Tips/Advice needed

crene84

Any tips for the home study?  I've seen lots of posts about making cookies or what not.  I figured I'd make some brownies, a) to make our house smell nice and b) to offer to her.  For the most part I'm not very nervous about it.  I think TV makes it look much worse than it really is.  I talked to my social worker last night and she seemed very nice.

I know this may be quite a ways off, but when you met with your BM, did you take a photo album?  What kinds of things would you advise we do?

Thanks!

jackieo1309

The home visit seems much more nerve-wracking than it actually is I made some muffins and offered coffee or tea since our visit was at 9AM. Cookies/brownies don't sound like a bad idea but make sure you give yourself enough time so you aren't too stressed trying to finish them on time. And if you really want to have a snack to offer I would make sure you have some cheese/fruit or something as a back-up in case something happens to the cookies. Although I'm sure every agency and SW is different, ours only spent about 5 minutes looking around our apartment. I felt more comfortable knowing the place was clean but they definitely would not have noticed if I didn't dust behind the TV. So definitely spend some time cleaning up but don't make yourself crazy...it should look like you actually LIVE there also. I don't really have any advice on meeting with a BM since we aren't there yet. Good luck with the homestudy!

IRR

Our SW didn't spend much time at our house for the homestudy and I wasn't even home, my DH was here.  We just met our birthparents last weekend.  I didn't bring photos, but i had my digital camera which had lots of photos on it and showed those to BM.  Her DD looks a little like my cousins daughter so I certainly wanted to show her that in some ways her child will fit perfectly into our family.  We didn't have a supervised visit, so it was awkward at times. We spent a total of 10 hours with them over 2 days.  We did bring gifts for their two kids and I spend a lot of time playing with their LO's.

Robby6

I agree with pp- the homestudy seems more intimidating than it actually is. The sw is by far more interested in you as a family than your home (as long as you are up to state code, or have a plan to be soon). That being said, brownies is a nice gesture, but definitely not necessary.

Foster1Mom

It is a thousand times worse in your head than it really is. I really was stressed over it and even DH said "that was not bad at all". Our SW would not even accept a bottle of water. Which I have heard is common. Best of luck! Relax we promise we are not lying.

Dr.Loretta

I'd ask how long the home visit would be, and if they wanted any snacks. We prepared some, but they only stayed 45 minutes and didn't eat/drink anything. Each HS is different though.

A photo album is a great idea/ice breaker for meeting expectant parents. My only other advice is to admit that you're nervous. It usually helps, because they are too!

kmkaull2

I agree with the others, do not stress for a minute about the home visit.  We were told not to bake or offer any food, so our SW just had water.

Our SW was very laid back and made the visit comfortable.  I had to beg her to look at the basement (because I cleaned it!)