A home study for adoption in Iowa assesses a family's readiness to adopt and parent. Each Iowa adoption home study is comprised of three phases:   

• The documentation stage  
• A home inspection 
• Interviews with each family member living in your home ​ 

You shouldn't have to face unnecessary delays, paperwork, or mistakes from an inadequate home study worker. As a licensed home study provider in Iowa, American Adoptions ensures you won't. Our services are more affordable and efficient than those of other providers, and our staff is dedicated to helping you complete this requirement successfully. 

Follow this link to get started with your adoption home study in Iowa. In the meantime, continue reading this guide to learn more about the home study process. 

How does the Iowa home study for adoption process work? 

The Iowa adoption home study is completed in the following steps: 

Step 1: Contact American Adoptions to begin your adoption home study. 

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

Step 3: Meet with your home study professional to learn about additional materials needed 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, 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 or about adopting in Iowa with American Adoptions, please call a specialist at 1-800-ADOPTION. 

 

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