Choosing a
Social Worker
GWCA
Ohio Regional Office
Homestudy completion time frames are based on:
-
Applicants efficiency completing homestudy paperwork
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Time required for criminal background checks additional background checks for applicants without at least five consecutive years of Ohio residency
-
Backlog of other applications at BCIS
How To Choose A Homestudy Agency:
Are they a non-profit agency?
The agency must be licensed in Ohio or the state in which you reside
Ask if your chosen social worker complete your homestudy
Ask about the time frame is for completing the homestudy
Determine the homestudy and what it entails
Determine your states requirements are for completing the homestudy
Examples of requirements may include but are not limited to:
- Paperwork
- Interviews
- Education requirements
- Parenting classes
- CPR classes
- Adoption education classes
Ask for a list of references from previous clients
Verify agency's experience and history conducting homestudies
Questions For Social Worker:
- Check the availability of your social worker to answer questions
How soon do they return phone calls, emails etc.?
- How well do they understand international adoptions?
- Are they well versed in the state requirements for an adoption?
- The social worker must be licensed to write international homestudies
- Ask for a list of references from previous clients
Verify social workers experience and history conducting homestudies
- Cost of homestudy
- Cost of two post placement interviews (required for China: 6 & 12 months post placement)
**Note: Most adoption homestudies can usually be completed within 45-60 day timeframe.