MyDream Adoptions completes adoption home studies for families both within our program and from other agencies. MyDreamAdoptions has become the #1 choice for many larger, nationwide agencies in completing home studies for their families.
Home Study Services
The laws of every state and the District of Columbia require all prospective adoptive families to participate in a home study. This process has three purposes:
- Educate and prepare the adoptive family for adoption.
- Evaluate the overall well-being of the adoptive family.
- Gather information about the prospective adoptive family that will help aid the case manager to connect the family with a child whose needs they can meet.
With accurate information about the process, prospective adoptive parent(s) can face the home study experience with confidence and the excitement that should accompany the prospect of welcoming a child into their family. It may be helpful to remember that Haven Adoptions is not looking for “perfect parents.” Rather, the agency is looking for a good match between a child’s needs and a family’s
ability to meet those needs.
Specific home study requirements and processes vary greatly from agency to agency, as well as state to state. Haven Adoptions’ home study is comprised of the following:
Please Note: The information below is for PRIVATE adoption home studies. If you are interested in foster care home studies, please visit a foster care Agency.
Interview
An interview with the prospective adoptive family to aid in the development of the case manager/client relationship. The prospective adoptive family will explore feelings towards adopting a child of a different race, adopting sibling groups, having an open versus closed adoption with biological parent(s) and other important decisions to be made during the adoption process. This process
should be both a self-reflective process and a time to educate the prospective adoptive family about issues with which they may not yet be familiar.
Home Visit
A home visit by the case manager to ensure that the home offers a safe environment for a child and meets Pennsylvania State licensing standards. The prospective adoptive family’s home should be free from hazards and offer a child-friendly environment for the age range for which they are being approved. The caseworker is not inspecting housekeeping skills, and while some family clutter is expected, a certain level of order is necessary. MyDream Adoptions is seeking a child-friendly environment.
Health Statement
Health statements (physical exam within the last year) from a general physician and a statement from him or her confirming that they are physically and mentally able to care for a child. If any member of the prospective adoptive family has a medical condition that is under control, they may still be approved as an adoptive family/parent. A serious health problem, such as a communicable disease or one that effects normal life expectancy, may prevent approval. Every adoption situation is unique, and MyDream Adoptions encourages all families to touch base with the caseworker regarding any issues or concerns.
Income Statement
Income statements for proof that the prospective adoptive family can manage finances responsibly. MyDream Adoptions asks that adoptive families verify their income by providing copies of pay stubs, W-2 or 1040 forms and/or income tax forms MyDream Adoptions also asks for copies of saving statements, insurance policies including health coverage, investments, and debt. State, federal and child abuse clearances are required yearly for each adult living in the home. All agencies, private and public, must follow the state and federal laws and policies regarding approval requirements and how the findings of background checks affect eligibility for adoptive parents. However, if there is a situation that the prospective adoptive family feels may disqualify them from adopting, this needs to be addressed with the caseworker prior to the home study.
Autobiographical Statements
Autobiographical statements from each prospective adoptive family. The purpose of the autobiography is to help the caseworker understand the family background, childhood experiences, education and work experience, relationships, and employment. it is also to assist him or her in writing the home study report. MyDream Adoptions understands that this process might be difficult, but the exercise is intended to provide information to the agency and for the agency to understand what life experiences have shaped who they are today.
Adoption Home Study Services: What You Need to Know
A home study for adoption is mandatory if you live in the U.S. and want to adopt. Home studies ensure that children will be in loving, safe, secure environments.
The home study is a living document by a licensed social worker. The report will give a picture of your life right now. It also confirms you can care for and parent a child. Home studies include background checks, employment and financial verification, a home visit, and a medical report.
The social worker will also research your relationships, adoption motivation, parenting style, and more. Additionally, the social worker is responsible for recommending that a child can be safely placed in your home, and that is a responsibility they take very seriously as they should. Your report will determine your recommendation as a safe adoptive home.
Arizona Home Study For Adoption
MyDream Adoption has a Arizona state license for completing adoption home studies in all Arizona counties. To learn more about the home study process or to schedule a Arizona adoption home study, please call us. You can also download more information on our Arizona adoption home study services here. In other states, we will provide you with trusted referrals to complete your home study and provide post-placement services.
