Shannon H: but let me state first that the opinions and advice i give is based on my own experiences as a home study consultant, along with the contributions of other social workers as well.

  Judy: Shannon, can you begin by sharing what happens during a home study?

  Shannon H: A home study is often, after making application and gathering all sorts of necessary documentation,....

  Dana W: - has joined the chat -

  Shannon H: one of the most nerve-wracking parts of the adoption process, based on a lot of "unknowns"....

  cindy: Does the home study start after the completion of IMPACT?

  Shannon H: Families are never sure what to expect, so hopefully i can share some knowledge about what workers are really looking for and some things that maybe we are not.

  Shannon H: Cindy, it usually does, but families need to know that the supporting documents are all very necessary in getting started quickly...

  Shannon H: and without gathering them on time, it can delay the study process.

  Shannon H: Most applicants have alot of unfounded concerns about what will happen in a home study....

  Shannon H: They have usually been given alot of "unusual" advice by well meaning friends and family members, some of it being from long ago when a "white glove test" was in place.

  Shannon H: Communication with your social worker is key to everyone knowing what is going on, so don't be afraid to ask questions about what will happen during home study and what you can expect.

  cdunlop: - has joined the chat -

  Judy: How can a family best prepare for the home study?

  Veda: - has joined the chat -

  cindy: can you explain what type of documents are needed

  Shannon H: Many times, a family can prepare by being very open about the things that will be discussed. A problem that sometimes arises....

  Shannon H: is that sometimes, someone does not want to disclose a prior criminal record or a past marriage, or any number of things, but it is important to do so.....

  Shannon H: because these things are found out, and you never want to build mistrust by not divulging that information to your worker before she finds out from another source. Honesty is key.

  Shannon H: A common misconception is that a prior criminal record is automatically grounds for denial, but this is not necessarily true, based of course, on the offense.

  Shannon H: Cindy, the documents are a number of things that help workers find out more about you. Medicals, autobiographies, financial records, criminal background checks....several other documents.

  Shannon H: It really is, to be honest, an invasive process, and many have told me they feel the paperwork makes them feel as though they are being dissected,

  Val65: - has joined the chat -

  Shannon H: however, stories in the paper help us all realize the reasons why a thorough study needs to be done.

  Veda: Shannon, what are some of the things that the Social Worker might do to ease a family's tension during the family assessment or home study?

  Shannon H: It is our role to let the family know what to expect, before the first visit, so that they arent unnecessarily worried about it.....

  Shannon H: For one example, it is not necessary to hire a cleaning crew to come in and scour the house. A clean house is great, but don't overdo. We workers want to see life in your home as it really is.

  Val65: Is it possible for the family to be too honest

  Shannon H: I think it isn't, really. I would rather know all about them including the bad and ugly as well as the good. I have had families who have quite painful pasts that left me believing that it was those very experiences that will lead them to be a terrific parent. Nothing like experiencing life firsthand to make you knowledgable about fixing what went wrong and forging ahead. ...

  Shannon H: Of course, if they haven't dealt with it, that might be a problem area I as a worker would have to discuss with them further.

  Shannon H: It's not necessarily a bad thing to advise them to get counseling if it seems like there are alot of unresolved issues, and while i may not be able to continue with the study at that time, it is possible that they can continue at a later time.

  Val65: Where they approved to adopt?

  Judy: Shannon if you have a family that you denied adoption due to unresolved issues and they received counseling to work on these issues, could they be approved at a later time?

  Shannon H: Another way to ease tension is to possibly offer my assistance in explaining forms and such. Some of it is confusing if you have never done it before.

  Shannon H: Judy, yes they can, depending on the outcome of the counseling. I have talked to counselors to get their assessment of an applicant. What we look for is progress.

  Shannon H: Val, the family i am thinking of was indeed approved. There was just some highly unresolved issues that needed an outlet, and the counselor did an exceptional job helping in this way.

  Shannon H: As an aside, some international programs insist that applicants are given a psychological testing session, but not for any identified reason. it is just one of their requirements.

  cindy: have you ever had to deal with an unfriendly family members, that are not infavor of the couple adopting? How do you deal with that

  Val65: Counseling was the answer, But what if the family had been involved w/a support group for several years and they both feel that and their support group director feels they have come full circle?

