Adopt Connect
04.13.2021
The home study is one of the most important steps in the entire adoption process, but it can be confusing trying to prepare for it with all of the different information available online. The laws vary from state to state and they are constantly changing. Many articles become outdated before they’re published and prospective parents are left unprepared for the task ahead of them.
After working with hundreds of families who were struggling with their home studies, we set out to create collection of articles that guide you through the process step-by-step. In this series we will cover what a home study is, how it works, common interview questions and a final checklist containing everything you need to start the process.
All 50 states in the United States require an adoptive family to complete a home study. A home study is an extensive review of yourself, your family, your home and financial situation. The home study also includes background checks to ensure you are able to provide stability to an adopted child. The home study will need to be completed by someone licensed to do home studies in your resident state.
Every state has different requirements for their home studies and of course, each licensed social worker or agency has different time frames in which they operate. On average it can take anywhere from 2-4 months to complete a home study.
Licensed social workers and/or agencies each have their own fee structures for completing home studies. This can be vary depending on each state’s laws regarding their home study requirements. On average a home study can run between $1,500 and $3,000. Typically domestic adoption home studies are less expensive than an international adoption home study.
After reading the overview above, it’s time to dive in! We’ll break the process down into 3 separate parts that will cover every aspect of the home study. Once you’ve completed the entire series you’ll be an expert on home studies and having one conducted will be a piece of cake! Click the button below to continue to the next part of our series.