The home study is a nonjudgmental learning process through which adoptive parents gain insight and information about parenting a child adopted internationally. As an agency, we will also learn about your questions, concerns and expectations of adoption through interviews and by document gathering. These documents include criminal record clearances, income employment, financial, and marriage verifications, medical reports and references. The product is a report that meets state requirements and is ultimately needed for both U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS, formerly INS) and the country from which you adopt.

The home study begins with an application and personal background questionnaires as a means of gathering some basic information about your family and the child you wish to adopt. From there, prospective parents collect the documents mentioned above as well as information about previous marriages, if any. California and most other states require fingerprint and child abuse clearances (these are separate from the fingerprint process required by CIS).

Part of the interview process involves a meeting with a social worker in your home. You will discuss your family, education and employment history, experiences with children, plans for discipline and child care, your marriage (if applicable), and issues related to adopting a child internationally. You will cover topics like your motivation for adopting, preparation for parenting and plans for post-placement support. Although a home study is not a test, it does result in a recommendation for approval, hold status or denial for international adoption. Agency approval at the home study stage, however, does not guarantee the approval of CIS or that of the adoption officials in the foreign country from which you adopt.

After you have provided the verifications, the home study process takes about 6 to 8 weeks to complete. After the report is submitted to CIS, it may take CIS several additional weeks, or even months, to review the file and issue their decision.

Often the agency that does your home study will be requested to make post-placement visits after the child arrives home. These may be required by the organization that facilitates your adoption or by the country from which you adopt. Post Placement services are provided for, and charged separately from, the home study.

Home Studies are $2400.00

(c)Rev. 11/06

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