Any Social Workers here?

Question

I had a call recently wanting to know what kind of things are looked for during a home study. This lady is really trying to pull her life together and will have a home visit sometime soon. She was wondering if every kid had to have there own dresser, etc. If beds had to be on frames for if they could be on the floor? Any information would be helpful!!
Thank you!!

Answer 1

If this is a home study being conducted to assess her fitness as a parent, the person conducting the study will be looking to see if the children's basic needs are being met. Therefore, it shouldn't really matter if the beds are in frames. Better on the floor than on a rickety or unsafe bedframe. There will need to be a reasonable degree of cleanliness. Not spotless, but not three days worth of dishes in the sink or a cat litter box that hasn't been emptied in days. Safety will be a concern. If there are small children, you don't want stuff on the floor that they could put in their mouths, or access to cupboards with cleaning supplies or medicines. Every child doesn't need their own dresser, but each child should have some kind of space that is their own, even if it is just a drawer in a dresser that is shared. It will be viewed positively if the home is "child oriented." That is if there is space to play, if there are things in the home that would be stimulating for a child; if there's a place to do homework. Depending on the reason for the visit, they may look to see if there is food in the cupboards and clean clothing for the children to wear. The mom probably shouldn't go overboard and try to create a false impression. It's pretty easy to tell when things in a home are set up as fake and if there are young children present, they'll have a hard time keeping up the lie. Much better to present your home as you live in it - just the best version of how you live in it. Hope that helps.