International Adoption, Home Study Cost, Home Study Agency
We are happy to answer any additional questions you may have. Send us an email or call us at (800) 960-0907. Are there questions that you think should be included? Please let us know. Our new FAQ's are compiled by you—our visitors and our clients.
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What is the purpose of a home study?
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What are the steps involved in the home study process?
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Will a criminal record disqualify someone from adopting?
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How much does a home study cost?
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Must we work with one agency for both our home study and our adoption?
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How do we locate a home study agency?
1. What is the purpose of a home study?
U.S. immigration law, the laws of each state in the United States and adoption officials abroad require propsective adoptive parents to obtain an approved home study. The purpose of a home study is to prepare the adoptive family for adoption and to evaluate a family's ability and readiness to adopt. This does not mean that a family or individual must be perfect. It just means that a person can offer a child a stable and loving environment.
2. What are the steps involved in the home study process?
Each state has laws that govern home study requirements and agencies may also differ in their requirements. A report will be prepared by a licensed social worker. Typically, the process may involve training requirements, interviews, home visit, background checks, review of medical information, income statement, answering a set of autobiographical questions, and references. Once all of this is completed, the social worker will write a report, aka, home study. In general, the report will discuss issues such as: family background, employment, education, relationships, daily life, spiritual life, neighborhood, parenting, feelings about adoption, a statement concerning the risks inherent in adoption, and finally the recommendation.
3. Will a criminal record disqualify someone from adopting?
This will depend on the particular circumstances of the criminal record, evidence of rehabilitation, when the criminal acts took place, the surrounding circumstances of the criminal acts, etc. It is critical that you have excellent legal advice and consultation if you have a criminal record, even if it has been expunged or sealed. AdoptInernational has experienced legal staff that can provide guidance and expert advice to you.
4. How much does a home study cost?
Typically home studies range from approximately $900 to $3,000.
5. Must we work with one agency for both our home study and our adoption?
Absolutely not. In fact, many adoptive parents have two different agencies, a home study agency and a placement agency. Often, the placement agency is not located in the adoptive parent's state of residence and therefore, two agencies are required.
6. How do we locate a home study agency?
AdoptInternational can assist you in locating a home study agency. Your local yellow pages can be helpful as well.
The best thing we did is going with your adoption agency [ AdoptInternational ]. I hope many other families do as well. They won't be disappointed.
—D. Lynardakis
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