Reasons People May Fail the Home Study During an Adoption
The process of adopting a child can be one of the most rewarding experiences of a family’s life. The potential for adding to your family is both exciting and stressful, especially considering the many difficulties of navigating the adoption process. Due to the significance of adopting a child, the state and adoption agencies may require prospective adoptive families to undergo studies and tests to ensure that the adoptive child is the best fit for that family, including a home study on the family members. Here are some of the most common reasons a family may not pass the home study during an adoption.
A Parent Has a Criminal History
During the home study, adoption agencies are looking for parents who will be the best role models for their kids. Although a criminal history, including felony or misdemeanor convictions, is not always representative of who a person is, an adoption agency may feel that a parent with a criminal background is not the best fit for a child. As long as a parent is truthful regarding their background, most minor charges will not prevent them from adopting. However, adoption is usually prohibited for people with convictions for sex crimes involving a child or child abuse charges.
Other Family Members in the Home
The state and agencies consider all family members living in the home during the home study. This can include other children, aunts, uncles, nannies, or grandparents. It is important to take into account the entire dynamic of a home before another child is added into the equation. For example, if there are other children in the family that express an inability to accept an adoptive sibling, or if another person in the home has a criminal background, adoption agencies may feel it would be in the child’s best interest to be placed elsewhere.
Family Finances
The home study is comprehensive and includes the financial health of the family as well. Adoption agencies are looking to place a child with a family that is in good shape to provide that child with all of his or her necessities. Prospective adoptive families will be required to disclose their financial statements. If an agency or the state feels that the financial stability of the parents may not meet a child’s needs, they may fail the home study.
Health Concerns
Not only are parents required to have their financial health up to standard when adopting a child, but their physical health must be well, too. A significant health concern may impact a child, especially if one of the parents has a life-threatening illness. This is to protect the child from emotional trauma from a sick parent or an unsuitable parent who can’t care for a child physically.
Talk to a Will County Adoption Attorney
If you are looking to adopt a child, our Will County adoption attorneys at Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C. are prepared to guide you through the process. Adopting a child is no small feat, and our firm wants to help you align all of the necessary documents to successfully complete the process. For a free consultation, call us at 815-666-1285 today.
Source(s):
https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2098&ChapterID=59
https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=075000500K1
Please provide your Name or Case Number when submitting a payment. Thank you.
Will County Divorce Attorney, Plainfield Residential Real Estate Lawyer
Contact Our Firm
The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.
I have read and understand the Disclaimer and Privacy Policy.
