When you have decided to start the adoption process the first step you will want to take is to start preparing for the Home Study. The Home Study is the process whereby an individual or couple, undergo a study by a licensed public or private agency to assure the well being of the child in the home and the readiness of the family to adopt. The Home Study is required for all prospective adoptive families no matter what type of adoption may be pursued. Home Study requirements will vary from agency to agency, but every Home Study will have state requirements that must be included in the report. Most agencies will want you to have your Home Study completed before you can join the agency. Some Adoption agencies will have professionals that can complete the Home Study, but make sure the agency is licensed to do Home Studies in your state. If you are not sure were to find someone to complete the Home Study you can call 1-800-Home Study or look at 1-800-Homestudy.com to find someone in your area to complete it.
The length of time that it takes to have the Home Study completed will vary from state to state and from agency to agency. You will also have to be finger printed for background checks. Since in takes weeks to months in some states to have the background check completed this can cause the Home Study to be held up. Typically it can take anywhere from 6–8 weeks for a Home Study to be completed. The cost of the Home Study also varies but you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 – $3000.
Elements that are required for all states that must be included in the Home Study are the following:
Autobiography
Health Information of the Family
Criminal and Child Abuse Background Checks
Financial Status
Character References
Home Interview
Information on Race and Religion
Information on other Children
Must have requirements for the Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children