DGC 044 — What Caseworkers and Judges Look For in a Home Study

About this episode  

In this episode of the Daddy Got Custody Podcast, Fred Campos, @FullCustodyDad and 27-year custody veteran, explains what caseworkers and judges may actually be looking for during a custody home study — and why the visit is about far more than whether your house is clean.

Fred walks through the practical details fathers should think about before a home study, including basic safety, organization, food in the home, sleeping arrangements, the child’s bedroom, school materials, family photos, and the everyday signs that show a child truly lives there and is part of the household. He also explains why a home does not need to look perfect or staged — it needs to look safe, stable, comfortable, and genuinely lived in.

Just as important, Fred talks about the father himself. Caseworkers may be paying attention to how prepared you are, how you speak about the other parent, whether you understand your child’s routine and needs, and whether you come across as calm, involved, and focused on your child’s best interest.

A successful home study is not about having the nicest house. It is about showing that your child has a safe, stable home — and a father who is actively involved in their life.