How to Prepare a Home for an Adopted Child

Research has found that up to 20% of all domestic adoptions fail. If an adoption doesn’t work out, it can have a profound impact both on you and on the child who was supposed to come into your life. Let’s look at some ways that you can maximize the chances of a successful adoption.

Have Your Home Inspected and Cleaned

If your new son or daughter has allergies, it is important to have your home checked for mold or other substances that could exacerbate those issues. An inspection could also reveal dirty ducts or HVAC equipment that needs to be cleaned so that it doesn’t spew dust or pollen into the air. If you have carpets or rugs, make sure that they are professionally cleaned to get rid of dirt, pollen or other particles that may be trapped in the fibers.

Will Your Child and Your Pet Happily Coexist?

While you may consider your cat or dog to be a part of your family, the needs of the child trump the needs of your pet. If your child is allergic to animals, it may be necessary to have the pet placed into another home. The same is true if the animal is timid, shy or aggressive around children.

While it may feel as if you are turning your back on a loyal companion, the last thing that you want is to put either the animal or your child in danger. Our NJ adoption attorney might be able to provide more insight into what to do if your child and pet don’t get along. In some cases, additional obedience training for your pet might lead to positive interactions.

Where Will Your Child Sleep?

It is critical that your child have a place of his or her own to sleep at night. In some cases, your child will be able to simply occupy the empty bedroom down the hall from yours. However, you may have to consider moving your home office to the basement or garage to make room for the child.

If you don’t have any spare rooms, you may be able to remodel your home to accommodate the new addition to your family. The attic or basement could be converted to a bedroom that meets your child’s needs. In the event that you are adopting an older child or a teen, you will want to create a space that affords him or her as much privacy as possible.

How Will You Guard Against Potential Security Risks?

You generally won’t be considered at fault if someone breaks into your home in the middle of the night. However, it doesn’t mean that you can’t or shouldn’t take steps to protect your child from as many dangers as possible. You may want to consider installing an alarm system or adopting a large animal that can help keep your youngster safe in the event of a home intrusion.

It can also be worthwhile to buy new locks for your garage door or any other doors that lead directly into the home. For maximum security, look for products that require recognition of a fingerprint or entering a series of numbers before the door will open.

Get Rid of Outdoor Hazards

In addition to getting rid of hazards that may exist inside the home, you will need to also remove potential hazards that exist outside of it. For example, trees that are dead or dying could potentially topple over onto your house. Insects, rodents and other pests could hide in tall grasses, which can make them difficult for a child to see while playing in the yard. Finally, be sure to eliminate nails, scrap metal or anything else that could poke or puncture your child.

If you are looking for the legal representation of a conscientious NJ adoption attorney, feel free to contact Cofsky & Zeidman in Haddonfield, NJ, at (856) 429-5005. You can also contact our office in Woodbury, NJ, by dialing (856) 845-2555, and it is possible to reach our firm online, too.