A home study is required for every adoption, whether it is an international or a domestic adoption. This study is a basic overview of your life - including criminal background checks, your finances and even your personal relationships. It is used by the courts to assess if a stable environment exists for a family to receive an adoptive placement.
A home study is often the lengthiest step when preparing to adopt. This is because it requires criminal background checks, which often take time for state agencies to process, and other items, such as birth certificates and marriage licenses, which can take time for some families to locate or receive copies of from the appropriate state agency. Couples considering adoption are encouraged to begin the home study process as soon as possible, as this important step is often required by adoption professionals before they will begin the process of matching a family with an expectant mother or child.
It is also important to note that many states, courts and adoption agencies will only accept a home study from a licensed adoption agency. To find a qualified provider in your area, please select your state below:
State in which you reside?
If you are interested in more information on the home study process, please visit:
American Adoptions, a private adoption agency founded on the belief that lives of children can be bettered through adoption, provides safe adoption services to children, birth parents and adoptive families by educating, supporting and coordinating necessary services for adoptions throughout the United States. For more information on American Adoptions please call 1-800-ADOPTION (236-7846).
