Homestudy Question

Robeano

I have a question for you ladies. We are not doing our home study for a while. but we will be renovating soon. we have our bedroom in the basement and it is unfinished. the rest of our bedrooms are on the main floor. When we do a renovation should we build a bedroom in the basement? Does the home study look for parents and children to be on the same level? thank you for any advice!

cadgirl

We are doing foster care, so it might be a bit different, and it could also be different in your state... but... if we want any "nonambulatory" children, in other words, children under a year old, they have to be on the main floor, or a floor with a means of escape directly outside to the ground.  I don't think it mattered what floor we slept on.

 My advice would be to call around to agencies, or the state and see if you can get a copy of the regulations that you will be expected to comply with for the homestudy.

Dr.Loretta

IMO it depends. Ask your SW. They will be more than happy to answer the question for you.

Robeano

Angst, I was afraid you guys would say that. I was hoping there was some generic rule across the board that would make life easy. But when does that ever happen .

Well waiting on my case worker to call me and start our intake (she was on vacation this week and won't be back at work until Monday)

jacksjerseygirl

For private adoption ... people's homes come in all sizes and layouts just like people's lives are not perfect. 

Your home should be comfortable for you and of course meet safety and code requirements. 

If it works best and your layout works best in having children on one level and parents on the other - then it is what it is. If your home came with that layout a SW or adoption agency could not tell you to move in order to adopt. Again, so long as there as code is met and safety issues are thought through. 

Even if you weren't adopting and you had that layout you would make sure to think through the safety issues. Is there a fire exit? Is there an exterior exit that a child could unlock and get out without you knowing? Do you have stair safety. And so forth. 

Honestly, with an older child I wouldn't have an issue with different floors but with a young child/newborn I would. But that doesn't speak to what is 'required' just personal preference.