Collection of Family Information

Requirements regarding collection of information about those involved in an adoption differ from state to state. Each state establishes its own guidelines regarding who can collect information and what kinds of information may be collected regarding the child to be adopted, the birth parents, and the adoptive parents.

Who May Collect Information

Parties authorized to collect information about those involved in an adoption range from government agencies to individual social workers, depending on the state. Typically, this information is gathered and compiled on a form provided by a government agency, private child placement agency, or court appointed investigator (such as a social worker or other professional children's worker), but some states require the birth parents and/or adoptive parents to file a written report containing specified information.

Information About the Adopted Person

Generally, information obtained regarding the child includes medical history, genetic history, family background, placement history, and history of any type of abuse. Some states require specific types of information (such as educational background, interests, and hobbies), others are more general, and some states require more information than others.

Information About Birth Parents

Overall, the information gathered about birth parents is more specific than that about the child being placed for adoption. States generally require information about birth parents' medical history, family history, religious background, ethnic and racial background, and educational level attained. Some states allow for information to be collected on physical appearance, talents, hobbies, field of occupation, and drugs taken during pregnancy.

Information About Adoptive Parents

Typically, prior to or immediately after an adoption petition is filed, an investigation of the prospective parents is carried out to determine the suitability of the home for a minor child. The report produced from such investigations is known as the home study or pre-placement report. In general, the following information is included in the home study or pre-placement report:

• Adoptive parents' emotional maturity
• Marriage and family relationships
• Motivation to adopt
• 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 and child abuse clearances

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© This information is from the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse

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