9 CAR § 40-1103 – Content of the home study

(a) Purpose of the home study. Discuss the basis of the action and primary persons involved.
(b) Motivation. The individual’s or individuals’ motivation for opening his or her home.
(c) Household composition. The full legal names of everyone residing in the home, birth dates, relationships to one (1) another, and a brief physical description.
(d) Housing. Address and location, type of structure, length of time at residence, upkeep and housekeeping standards, future residence plans, and sleeping arrangements.
(e) Safety hazards. An assessment of the safety of the home and grounds including:
1. (1) Water hazards;
2. (2) Swimming pools;
3. (3) Hot tubs;
4. (4) Dangerous pets; and
5. (5) Other hazardous items/areas.
(f) Income and expenses.
1. (1) Employment history for the last six (6) years (duration, salary, duties/title, degree of job security, hours), other sources of income, monthly living expenses, outstanding debts, and insurance.
2. (2) A recent check stub and the previous year’s income tax return are required to verify income and employment.
(g) Health. Current health of each family member, prior illnesses or medical problems, disabilities, clinic or doctor utilized and frequency of use, counseling (when and purpose), and hospitalization for alcohol abuse, drug abuse, or mental illness.
(h) Education. Family members’ educational attainment, future educational plans, parenting classes attended, child’s school, child’s teacher (verification with school personnel on how the child is doing, academically and behaviorally), child’s current school grades, child’s educational functioning, any school problems or successes experienced by the child.
(i) Childcare arrangements or plans. Current arrangement or proposed arrangement as it relates to their working hours and income.
(j) Child rearing practices. Purpose of discipline, correction methods, how they show affection, how they handle stress, allowance, chores, and homework.
(k) Daily schedule. Routines, sleeping habits, feeding habits, personal hygiene habits, and consistency with routine.
(l) Social history. Highlights and verification regarding action of marriages and divorces, children, relationships’ support system, future plans, any significant extended family members not living in the home, and any significant personal, developmental, personality, or legal problems.
(m) Family activities. Religious interests, social organizations, activities with children, and family roles.
(n) Collateral and reference contacts.
1. (1) Discuss the results of contacts with the CFS-316: Request for Child Maltreatment Central Registry Check, CFS-342: State Police Criminal Record Check (this check is also required), school, childcare providers, and reference letters for the home study.
2. (2) Any problems or concerns identified through collateral or reference contacts should be shared when appropriate with the family for clarification and further discussion.
(o) Impressions, conclusions, and recommendations. Evaluate the family’s situation and ability to provide for a child based on the information obtained during the home study.
(p) Approval. If the agency approves the foster parent or parents the agency shall specify in the home study the number, age, sex, and other characteristics of children for whom the home is approved to provide care.