Written by Jonathan Breeden
A successful adoption interview brings you one step closer to welcoming a new addition to your family. Whether you want to adopt a child through foster care, a private domestic agency, or international adoption, the agency, organization, or individual is looking for a safe, loving home.
You’ll want to prepare for your home study like a job interview. Although it is difficult to predict the exact questions an adoption agent would ask, we’ve compiled a list of the most common. Knowing what kinds of questions to expect gives you a better opportunity to showcase your strengths as a potential parent.
Adoption interviews are part of the pre-placement assessment and take place in your home. The agent will also confirm that your home (house, apartment, or condominium) is safe for a baby or child without apparent hazards.
North Carolina has other legal requirements for adoption that you can see here.
Typically, adoption interviews begin with some preliminary questions that might include:
Another set of questions you can expect is biographical. The agent might ask about your childhood and personality traits, such as:
You’ll want to prepare for some fact-finding questions. It’s natural to put yourself in the best light but always be truthful. Keep in mind that you’ll have to submit financial information, health report, and criminal background check.
These practical questions often include:
These questions get to the heart of the adoption interview. This is your opportunity to share your perspective and goals as a potential parent with the agent.
Adoption is a life-long commitment. You’ll want to devote sufficient time to become familiar with the questions and think about your answers.
Review these questions and consider some that may apply to your specific circumstances. You can also learn more about domestic adoption home studies from the Children’s Bureau at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website.
Refresh your memory on dates and events that might come up. For example, the year you started at your current job.
Taking the time to write down potential questions and your answers helps clarify your response. The act of writing also helps you remember what you want to say.
You and your spouse or significant other could role-play. Take turns asking and answering questions.
Give realistic, truthful answers. No one is perfect. For example, if you and your spouse survived a rough spot in your relationship, talk about how you worked through it.
Whatever you do, don’t lie. Covering up or purposefully omitting something could jeopardize the adoption.
Take a few deep breaths if you get nervous during the adoption interview. You aren’t the first prospective parent to feel anxious about the home study. An adoption agent or social worker can tell when someone has taken the time to prepare for this critical home study. That works in your favor, too.
Adoption is a joyful journey. It’s also a serious legal commitment that requires knowledge and an in-depth understanding of some complicated procedures. An experienced North Carolina adoption lawyer helps you understand your rights and responsibilities.
At the Breeden Law Office, we’ve helped many others navigate their adoption journey. We’d be honored to help you, too.
Reach out online or call (919) 661-4970 and schedule a consultation.