Adoption Home Study Interview Questions

interview questions interview questions
  • Autobiography/Family Background

  • How Was Your Family Growing Up?

  • How Do You Feel About Discipline?

  • What Are Your Best Childhood Memories?

  • What Are Your Worst Childhood Memories?

  • What Are Some of Your Fears?

  • How Long Have You Been Married?

  • Do You Have Other Children?

  • Why Have You Chosen Adoption?

  • What Do You Wish For the Future?

  • Community

  • Would You Say Your Community is Mostly Safe?

  • What is the School System Like?

  • If You Already Have Children, Where Do They Attend School?

  • Where Will Your Child Attend Once Adopted?

  • Do You Have a Relationship With Your Neighbors?

  • If So, What is Your Relationship like with Your Neighbors?

  • Does Your Community Offer Resources to Help Parents of a Special Needs Child/children?

  • What Outlets Are Available for Children in Your Community (i.e. sports, arts, teams, etc)?

  • Health

  • Both your physical and emotional health will be documented during your home study. Medical records as well as a written statement from your doctor explaining the nature of a physical or psychiatric illness may be required. Your health typically won’t carry much weight in the adoption decision unless you are dealing with something that may affect your life expectancy. Much of the questions will probably be based off of your personal medical records and statements, so they will vary. In general, however, questions may include:

  • Do You Have Any Chronic Health Issues?

  • How Are You Keeping these Health Issues Under Control?

  • How Does Your Health Issue Affect Your Day to Day Life?

  • Do You Have an Action Plan In Case of Emergency?

  • Does Your Doctor Recommend Adoption with Your Current Health Issue?

  • Due to Family History, Can you Expect a Chronic Health Issue to Develop?

  • Criminal Clearances

  • In most states, it is required by law to submit any criminal record or child abuse record checks. If there is an incident in your past, it does not mean the adoption will fall through. If you have a good explanation of your actions and behavior, it is usually is not held against you. However, an arrest of certain nature, usually involving children, substance abuse, or the like, will typically not be allowed and the adoption process will be stopped. Questions may include:

  • Have You Ever Been Arrested?

  • If So, What Were You Arrested For?

  • Can You Explain Your Actions and Behavior?

  • Did You Put Yourself or Loved Ones in Serious Danger?

  • What Were the Nature of Your Charges?

  • Was Your Case Handled in Court?

  • Financial Statements

  • Adoption is expensive, so it is your social worker’s job to ensure that you can cover the costs before, during, and after the adoption process. This may include the help of loans and grants as well as other financial aid. Financial statements and stability are required to show your ability to care for a child on your current income. This will require you to submit tax forms, pay stubs, or other documents outlining your income. Questions may include:

  • What Is Your Profession?

  • How Do You Budget Your Monthly Income?

  • How Much Do You Make In a Year?

  • Do You Feel Prepared to Handle Any Unexpected Expenses That May Come Up?

  • Are You Able to Provide Both the Necessities and Extras a Child May Need?

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