Steps in the Home Study Process
The Adoption Home Study Process
To start the process, you need to submit a completed application and application fee of $550. After your application has been reviewed by an adoption home study specialist, a detailed home study paperwork packet will be sent to you (via standard mail or email). At this time, a social worker will contact you to schedule the first interview.
Prospective parents often have a number of questions at the start of the home study process, and the assigned home study social worker or will be able to answer any questions you have regarding the process or documents involved.
After you have completed all necessary documentation and the document checklist, you will make a copy of the documents to retain for your records and return the original documents to our office with the remainder of the home study fee (please see our
fee schedule to determine the remaining fee as home study fees vary by program).
After Submission of the Adoption Home Study Documentation
The adoption home study social worker assigned to you will set up a number of additional interviews: two if you are single and three if you are a couple. Each interview is about one-and-a-half to two hours long. At least one of the interviews must take place in your home. In anticipation of the social worker’s visit, many families feel the need to clean and redecorate their home. Please rest assured that this is not necessary. The home study social worker is only there to ensure that your home environment is safe for a child.
After Adoptions Together receives your paperwork, our commitment is to prepare the final home study report within 90 days. During the home study process, two personal references will be contacted by telephone and one will be interviewed in person. At any time during the home study process, your home study social worker may choose to consult with the clinical team at Adoptions Together to review the status of your home study.
Adoption Home Study Tips
• Be yourself and be genuine when working with us.
• Be honest with the home study social worker; try to avoid keep things hidden.
• Complete the packet in its entirety, do not exclude information.
• Do not be afraid to ask questions, the adoption home study social worker is there to help.
Adoption home study requirements are in place to keep children safe and assist with placing them in stable homes – you will gain the most benefit, as will the child, by following the guidelines and providing all necessary information throughout the home study process.