Home Study

Crossroads Youth Services is not required to perform a home study until after the background screening applications of all persons 18 years of age or older who reside in the home are approved.

A narrative home study shall be completed by a mental health worker (SSW or higher) licensed by the State of Utah.

The home study shall include, but not be limited to:

(i) background and current information of each caregiver, including but not limited to information regarding family of origin, discipline used by parents, family history or presence of abuse or neglect, use of substances, education, employment, relationship with extended family, mental and physical health history, stress reduction techniques, values, and interests;

(ii) marital relationship information, including but not limited to areas of conflict, communication, how problems are resolved, and how responsibilities are shared;

(iii) family demographical information, including but not limited to ages, ethnicity, languages spoken, dates of birth, gender, relationships, and history of adoption;

(iv) family characteristics including but not limited to functioning, cohesion, interests, work/life balance, family activities, ethnicity, culture, and values;

(v) child care and supervision arrangements;

(vi) physical characteristics of the home, including neighborhood and school information;

(vii) motivation for doing foster care, including assessment of interest in adoption vs. foster care only;

(viii) assessment of understanding and expectations of children in foster care;

(ix) previous experience caring for children;

(x) current and planned methods of discipline, use of privileges, family rules;

(xi) previous experience with children with special needs or trauma histories;

(xii) assessment of informal and formal supports;

(xiii) assessment of willingness and ability to access support and resources;

(xiv) finances, including bankruptcies;

(xv) applicant strengths and weaknesses;

(xvi) applicant history of any and all previous applications, home studies, or licenses/certifications related to providing foster care;

(xvii) assessment of ability to actively engage in achieving the custodial agency's identified outcomes for foster children; and

(xviii) recommendations for child matching, capacity, training, and support needs.