t mind if you need to do some minor/cosmetic home remodeling. However, they will fail your home study if there is structural issues with the home. Any immediate hazards that could endanger a child, such as: exposed wiring, holes in the floors, ceilings, or walls could result in a failure.

Reason #5: Home Layout

Each state has it’s own laws when it comes to sleeping arrangements for the child. However, there are some general safety issues that could result in failure, such as: no clear exit directly from their bedroom in case of a fire.

Reason #6: Court Decision

The court has the final decision at the time of adoption finalization. If for ANY reason they feel that you are not deemed suitable as parents they can reject the home study and the adoption will result in failure.

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Now let’s crack some of the most popular adoption home study myths:

Myth #1: It won’t take long.

People don’t think that it will take them long to gather all of the necessary paperwork and complete all the required courses. However, it takes a WHILE! Preparation is KEY when it comes to the home study process! Being prepared can mean the difference of your home study process taking a month verse taking several months to years! I talk A LOT about this and offer a ton of tips and tricks to keep you on track and organized in my Complete Personalized Private Infant Adoption Guide.

Myth #2: My home must be baby proofed and I need a nursery ready.

NOT NECESSARY! Your social worker will be looking for steps into that direction, i.e.: smoke alarms, fire extinguisher, carbon monoxide detector, medication and cleaning supplies out of reach and a plan for a nursery/bedroom. However, you DO NOT need to have complete baby proofing or a nursery/bedroom ready to go at this point.

Myth #3: My home must be SPOTLESS.

No home is perfect! Don’t be afraid to be REAL! Your social worker is really just looking for a safe place filled with a family of loving and open hearts.

Myth #4: Forgetting something on the application will result in a failed home study.

If you discover that you forgot something, be honest about it! The social worker may then ask for more detail and may require you to submit something by a certain time pertaining to the omission. Make sure to submit it by the deadline to avoid becoming “inactive”.

Myth #5: A criminal record is an automatic disqualification.

This all depends on the nature, time and severity of the record. Being honest and open about the conviction is your best option for coming through the home study process with an approval.

Myth #6: A medical condition will fail my home study.

Mental, physical and emotional health are important when considering a home study approval. Each situation is looked at in a case-by-case scenario. As long a medical professional/physician deems the person with the condition as suitable and that the condition will not effect the person’s ability to parent, then the home study will most likely be approved.

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Get yourself set up and prepared for a successful adoption home study with these necessary items: