Home Study Services in Missouri

You will be interviewed several times by the social worker. These interviews help you develop a relationship with your social worker that will enable her to better understand your family.

Home Visit 

Home visits primarily serve to ensure your home meets state licensing standards (e.g., working smoke alarms, safe storage of firearms, safe water, adequate space for each child, etc.). Social workers are not inspecting your housekeeping or decorating standards.

Health Statements 

Each prospective adoptive parent will be required to have a physical exam. The purpose of the exam is to know that the prospective parents are essentially healthy, have a normal life expectancy, and are physically and mentally able to handle the care of a child.

Income Statements 

The prospective parents are asked to verify their income by providing copies of paycheck stubs, W-4 forms, or income tax forms. You will be asked about savings, insurance policies and other investments and debts.

Biographical Statements 

Each prospective adoptive parent will be asked to write an autobiographical statement. This is essentially the story of your life. This statement helps the social worker better understand your family.

Background Checks 

Each prospective adoptive parent and anyone living in the home over the age of 16 years old will be required to have a criminal and child abuse record clearance for all adoptive applicants.

References 

The social worker will ask you for the names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses of three or four friends and family members to serve as references for you. References help the social worker form a more complete picture of your family and support network. References should be individuals who have known you for several years, who have observed you in many situations.