A home study is conducted to ensure that each child is placed in a suitable home and that good matches are made between children and families. Home studies ensure that prospective foster parents can meet basic needs, health needs, safety needs, and special needs of children. Home studies provide perspective and knowledge of fostering after completion of TN-KEY.
The home study provides information using Family History Questionnaires, interviews, assessment criteria, a history of your child rearing, and your TN-KEY homework.
An extensive amount of paperwork is required to complete your home study file:
Verifications Checklist (Please print this form for record keeping purposes. Date and initial each section as you complete the forms/verifications. Highlighted items need to be sent to Raymond Hand. All non-highlighted items will be completed by the home study writer or Raymond.)
Home files:
Application for foster or adoptive parenting
Family History Questionnaire (download)
Background checks:
Drug Screen (download and print to bring to lab)
Respite Provider Paperwork (to be completed by adults providing respite care to a current licensed foster family)
Medical and Financial:
Adult Medical Form (download and bring to physical exam)
Child Medical Form (download and bring to physical exam)
Monthly Family Income and Expenditures (download and complete worksheet)
Vaccine Exception Declaration Form
Forms and Policy:
Abuse Reporting and Safety Restraints
AdoptUSKids Information Acknowledgment
Notification of Equal Access (Title VI)
Policies and Procedures Signature Page
Foster Home Disclosure Acknowledgement
Home Safety Checklist (to be completed by home study writer; download a copy to see expectations)
Parenting Strengths and Needs Checklist (To complete online, click here.)
Verifications: Copies of each of these verifications are required to be part of your file. Submit these documents to your home study writer.
- Birth certificates for all household members
- Driver Licenses for all licensed drivers in the home
- Marriage Certificate
- Divorce Decree (if applicable)
- Adoption Decree (if applicable)
- Auto registration and insurance
- Health insurance
- Homeowner/Renter insurance
- Veterinary records (if applicable)
- Handgun carry permit (if applicable)
