The Home Study Process

Home Visit

Home visits primarily serve to ensure your home meets state licensing standards (e.g., working smoke alarms, safe storage of firearms, safe water, adequate space for each child, etc.) The social worker will want to see all areas of your home, including where the children will sleep, and the back yard. She will be looking for how you plan to accommodate a new family member. Social workers are not typically inspecting your housekeeping standards. A certain level of order is necessary, but some family clutter is expected.

The home visits also allow for discussion in a quiet, comfortable setting. It should be casual and informal, providing families the opportunity to establish a positive, trusting relationship with the social worker. We usually spend about two hours on our visit together. International home studies may require additional visits, and the length of each visit may vary. Additional visits are required after placement of the child in the home.

Income Statements

You do not have to be rich to adopt; you just have to show you can manage your finances responsibly and that your income is adequate for the child or children you are seeking to adopt. Some countries have minimum income requirements for international adoptions.

Legal Clearances

We will guide you in obtaining the necessary clearances. Depending on the type of home study needed, a local, state and/or national criminal record background report will be required. There is also a requirement for a background report from the Department of Children and Families to demonstrate that you have no history of child abuse.

Medical Reports

An office visit with your family physician is all that is usually necessary. We will provide you with the basic information needed.

References

Five reference letters are required. Adoption Home Study Resources will provide guidelines for your references.

Other Requirements

Depending on the type of home study required, the Adoption Home Study Resources social worker will review additional documents that are required.