Completing your home study is one of the most important steps in the adoption process. This in-depth evaluation ensures you’re emotionally, physically and financially ready to provide a loving home for a child.

While it might feel overwhelming at first, the home study is a critical milestone on your family-building journey. Preparing in advance with a detailed home study checklist can help you feel more confident and organized. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect during the documentation, home inspection and interview portions of the home study.

If you have questions or want to begin the home study process, our experienced social workers are here to help. Call 608-821-8220 or email aowinfo@adoptionsofwisconsin.com today to take the next step toward welcoming a child into your family.

Your Wisconsin Adoption Home Study Checklist

Preparing for your home study doesn’t have to be stressful. By tackling each part step by step, you’ll feel more at ease as you move through the process.

Documentation

This portion of the home study verifies your identity, confirms you’re eligible to adopt and helps determine whether you’re prepared to raise a child. While you may already have some of these documents on hand, others may take time to gather. Getting an early start can save you time and stress later.

Here’s a list of forms and documents that could be on your home study checklist:

  • Background check

  • Driver’s license

  • Birth certificate

  • Social Security card

  • Marriage certificate

  • Proof of citizenship or legal immigration

  • Tax returns

  • Paystubs

  • Proof of insurance

  • Medical records

  • Immunization records

  • Pet vaccination records

  • A personal statement

  • Letters of recommendation

In Wisconsin, you’ll also need to complete 25 hours of preadoption preparation. This includes six hours of in-person or live webinar training. This training helps you understand the unique challenges and joys of adoption, setting you up for success as a parent.

Home Preparations

The home inspection might feel intimidating, but it’s not a white glove test. You don’t have to worry about being judged for your home décor or having a dish in the sink. Rather, your social worker will look at your neighborhood, community and home to determine if it’s a safe, stable environment for an adopted child.

Here are some features that may be on your social worker’s home visit checklist:

  • Gated stairs

  • Covered electrical outlets

  • Safe, working appliances

  • Working heating and cooling

  • Cordless blinds

  • Anchored furniture

  • Locked cabinets

  • Safe yard

  • Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (at least one on every level of the home and smoke detectors in every bedroom)

  • Fire extinguisher

  • First aid kit

Taking time to baby-proof your home shows your commitment to creating a safe space for your future child.

Interview Questions

The home study interview typically takes place during the home visit, and it provides a chance for your social worker to get to know you better. This conversation is meant to give insight into your family’s dynamics, your parenting philosophy and the reasons you’ve chosen adoption.

Going over the questions on this home study adoption checklist can help you prepare for the interview:

Personal Background

  • How do you describe your personality?

  • What hobbies or activities do you enjoy?

  • How do you maintain your well-being?

  • What does a typical day in your household look like?

  • What is your neighborhood like?

  • Can you share a bit about your childhood growing up?

  • How would you describe your relationship with your spouse?

  • Who makes up your support system?

Adoption and Parenthood

  • Why do you want to adopt?

  • What would you like your parenting style to be?

  • How would you handle discipline and set boundaries for a child?

  • Have you had any prior experience with children?

  • How would you adjust your work schedule to accommodate a child?

  • How would you approach conversations about adoption with your child?

  • Are you open to maintaining contact with the birth family? If so, what does that look like to you?

  • What are your long-term goals for your family?

Ready to Get Started?

If you have any questions or concerns about what to expect, where to start or what to prioritize on this home study checklist, we’re here to help. Our social workers can guide you through every step. Call us at 608-821-8220 or email aowinfo@adoptionsofwisconsin.com today to take the next step toward building your family.