  Shannon H: Yes, Cindy. That is the hardest. I've had many instances where one half of a couple truly did not want to follow through with fostering or adopting, and it was more than obvious. When that occurs, we discuss it up front. Sadly, alot of situations like that stop the process, for obvious reasons.

  Val65: were should one go when denied adoption thru their local DFAC office?

  Shannon H: But if it is a family member not in the couple themselves, I talk to the couple about their thoughts on this, and depending on their relationship to this person, we work toward resolution. if it is a family member they never see, it might turn out very differently than if it were a disagreeable person within the home. Each case is different.

  Shannon H: Val, it is best to approach the agency and get an account of why a family was denied approval. it could be something that can be resolved between them.

  Shannon H: Families need to feel empowered to ask questions as well as be asked. The home study is a two way street. Learning in both directions is the best way to have a successful study done.

  Shannon H: Val, i need to go back to your counseling and support group statement. Support groups are wonderful but oftentimes, if a serious problem has arisen, it sometimes falls to a psychologist or psychiatrist to make a statement based on his or her assessment.

  Shannon H: Going back to other things a family can do to help make the study a success....

  Shannon H: this may sound silly, but little things to ask your worker before that first visit are important, like whether they are afraid of dogs, cats, other pets....

  Shannon H: I am intimidated by a large dog meeting me at the door first thing and barking (sometimes growling) furiously. I get distracted and don't even feel like i have made a proper introduction.....

  Shannon H: It would be best to put pets in another room until you ascertain whether the worker has a concern about pets, or even an allergy.

  Shannon H: Also, part of the process involves talking individually to each applicant. Sensitive issues can come up, so make certain you schedule those interviews on dates when other children or household members, that you don't want to discuss these things in front of, are out of the home.

  Veda: Shannon, what about families with disabilities? Are they equally considered for adoption?

  Shannon H: I've had many an unsuccessful interview when a parent was trying to keep little ears from hearing about a past abuse situation, former marriage, arrest, etc. was being discussed.

  Shannon H: Veda, families with disabilities are not discriminated against, or at least shouldn't be. The disability should be discussed at length to determine if the applicant is realistic about their capabilities. It highly depends on what the disability is.

  Shannon H: But I do believe there is a misconception out there that those with disabilities don't get considered.

  Val65: Should agencies give time to fix problems than let families reapply?

  cindy: are private agencies policies more relaxed then that of DFCS?

  Veda: Yes, I believe so. Thanks for clearing that up. I think there are families that are single; gay/lesbian; of a different religion or no religion who might feel that they would be looked at differently by the social worker/agency. How do you think agencies are assisting these families so that they feel more comfortable?

  Val65: DFCS are stricter and don't allow re-applying?

  Shannon H: Cindy, i think most agencies expect the same documents, give or take a couple. I don't really believe they are more relaxed, but that's just my opinion. We all have to be responsible in seeing that the right families are caring for the children.

  Judy: We are almost out of time. Shannon can you address Val's question about reapplying?

  Shannon H: I think the family needs to be very upfront and open about their lifestyle, regardless of what it entails, and check out agencies before they commit.

  cindy: thank you for this enlighting information

  Shannon H: IF an agency seems unwilling to accept a gay or lesbian couple, consider others to see if they will.

  Val65: thank you Val

  Shannon H: Same goes for disabilities, religion, etc.

  Dana W: Would a private agency accept a Gay/Lesbian couple

  Shannon H: I am not sure, to be honest, if DFCS allows re-applying, but it is sure worth the phone call to find out!

  Veda: - has left the chat -

  Shannon H: Dana, yes, I do know agencies that work with gay and lesbian couples. In fact, there are a number for whom this is not a barrier.

  Dana W: I have a family that is afraid to inquire

  Judy: Time has really flown by. Shannon thank you for giving us insight into the home study process and answering so many of our questions.

  Dana W: They would like to adopt but they fear DFACS

  Shannon H: Thank you so much for allowing me to talk about this topic. I hope you were able to come away with good information. I know we are about out of time.

  cindy: I know of a gay/lesbian couple that we approved thru DFCS

  Dana W: Thanks for great information

  Val65: Thanks Shannon Have a good night

  Judy: Goodnight Everyone.

  Val65: Thanks Judy

  Shannon H: Thank you all. Good night.