Steps in the Home Study Process

Home Study Process – MD, DC

To start the home study process, you must submit a completed application with the preliminary fee of $450.  Soon after the application is received and reviewed, the detailed home study paperwork packet will be emailed to you and the social worker will contact you to set up the first interview.  She/he will answer your questions about the documents.  Once you have completed all the necessary documentation and the document checklist, you will copy the coduments and return the packet to the office with the rest of the home study fee of $1000.00 to begin your home study.

Your social worker will arrange three more interviews if you are a couple and two more interviews if you are single. Each interview is about one and a half to two hours long. One of these interviews has to occur in your home. In anticipation of this visit, it is not necessary to scrub and redecorate your home. The social worker is there only to be sure that your home is a safe environment in which to raise a child.

Once Adoptions Together receives your paperwork, our commitment is to prepare the final report within ninety (90) days. During the home study, two personal references will be contacted by telephone, and one will be interviewed in person. Anytime during the home study process, your social worker may choose to consult with the clinical team at Adoptions Together to review the status of your home study.

Home Study Process – VA

To start the adoption home study, applicants must submit a completed application with the application fee of $450.00. Soon after the application is received and reviewed, the detailed home study paperwork will be mailed (or emailed upon request) to the applications to begin completion.   You will also receive information about post placements and finalization programs in VA.  A Social Worker will contact you to set up the first interview and she/he will answer your questions about the documents.  Please copy the paperwork and return to the office along with the rest of the home study fee of $1000.00, to begin your study.

In Virginia at least three separate joint interviews are required for your home study. Each interview is about one and a half to two hours long. One of these interviews has to occur in your home. In anticipation of this visit, it is not necessary to scrub and redecorate your home. The social worker is there only to be sure that your home is a safe environment in which to raise a child.

Once Adoptions Together receives your paperwork, our commitment is to prepare the final report within ninety (90) days. During the home study, two personal references will be contacted by telephone, and one will be interviewed. Anytime during the home study process, your social worker may choose to consult with the clinical team at Adoptions Together to review the status of your home study.

Please note: The law prohibits unmarried couples from adopting in Virginia.  Therefore, Adoptions Together is not permitted to conduct home studies for unmarried couples.