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Home Study Services

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American Adoptions has designed a home study process that is faster, clearer, and accepted nationwide. We’ve completed thousands of home studies and help families avoid delays by combining:

  • Approval in all 50 states

    Our home studies are recognized across the country, giving you full flexibility to pursue an adoption anywhere without starting over.

  • Streamlined documentation support

    We give you checklists and one-on-one guidance to avoid the paperwork pitfalls that delay most families.

  • Trained, licensed social workers

    Every evaluation is handled by a professional who understands both the legal and emotional complexities of adoption.

Because we’re a full-service agency—not just a home study provider—we also know what makes a home study truly adoption-ready, not just legally sufficient.

The Home Study Process: What to Expect

Our proven process takes you through every step, from document collection to final approval:

  • Initial Consultation

    We explain the process and timelines so you know what to expect.

  • Background Checks

    We’ll help you complete all necessary fingerprinting and records submissions.

  • Documentation Support

    From birth certificates to financial records, we walk you through every requirement.

  • In-Home Visit & Interviews

    A licensed social worker meets with you and your family to assess your environment and answer questions.

  • Home Inspection

    We ensure your home meets state safety guidelines and provide support if updates are needed.

  • Final Report & Approval

    Once your home study is complete, we’ll finalize and deliver your official approval.

Get Approved, Get Ready

Adoption moves fast—sometimes overnight. Without an approved home study, you won’t be eligible when the opportunity you’ve hoped for appears.

That’s why we help families get prepared quickly, with:

  • Clear documentation checklists
  • Step-by-step education
  • Emotional support through every phase
  • Coordination with your broader adoption plan

Next Step:

Ready to start the process? Our team can walk you through what to expect—and how to get approved efficiently and confidently.

Start Your
Home Study

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Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.

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Adoption Home Study

Adoption Home Study Process

Learn what a home study is and why you need one to adopt a child.

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Home Study Questions and Answers

While adoption home studies vary slightly from agency to agency and state to state, there are several key elements that are almost always included in every home study.

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Home Studies: State by State

Find a qualified professional in your state to complete your home study.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do we need to retain our own attorney?

No, American Adoptions has established relationships with some of the best adoption attorneys in the nation. Because adoption laws vary from state to state and between counties, it is important to utilize the services of an adoption attorney who specializes in the state where the adoption will finalize, which is unknown until you match with an expectant mother. You have the right to retain your own attorney, but doing so may be an additional, unnecessary expense.

Can we choose the gender of our baby?

American Adoptions does not allow gender specificity in adoption. Any family who wishes to be gender-specific in their adoption should contact us at 1-800-ADOPTION and ask about the possibility of an exception waiver before taking any other steps toward adoption with our agency. Any families who do receive an exception to be gender-specific may also incur an additional fee, which helps cover the additional advertising costs of such a request.

Please note that gender specificity will likely increase your wait time significantly.

Additional Resources

Adoption Newsletter

Did you know that American Adoptions offers a free bi-weekly e-newsletter? Sign up today to keep up-to-date on the latest in adoption news and information.

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Famous Adoptions

Learn which famous Hollywood actors, sports stars, politicians and other icons have been touched by adoption.

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Adoption Glossary

Do adoption terms and phrases leave you feeling confused? Learn the meaning to key adoption words and phrases with our comprehensive adoption glossary.

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Ted Mars' Adoption Story

Ted Mars, father of American Adoptions' founder Scott Mars, shares how adoption changed his world in ways he could have never imagined.

Read the Story