What is a home study?
A home study is a written report containing the findings of a social worker who has met on several occasions with the prospective adoptive parents, has visited their home, and has investigated their family, health, finances, medical and criminal background. If there are other individuals living in the home of the prospective adoptive parents, they will also be interviewed and investigated by the social worker and included as part of the home study. The purpose of the home study is to educate families about adoption and to determine whether the prospective adoptive parents are qualified to adopt a child, based on criteria that have been established by law.
A home study is a legally mandated first step in any adoption. This is a comprehensive personal interview with adoptive parents, and anyone living in the home. The purpose of the home study is to create a written document which will represent you in a personable and realistic way, and will be used to introduce your family to professionals who are seeking adoptive parents for children in need. The home study process highlights your personal developmental history, your relationships, interactions and experiences with children and your neighborhood. Home studies are performed by one of our owners or an appointed Licensed Clinical Social Worker. We will conduct the interviews in your home with the intent to approve it as a healthy and safe environment for children.
A home study is a process of education and evaluation that helps determine if a family is ready to adopt. Home studies are conducted by a social worker licensed in a family’s state of residence. Requirements for home studies vary by state but generally include in-depth interviews with prospective adoptive parent(s) and at least one visit to the home. Interviews will cover prospective adoptive parent(s)’ motivation to adopt, personal and family backgrounds, views on child rearing, and preparation for international adoption. During the home study process, social workers help prospective adoptive families by providing information and resources according to the families’ needs. Upon the completion of interviews, visit(s), and adoption education, the social worker submits a written report to the adoption agency and makes a recommendation. Click here for more information about Home Studies or contact us directly.
A home study or an adoptive assessment is a detailed evaluation of you, your family and your life. You will meet several times with a social worker to talk about your life, marriage (if applicable), relationships, values and beliefs. Remember the social worker is not looking for a “squeaky-clean, perfect” family. The social worker is really working for the child and they want to make sure that you can provide a loving and safe environment for the child. As part of the home study process, you will also be required to have a criminal background check, a physical examination and provide personal references.
