What Should I Expect From a Home Evaluation During an Adoption?

 Posted on July 31, 2025 in Family Law

Adopting a child is a serious undertaking, no matter if you are related to the child by blood or if you are going through an agency. As a prospective parent, you will have to participate in a home evaluation before the court approves the final adoption. This can be intimidating, but a North Texas family law attorney can help you prepare for a visit from a licensed social worker.

When it comes to handling sensitive issues like adoption and child custody, you deserve a caring, attentive attorney at your side. At Moore Family Law, P.C., we can provide you with strong counsel and representation to facilitate your adoption and protect the child’s best interests.

Criminal Background Checks During the Texas Adoption Process

The Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) goes to great lengths to vet parents who are looking to adopt a child. This includes running a criminal background check within the household to make sure that the child is placed in a safe home.

Faced with this requirement, many people wonder if having a criminal record will disqualify them from adopting. Ultimately, it depends on the crime. DFPS is concerned about the child’s stability and well-being over all else. 

A misdemeanor conviction for a non-violent crime may not disqualify you from adoption, but a conviction of a sex crime or crimes against children will result in disqualification. Other criminal convictions like aggravated assault may also bar you from adopting a child.

Interview Questions Before an Adoption

As part of the adoption process, parents may also have to participate in interviews with the social worker. These interviews give DFPS a clearer picture of who the parents are and whether or not they can provide a suitable environment for the child. Some of these interview questions may include:

• What do you do for a living?

• What is your relationship with your family?

• How would other people describe you?

• Do you have any health conditions?

• What is your preferred parenting style?

• What kind of education will you give your child?

• Why do you want to adopt?

These are only a few possible questions that a social worker may ask. DFPS does not expect parents to be infallible human beings, so be prepared to answer these questions honestly. 

What Do Social Workers Note in Home Visits?

DFPS will also want to know about the child’s physical environment. The social worker will look through the home to make sure practical safety measures are in place, like covers for outlets, gates for stairs, and smoke detectors. The overall cleanliness of the home will also be noted in the social worker’s evaluation.

Contact a North Texas Adoption Lawyer Today

The home evaluation is a critical part of the adoption process. At Moore Family Law, P.C., we can help you prepare for a visit from DFPS and address any possible concerns that may arise during the evaluation. With over 20 years of legal experience, our Collin County, TX family law attorney is more than qualified to assist with your adoption case. Call our offices at 214-764-8033 to set up an initial consultation.