Adoption Home Study

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International Adoption

Whether you have already decided to adopt internationally or are first exploring the possibility, the Web can give you an overview of the international adoption process and U.S. international adoption requirements. Online, you'll be able to research countries that have established international adoption programs, learn about the associated costs and how to select a reputable adoption agency, learn about potential issues facing children who have spent time in orphanages, find support groups in your area, and find current adoption-related news and publications.

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International Adoption Process

To complete an international adoption, United States citizens must fulfill the requirements of the ... read more »

International Adoption Programs and Requirements

You may not have an initial preference as to the country from which to adopt, and that's OK. Some ... read more »

Adoption Home Study

All countries require the completion of an adoption home study before you adopt. The home study is a snapshot of you and/or your family and is used by countries to match you with a child. Often, perspective adoptive parents start the home study process without having decided on an adopting country. The home study includes a series of interviews with a certified or licensed agency social worker. Fees for the study range from $1,000 to $3,000.

Dulcinea's Insight

Expect a series of interviews in your home. Before you begin, know that you will be asked many personal questions about you and/or your partner. Questions might include: Describe your job. What was your childhood like? What is your educational background? What is your present relationship with your family? What is the role of religion or spirituality in your life? How would you describe your marriage? What is your approach to discipline? Why did you decide to adopt? What are your plans to maintain your child's racial and/or ethnic heritage? How would you describe your home and community? What is your plan for childcare? What is your financial situation?

Many adoption agency Web sites post examples of the kinds of questions you can expect in your home study. Using these to prepare ahead of time can keep you from fumbling for answers or, worse, saying things you later regret.

Choose a certified and licensed person to complete your home study. Often, adoption agencies will also handle the home study, and their Web sites will indicate that.

Dulcinea's Picks

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services gives a list of details that must appear in a home study. This Web site fully describes the home study process and the things you should prepare to encounter. The information provided is cut-and-dry but very practical for anyone ready to partake in a home study.

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Children Welfare Information Gateway provides a clear and informative article on the steps in the home study process. The information is divided up by an introduction, a description of the procedure's elements, a description of a home study report, and common concerns.

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World Partners Adoption, Inc. has an insightful article on what to expect from a home study. It begins with when you should be wary of a home study agency and then provides you with enough information about the process so that the agency won't be wary of you. This Web site is straightforward and easy to use; simply scroll through the rather lengthy text.

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1800HomeStudy.com has a national listing of home study professionals. Find and select your state on the map, fill in the required information fields, and 1800HomesStudy.com will e-mail your information to the appropriate local professional. In addition to the Q&A and supplementary articles on the left-hand side of the Web site, you can also browse a sample of a home study.

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