adoptive parents
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The Basics of an Adoption Home Study
Once prospective adoptive parents apply to adopt a child, the laws of all 50 States and the District of Columbia require that the applicants undergo a "home study." This process involves education and preparation as well as the gathering of all pertinent information about the prospective parents. Ideally, the home study helps to build a partnership between the adoption social worker and the applicants.
Some hopeful parents may face the seemingly daunting process with tender egos and mounting anxiety that they will not be "approved." Armed with accurate information, however, prospective parents can get through the home study experience with confidence and the excitement that should accompany the prospect of welcoming a child into the family.
While there is no set format used to conduct home studies, all home study entities must follow the general regulations of their State. This allows for the freedom to develop their own application packet, policies, and procedures within those regulations. Some home study agencies will have prospective parents attend one or several group orientation sessions or a series of training classes before they complete an application. Others will have a social worker meet with family members individually and then ask that they attend educational meetings at a later date. Usually agency staff members are glad to answer any questions and to guide applicants through the process.
The Report
The home study itself is a written report of the findings of the social worker who has met with the applicants on several occasions, both individually and together, usually at the social worker's office. At least one meeting will occur in the applicant's home. If there are other people living in the home, they will also be interviewed.
The home study process, the contents of the written home study report, and the time it will take to complete vary from State to State and from agency to agency. On average, the process takes three to six months to complete, but it can take longer through public agencies or less time through private providers. In general, the following information is included in the home study:
- Personal and family background-including upbringing, siblings, key events, and what was learned from them
- Significant people in the lives of the applicants
- Marriage and family relationships
- Motivation to adopt
- Expectations for the child
- Feelings about infertility (if this is an issue)
- Parenting and integration of the child into the family
- Family environment
- Physical and health history of the applicants
- Education, employment and finances-including insurance coverage and child care plans if needed
- References and criminal background clearances
- Summary and social worker's recommendation.
See National Adoption Information Clearinghouse for more information.
Email or call 1-800-FOR-ADOPT in confidence!
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"Our hearts and our home are now filled with smiles and coos..."
- Kevin & Tracy
