THE HOME STUDY
In Arkansas, as in most states, only Licensed Certified Social Workers (LCSW), or Licensed Social Workers (LSW) who are supervised by an LCSW, are legally empowered to conduct and prepare home studies. Specific requirements for home studies vary by state and agency, so be sure to ask for a list of the items and information your agency needs. Home studies in the state of Arkansas are governed by the Arkansas’ Minimum Licensing Standards for Child Welfare Agencies (Standards). You must have documents addressing the following issues (Standards 100.4):
Proof that the adoptive applicants have been married at least two (2) years.
Notarized divorce decrees from any previous marriages;
Proof of a physical exam within six (6) months prior to the approval by the social worker or agency conducting the home study, and annually thereafter until placement to ensure that no person has a health condition or disability that would interfere with the family’s ability to care for a child.
The agency or social worker conducting the home study will process the following background checks.
Criminal background checks for each person 16 years or older in the household dated within one (1) year prior to placement; (For domestic adoptions an FBI check is required if you have been an Arkansas resident less than six years.)
Child maltreatment checks for each person 10 years of age and older in the household dated within one (1) year prior to placement.
(Standards 300.3) The adoptive home study shall contain the following information, current to within one (1) year prior to each adoptive placement: The home study shall be approved only by the social worker or agency conducting the home study.
1. The family's motivation for adoption and the desired characteristics of the child or children to be adopted.
2. Each family member's attitudes toward adoption.
3. Attitudes of the applicants toward the birth parent(s), including parent search issues.
4. Resolution of any infertility issues.
5. The mental health, emotional stability, and maturity of the applicants.
6. The physical health of all household members, including a physician’s statement to the social worker or agency conducting the home study that a medical exam was performed.
7. The financial status and stability of the family, including proof to the social worker or agency conducting the home study of income and employment.
8. At least three (3) confidential personal references on the family.
9. The family's ability to cope with stress, loss, and crisis.
10. Adjustment and well being of any minors residing in the home.
11. The family's child-caring skills and willingness to acquire additional skills.
12. The family's discipline practices.
13. Religious affiliation.
14. A description of the home, its location, and its environment.
15. An assessment of the safety of the home, including all water hazards, dangerous pets and firearm safety. All firearms shall be maintained in a secure, locked location.
16. A statement in the home study narrative or an addendum that the adoptive parents report to the social worker or agency conducting the home study that they have or have not been denied approval as an adoptive home in the past, and if so, why.
17. A statement regarding the availability and results from criminal records and child maltreatment central registry checks, dated to within one (1) year prior to placement.
18. The stability of the adoptive family and their marriage, if applicable, shall be discussed and determined to be appropriate.
19. A recommendation regarding adoption, including the age, sex, characteristics, and special needs of children best served by this family.
20. If the adoptive family experiences any major life changes (e.g., marriage, divorce, separation, health changes, change of residence, change of household composition), the social worker or agency shall re-evaluate the family prior to placement of a child. An additional home visit is required if there had been a change of residence.