4 Steps to Complete Your Home Study

Your home study is the official green light to begin your journey as an adoptive family. Without it, you cannot match with an expectant mother or bring your baby home. 

Don’t face unnecessary delays by drowning in paperwork and receiving inadequate support.

From over 35% less paperwork, to experts knowledgeable in home study laws for all 50 states, American Adoptions helps you complete your home study efficiently and accurately, to help you become a family faster.

What is an Adoption Home Study?

A successful home study is required for every type of adoption, whether it is international, domestic, private, foster care, infant, or adoption of an older child.

This home study is a comprehensive overview of your life—including criminal background checks, your finances, and personal relationships.

Its purpose is to ensure a stable environment exists for a child. However, quality varies significantly between agencies. If a provider relies on outdated processes, it can cause unnecessary delays and alter your ability to adopt.

An Efficient Home Study Process: The American Adoptions Difference

You may have heard that the home study is the "lengthiest step" of the process. It doesn't have to be.

Most families get stuck in a frustrating experience because of outdated practices that include mass amounts of paperwork, overwhelmed professionals, and numerous delays based on inaccuracies.. We use the "smart organization" model to remove that stress.

• Secure Online Portal: No lost mail. Everything is handled digitally.
• Step-by-Step Checklists: You always know exactly what comes next.
• Automatic Reminders: We help you keep the timeline moving so you can be active faster.

Tip for home study success: Start early! Getting your information together ahead of time will be much less stressful than trying to round it all up at the last minute.

Why "50-State Ready" Matters for Your Safety

Inefficiency costs more than just time. Missed details can stall legal finalization or cause court delays, impacting your ability to become parents.

Many local providers only understand the laws in your specific state. However, adoption often crosses state lines. If your home study isn't prepared for the birth mother's state requirements, you could face logistical issues or extended stays out of state.

American Adoptions performs a 50-state readiness review before submission. We check your home study against national standards to prevent last-minute surprises.

How to Complete Your Home Study (The Efficient Way)

Completing a home study follows a standard legal path, but the experience depends entirely on the professional you choose. Here is how the process works and how we keep it moving:

Step 1: Choose a Provider with a Modern Process

Not all home studies are created equal. Avoid the "form overload" model where providers hand you a stack of papers, a vague timeline, and wish you the best of luck.

• The Better Way: Choose a provider who uses smart organization—a secure online portal with digital uploads so you don't have to rely on snail mail.

Step 2: Submit Your Documents

You will need to gather essential documents like birth certificates, marriage licenses, and financial records.

• The Better Way: Instead of guessing what’s missing, use a system that offers step-by-step checklists and automatic reminders. This prevents the "back-and-forth" of calls and emails that typically causes delays.

Step 3: The In-Home Visits and Interviews

A social worker will visit your home to ensure it is safe and interview you about your motivation to adopt.

• The Better Way: We provide personalized support from licensed social workers who understand this is a partnership, not an interrogation.

Step 4:  The Final Review

Once the visits and paperwork are done, your home study is written and submitted for court approval.

Start Your Home Study with American Adoptions

Imagine moving forward with your adoption feeling confident and organized, rather than buried in paperwork. By choosing a modern, efficient professional, you are clearing the path to the moment you finally hold your child.

Families who start today can cut months off their wait time. Don't let outdated paperwork stand between you and your family.

Select your state below to find a qualified professional in your area:

Disclaimer
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.