Gerald A. Bowman, LCSW, ACSW
Working In Adoption With Americans Abroad Since 1989
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Adoption Consultant
Commonwealth of Virginia # 0904000968
Clinical Member, American Association
of Marriage & Family Therapists
National Qualified Social Worker
Republic of Ireland # ND/20/160902
Member, International Adoption Consortium (IAC)
Veldener Str. 52
80687 Munich, Germany
Telephone In Germany: (089) 54639903
Telephone outside of Germany: 1-49-89-54639903
Mobile Phone in Germany: 01709614160
Mobile Phone outside of Germany: 1-49-1709614160
Email: homestudy@geraldbowman.de
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS A HOME STUDY?
A home study is a detailed overview of a family wanting to adopt. It is a process as well as an official document.
IS THE HOME STUDY NECESSARY?
Yes, a home study is required for all adoptions, domestic (USA) or International.
ARE YOU LICENSED? WILL YOUR HOME STUDY BE ACCEPTED BY THE AGENCY THAT I AM WORKING WITH?
Yes, I am licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
In over 14 years I have worked with many couples and singles who worked with a wide variety
of agencies, both private and public.
WHEN SHOULD THE HOME STUDY BE COMPLETED?
The home study should be completed as soon as possible. However, it is important that all documentation is in
place prior to the home visits.
HOW LONG IS THE HOME STUDY VALID?
The home study is good for 12 to 18 months.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE PROCESS TAKES LONGER THAN ONE YEAR OR THERE ARE CHANGES IN
THE ORIGINAL HOME STUDY?
If necessary I can do a home study update or addendum. This can involve an additional fee
depending on what is required.
WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE NECESSARY FOR THE HOME STUDY?
I will provide you with a list of documents that you need to
have in order for the home study to be completed. I include this in the
questionaire that I send once we have agreed to work together.
HOW OFTEN ARE WE REQUIRED TO MEET?
I do one home visit unless I am requested to do more than one. I arrange to meet at a convenient time
for a minimum of 4 hours or a shorter time frame if it more than one visit is required.
ARE YOU GOING TO PASS OR FAIL US? WHAT SHOULD WE EXPECT?
I as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker am there to:
1) Complete an evaluation of the family or person,
2) provide professional guidance and information,
3) answer any questions regarding the adoption process,
4) advocate for the family.
WHAT IS THE HOME STUDY COST?
This varies depending on location, whether is an international or domestic adoption and the amount of
administrative tasks required (documentation beyond just the home study). I prefer to discuss costs with individuals once we have spoken in person, by email, or telephone.
WHAT DOES THE HOME STUDY FEE INCLUDE?
The fee includes all consultations with clients or others involved in the adoption process (e.g., adoption
agency, DHS, etc.), home visit, travel time, copies of the home study, and completion of the home study.
The fee does not include travel costs, overnight costs (if necessary), and some administrative costs
( express mail, notarization, apostile fees, etc.).
ARE YOU LIMITED IN WHERE YOU CAN TRAVEL TO MEET A FAMILY THAT REQUIRES THESE SERVICES?
No, I can provide these services in Europe, the USA, the Middle East, Asia, anywhere in the world.
WILL YOU WORK WITH MORE THAN ONE FAMILY IN ONE LOCATION OR IN ONE VISIT?
Yes. I encourage this because if there is more than one couple or person in location,
then they can share the travel and overnight costs of the home visit.
WHAT ABOUT POST PLACEMENT SERVICES?
These are generally required for all adoptions and the number of visits/reports varies. This is separate from the home
study and needs to be discussed individually. I contract with every family that I work with to provide these services.
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