What to Expect in Adoption Interviews

Beyond the paperwork and home visit, your adoption case worker will spend time talking with you (and your partner, if applicable) through one-on-one interviews. These conversations are an essential part of the adoption home study process and help the case worker better understand your background, your parenting approach, and your readiness to welcome a child into your family. Think of this step as an opportunity to share your story—not a test you have to “pass.”

Common Topics

· Family history: Childhood experiences, relationships with your parents and siblings and the experiences that shaped you. This helps them understand the kind of environment you grew up in and how it influences the parent you hope to be.

· Parenting philosophy: How you plan to handle discipline, routines, education, and emotional support, and the values you hope to instill in a child. There is no “right” philosophy—what matters is that you’ve thought through the responsibilities of parenting.

· Motivation to adopt: Why adoption, and why now? Case workers want to hear about your journey, what led you to consider adoption, and how you’ve prepared emotionally and practically for this transition.

· Support systems: Who will be there to help you once a child joins your family? Case workers will ask about the people in your life, including family, friends, and community members.

Individual vs. Couple Interviews

If you’re married or partnered, some questions will be asked together and some separately to get a full picture of each person’s perspective. This balanced approach gives the case worker a fuller understanding of each person’s background, strengths, communication style, and perspectives on parenting. It also helps them see how you work as a team.

Tips for Success

· Be honest—there’s no such thing as the “perfect” answer.

· Share openly about challenges you’ve overcome (this shows resilience).

· Remember: the goal is understanding, not judgment.