For many hopeful adoptive families, the home study seems like one of the most intimidating parts of the adoption process. We understand that it feels overwhelming at first glance. But American Adoptions can guide you through each step of it.

If you want to get more adoption information now, then you can contact us online at any time. In the meantime, we have put together this detailed guide that lays out everything you will need for the home study. We’ll explore why it’s so important and lead you through a comprehensive checklist.

Why Is the Home Study So Crucial?

The adoption home study is an assessment of someone’s readiness to adopt and how they would provide for a child. It’s one of the most important steps of your adoption journey because it ensures you are as prepared for parenthood as possible. A licensed social worker will:

  • Inspect your home
  • Interview all adults living in the household
  • Gather necessary documents

Here at American Adoptions, we can help you with every aspect of the home study. Beforehand, we’ll walk you through every step to ensure that you’re ready. Our team of reputable social workers can help complete your home study when the time comes. Because we are licensed in every state, we can help you with your home study no matter what state you live in.

Also, our team comprises adoptive parents, birth mothers and adoptees, so we know what adoption is like firsthand. We will use our direct experience to guarantee that yours is as stress-free as can be.

Your Home Study Checklist

If you’re starting to build a checklist of everything you need for your home study, then we’ve got you covered. As you make your way through the list, keep in mind that all documents need to be current within one year. Photocopies of them are also acceptable. Make sure that you keep a copy of all your documents for your records, too.

In the following order, you can send all these supporting documents to American Adoptions:

___ $300 home study review fee (can be paid by check to American Adoptions or by credit card in your online account)

___ Post-placement supervision letter/acknowledgment of home study and post-placement fee

___ A signed copy of your home study report

___ Home study provider agency license

___ Clearances for all household members ages 12 and up (including part-time occupants such as college students and the elderly)

__ FBI clearances

__ State criminal background checks

__ Child abuse clearances

__ Other state-specific clearances (if applicable)

__ Adam Walsh clearances (if applicable)

___ Dissemination letter (if applicable)

___ Physicians’ reports for all household members

___ Letter from a medical specialist (if applicable)

___ Therapy letter (if applicable)

___ Most recent income tax return

___ Insurance contact form and copy of the front and back of your health insurance card

___ Birth certificates for all household members

___ Marriage certificate (if applicable)

___ Adoption decree (if applicable)

___ Divorce decree (if applicable)

___ Military discharge (if applicable)

___ Proof of employment

___ Copies of driver’s licenses

___ Discipline Statement (enclosed with American Adoptions’ packet)

___ Pet vaccination records (if applicable)

___ Five reference letters (only one family reference is valid)

___ Guardianship Statement (enclosed with American Adoptions’ packet)

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If you have some more questions about the home study, then we are here to answer them for you. You can get more free information now when you fill out our online contact form. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!