In the homestudy process.

maryoosa · October 2012

So we are, I guess, in the "Homestudy Process" meaning, we've paid our first Homestudy fee, which with our agency releases their paperwork

to us (nice right?). We've filled out and returned the bulk of our paperwork-all financial information, all fingerprinting, and clearances and such.

We still need our physicals, but couldn't get in with our doctor until November 12th for physicals (she only does them on weekdays from 9-2 and well ya know, some of us have jobs). We're also waiting for my partner's revised birth certificate- She had a legal name change a year ago and the agency wants the birth certificate with the new name rather than just the court order certified name change and the old birth certificate (why would it be easy). And my partner hasn't finished her autobiography yet.

We have a family advocate at our agency, though I lose that term loosely, I haven't spoken to my actual "family advocate" since she called to "welcome us" to the agency and ask for the "homestudy fee" since then, she's not available and I've been talking to an intern or to the receptionist. We are going to a weekend education class with the agency at the end of November and if things haven't picked up in terms of customer service by then, I'll say something to the agency owner.

So once we finish up the rest of the paperwork, we send them another chunk of cash so that they can assign a social worker to us. It just feels so slow. Plus I'm having major anxiety that our gargantuan student loan debt (you have a mortgage, I have student loans) will knock us our because of a debt to income ratio.

DaisyZH · October 2012

That sounds frustrating. I don't have experience with the homestudy process yet, but I know it can seem time-consuming and challenging to get all of the details just right. I know it's a mountain of paperwork and when you have jobs and everyday life I'm sure it's not easy to get through. You will though, and it will be so worth it in the end.

If you're not happy with the service at your agency, speak up and share your concerns. Can you ask them about your student loan debt and if they've had experiences with others in debt and how their homestudy went? This might put your mind at ease, nowadays there are many people in a lot of student debt. I have several friends whose student loan payments are roughly equivalent to a mortgage payment.

(( Hugs )) You'll get through this, someday the homestudy will be a great big checkmark on your to-do list and you'll feel so relieved.

Allie-Jo · October 2012

I'm sorry you are having issues with the agency thus far. It's crazy enough going through all of this without the total support of the agency, and I think you definately should speak up if you feel you aren't getting the support you need.

But, congrats on getting everything started! It will feel so good to get it all done!

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