Finding an Adoption Home Study Professional

With the right preparation and education from a trusted home study professional, any family can complete the home study with zero stress and move on to the exciting next steps of the adoption process. If you are a family considering adoption, you probably have a lot of questions about this: What is the home study like, and who can help me through it? How can I find the best home study agencies near me?

We can help answer any of your home study questions. If you live in one of the following states, as a licensed home study provider, we have streamlined the home study process to make it more efficient, saving you time, effort and money. Most agencies are only licensed in specific counties, and they can only handle one home study at a time, causing delays. We have adequate staffing to handle multiple home studies. You shouldn't have to face unncessary delays, paperwork or mistakes from an inadequate home study worker.

As a licensed home study provider in the following states, we ensure you won't:

• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Florida
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Missouri
• Texas

Contact us online today to get started on your home study now.

What Is the Adoption Home Study?

The home study is a review of the adoptive family’s home, lifestyle and adoption readiness. It is required in every form of adoption to ensure that any placement is in the best interests of the child. Ultimately, the home study exists to protect children.

Who Does Home Studies for Adoption?

Licensed social workers provide home studies. Typically, these social workers work for a larger agency of some kind. Some agencies specialize in home studies specifically. There are other agencies, like American Adoptions, that are full-service adoption agencies and can provide home studies in many states.

How Can I Find Home Study Agencies near Me?

When you are searching for an adoption home study services provider, you can look at larger national adoption agencies or smaller, local ones. Wherever you are searching, there are some important things to look for that will help you figure out which professional to work with. Local agencies, for instance, usually work on one home study at a time, which can lead to delays and long wait times. National agencies like ours, though, have a large staff and can work on many home studies at once, reducing your wait time.

If you need assistance locating a licensed adoption home study professional in your state, please call or visit 1-800-HOMESTUDY, or ask your adoption coordinator for assistance.

What Are Some Common Adoption Home Study Services to Look for?

If you decide to look for a home study provider yourself, then you should check on how that provider performs each step of the home study. When asking about these steps, also ask if timeliness is important to the home study professional. A fast home study is a top priority for many adoptive families, but not all providers operate at the same speed.

As you consider potential home study agencies for adoption, ask about each of the following aspects of the process:

• Interviews: The social worker who does your home study for adoption will interview all members of the family who live at home, as well as potentially other family members for character references. These interviews are a way of getting to know you and your parenting style.

• Background checks: Although states vary on the required background checks for a home study, most require police records and child abuse registry checks. 

• Writing of the home study: The end result of the home study is a written report that is sent to the adoption agency, state government and court. Ask for references from adoption home study professionals to learn how quickly they will write your home study.

• The cost of the home study: The cost of an adoption home study varies depending on the state where you live and the adoption home study agencies near you. 

• Post-placement services: There is a period of about six months after a baby is placed with a family before the adoption is finalized in court. During this time, a series of post-placement visits are required. 

• Home study updates: In most states, a home study is good for one year before it needs to be updated. Updates may also be necessary if a family moves to a new home, changes jobs or adds family members during the adoption process. 

Can I Speed up My Home Study Process?

Here are a few ways you can ensure your home study goes as smoothly as possible:

• Schedule an interview as soon as the adoption home study professional can make an appointment.

• Look over an adoption home study checklist and gather all the necessary documents.

• If your home study requires references from friends and family members, then tell them in advance.

Working ahead like this can make a big difference for your family. Ultimately, your preparation has to be matched by excellent work from someone who does home studies for adoption. Let us make your home study process as easy as possible. If you’d like to learn more about working with American Adoptions for your home study, or if you’d like to ask more questions, you can contact us online at any time.

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