Adoption Home Study Training
Every state has its own laws and requirements regarding home studies. For example, Arizona requires 21 hours of training on adoption topics. MyDream Adoption offers webinars approved by the Arizona Department of Children and Families (available to all adoptive parents). We also offer one-on-one training and webinars for specific special situations.
Adoption Home Visit
The home study should not make you feel nervous. This is a meeting scheduled in advance. The goal is to ensure your home is safe and spacious enough for a child or children. Make sure that detectors are working, that you have a first aid kit, and that you take other child-proofing measures.
The social worker will interview you and anyone else that lives in your home. This is a great time to interact with your home study provider. You will receive guidance and support and have an opportunity to ask any questions that may be on your mind. This home study should not be painful, it should be informative and helpful.
Adoption Home Study Update
You will need an annual adoption home study renewal each year until you adopt. You’ll also need to update your home study if you move, get a new job, or have another significant life change. Communication is key, so maintain contact with your adoption coordinator and social worker. Once complete, a home study is valid with any attorney or agency in the US for domestic adoption.
Adoption Post-placement Report
If your state requires it, a social worker will visit you within one week of placement. This will continue monthly or quarterly until the adoption is final. The post-placement visits are to check in on the child’s development and make sure that everyone is doing well.
This is an excellent time to ask the social worker any questions you might have and request resources. The home study provider will then provide a written recommendation to the adoption attorney. This will be sent to the court for review, and then they will finalize the adoption.
If you have any questions or would like to receive more information, please call or complete the form below. You can also review our adoption home study checklist to review the steps and which documents you’ll need to get ready. We look forward to serving you!
What does a Home Study Consist of?
What is involved in a home study can vary somewhat, but the adoption assessment process always involves several steps and quite a bit of paperwork. Often, a home study consists of the following:
- Gathering and submitting personal documents, like birth certificates and marriage licenses
- Each member of the adoptive household completes an interview with the home study worker
- Home visits with the social worker
- Background checks (such as child abuse clearances and criminal record checks)
- Character references from people who know you
- And more
If you are currently preparing for this process, make sure to consult a home study checklist and put yourself in the best position for success. If you have additional questions about what is involved in a home study for adoption, you can speak with our specialists any time at 1-480-761-3532.
Step 1: Find an adoption home study provider in your area.
The home study process is conducted by a licensed social worker who is typically employed by a child-placing agency or other social work professional. If you live in a state whereMyDream Adoptions is licensed to complete home studies, you will not need to contact a separate home study professional; we complete the process for you. If you live in another state, you will need to research and select a home study provider to begin the process. The professional you choose can help prepare you for what to expect during a home study in your specific circumstances.
Step 2: Complete the home study application.
Most families receive an application and information packet from the agency they are working with. During this step, you will learn the details of the way your state conducts the home study process. You will also begin filling out information that your social worker will need in order to complete the study. This is an excellent time to gather required documentation, such as medical records, tax records, and proof of income, which may be reviewed during this process.
Step 3: Meet with your assigned social worker for interviews and the home inspection.
After the application has been filed and the documentation has been reviewed, your social worker will conduct her/his in-home visits and interviews. The interviews are meant to help your social worker get to know you and understand your motivation to adopt. They will also asses things like your parenting style, adoption readiness, and general personality. During the home inspection for adoption, the social worker will review your living situation to make sure it is safe for a child. Leading up to the in-home study, it’s helpful to baby-proof your house.
Step 4: Complete the home study report.
The end result of the home study is a report written by your social worker. This report is required by the agency in order to become an “active family,” which is the term for families whose profiles are being shown to prospective birth mothers. This report is also required by state governments and courts to ensure the legality of the placement. Most families are asked to review the report and verify all information during this final step of the home study process.
Preparing for a Home Study
The home study process requires a lot of the adoptive parents and their home. This guide can help you prepare your home, so it is ready and safe for adoption.
Home Study Checklist
An essential guide that details everything adoptive families need to complete the home study in Arizona.
Get Adoption Home Study Services Now
This form is for Adoptive parents living in the U.S. If you live Outside the United States.