A home study for adoption in Iowa is more or less an assessment of a family’s readiness to adopt. This can be intimidating, but we promise it doesn’t have to be. The social worker you work with to complete your adoption home study in Iowa is really there to help you on your journey to growing your family!

Your social worker will help you to learn about the home study process before you begin, but to assuage any concerns, it can be helpful to have a rough idea of what to expect. Each Iowa adoption home study will be comprised of three phases: the documentation stage, a home inspection, and interviews with each family member living in your home.

If you're ready to talk to an adoption specialist about adoption and the home study, reach out to us via our free online form.

How does the Iowa home study for adoption process work?

The Iowa adoption home study is completed in just a few easy steps:

Step 1: Select a home study provider near you. In Iowa, you might work with Adoption Associates of Iowa.

Step 2: Submit fingerprints and obtain your criminal records from any applicable law enforcement agencies. This will all be part of your background check.

Step 3: Meet with your home study professional to learn about any additional materials you’ll need for the Iowa adoption home study.

Step 4: Prepare everything you’ll need to give to your social worker. (See our Iowa adoption home study checklist below.)

Step 5: Receive your social worker into your home for the home inspection and interviews.

Step 6: Upon receiving the home study document in the mail, verify with your social worker that all information is correct. If there are any changes, tell the home study professional immediately.

And just like that, you’re done! After completing the home study, you’ll be eligible to pursue adoption opportunities. Remember, though, if you make any significant changes, such as a move or a career switch, you will need to update your Iowa adoption home study before adopting a child.

Iowa Adoption Home Study Checklist

The documentation phase of the adoption home study process can be overwhelming, but by beginning to gather the necessary paperwork, you can work to get a significant head start. We recommend locating the following items to provide to your social worker:

• Birth certificates

• Marriage certificate

• Driver’s licenses

• Proof of insurance

• Green card, if applicable

• Passports if you intend to pursue an international adoption

• Health statements indicating that both your physical and mental health is sufficient to take care of a child

• Background checks and clearances

• Financial documents like pay stubs, income statements or tax returns

• The names and contact information of three to five people you might want to use as references

• Autobiographical statements that explain a little about yourselves and why you want to pursue adoption

To prepare for the home inspection, you’ll want to make sure your home is fully equipped with:

• Fire extinguishers

• Covered trash cans

• Smoke detectors

• CO2 detectors

• Locks and screens on all doors and windows

• First-aid kit

• A safeguard around fireplaces or heating equipment

• Fences around pools or hot tubs

• Covered outlets

For more information about the Iowa adoption home study, please contact a local home study provider. For more information about adoption in Iowa with American Adoptions, please call a specialist at 1-800-ADOPTION.

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