Passing Adoption Background Checks in Iowa
When you are planning to adopt in Iowa, background checks can be an important part of the process.
This process, much like the intake process of birth parents, ensures a safe and secure environment for your future child.
To learn more about the adoption background check, call 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our online contact form today.
What Checks Are Done for Adoption?
At the start of your adoption journey, your agency will evaluate several aspects of your life, including:
- Home environment
- Relationship with your significant other
- Relationship with your family
- Criminal history (if applicable)
- Medical records
A key part of adoption checks is the adoption home study.
The Adoption Home Study
The home study assesses the safety and suitability of your home. The social worker will:
- Visit your home
- Conduct background checks
- Interview each family member
- Perform a psychological evaluation
You’ll need to provide important documents such as birth certificates, proof of income and employment, insurance, and medical records. The social worker will also ensure child-proofing measures like locked windows and doors, covered electrical outlets, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and gated stairs are in place.
Adoptive Family Profiles
After completing the screening, we'll assist you in creating an adoption profile. This profile, shown to prospective birth parents, may include a unique video profile featuring interviews with you, close friends, and family members, giving birth parents a better understanding of you and your lifestyle.
Passing the Adoption Background Check
When expectant mothers review families, it will give them peace of mind to know you've completed the necessary background checks. Although the adoption background check involves several steps, dedication to the process is essential.
With over 30 years of experience, we have helped create hundreds of families and continue to support adoptive families, birth parents and children.
Your Adoption Background Check with a Licensed Professional
We are licensed throughout the state of Iowa, so no matter where you are located, we can help you meet your county’s requirements and complete the homestudy that will allow you to fulfill your dreams.
Talk to an Adoption Specialist Today
We bring decades of experience and personal insights, and several have been through the adoption process themselves. They can provide specific guidance about Iowa's home study and adoption background check requirements.
For more information about the adoption background check, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-ADOPTION today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far back does a background check go in Iowa?
Background checks go at least 5 years back for adoption and foster care background checks in Iowa. That means that everyone in the household will have background checks done for the previous five years, and possibly longer.
Can a felon adopt a child in Iowa?
Some felonies disqualify individuals from adopting, including but not limited to child endangerment, neglect, abandonment, domestic abuse, crimes against children, forcible felonies, or drug related offenses within the previous five years.
What disqualifies you from being a foster parent in Iowa?
Certain crimes can disqualify you from being a foster parent as well as other criteria. While there is no comprehensive list of everything that could disqualify you from being a foster parent, social workers who assess readiness for foster parenting are generally looking for a safe and stable home that a child can thrive in.
Do you get a monthly check when you adopt a child in Iowa?
Under certain circumstances, you can receive money to offset the cost of caring for a foster child or adopted child when you adopt through the state. This helps families adopt children that they may not otherwise be able to care for.
Disclaimer
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