Adoption Home Study

An adoption home study is a mandatory part of both domestic and international adoptions. The home study is an assessment of Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs) and their readiness to parent an adoptive child.

It is an important first step as it is an educational experience and assessment process for Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs) to start learning and understanding issues related to adoption including but not limited to areas of trauma, attachment, transracial/transcultural adoption, developmental stages of children, common medical needs, and psychological issues involved with becoming an adoptive family.
In California, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) licenses agencies to provide both domestic and international home study services.

For international home studies, agencies must also be Hague accredited to provide home study services.
Adopt International is Hague accredited and licensed statewide in both California and Hawaii to provide domestic and international home study services.

How Adopt International Supports Families Through a Home Study

Adopt International’s Adopt International’s team of Social Workers and Case Managers support our families in the home study process from start to finish.

During our initial intake call, we start with providing a general overview of the process and expected fees. The home study starts with downloading our home study packet, which includes convenient checklists and instructions.

Our case management team collects necessary documents while our Social Workers conduct interviews and provide support, education and resources. All to ensure a smooth process.

If any concerns arise during the home study process your social worker will discuss it with you openly and immediately. Adopt International’s role is to be your advocate and support you in making the best decision for your family in your adoption journey.

What is an Adoption Home Study?

A home study is an assessment of Prospective Adoptive Parent(s) (PAPs) readiness to become adoptive parents. It has 3 components: interviews, paperwork and education.

Only licensed agencies can conduct home studies in California. Agency social workers interview families, assess and approve potential adoptive families.

The main purpose of a home study is to provide a comprehensive assessment of Prospective Adoptive Parent(s) (PAP(s)).

The Difference Between Domestic and International Home Studies?

Home studies and approval sections are written for specific purposes. Both domestic and international home studies must meet Californian or international regulations. However, international home studies must also meet Hague regulations as well as specific country requirements.

Three main differences are the training requirements, child abuse clearance process, and the write up. And of course conversations during the process that either center around a relationship with a birth family or parenting a child coming from an orphanage.

In general, International home studies require a minimum of 10 hours of training related to Hague specific topics. Additional training may be required depending on the country of adoption as well as psychological evaluations. We also are required to get child abuse clearances from every state and country you have lived since turning 18 years old.

Why is a Home Study Required?

Home studies are regulated by each state. The California Department of Social Services regulates adoption home studies. For intercountry adoption, home studies must also comply with Hague regulations and country specific requirements. The information gathered supports the best match of children with families who can best meet their needs.

A home study assesses crucial components of the prospective adoptive parents’ and the home environment to ensure a safe, stable and nurturing setting.

Prospective Adoptive Parents are assessed for emotional and mental stability, physical health, financial stability, parenting abilities, criminal background and child abuse history.

How A Home Study Prepares Prospective Adoptive Parents Emotionally and Practically for Adoption?

The home study process is an opportunity to prepare Prospective Adoptive Parents by offering education, training, readings and support. Families meet with their Social Worker to discuss their concerns and fears about adoption.

Educational and training courses are required to discuss trauma, transracial / cultural issues, developmental stages of children, psychological issues involved with becoming an adoptive family and more.

What to Expect During the Home Study Process

Steps in the Home Study Process

Submit required documents including financial and medical documents demonstrating stability and good health.
Provide personal references
Meet and be interviewed by your social worker
Complete required educational and training course work
Home visits and safety checks
Complete background checks
Typical timeframe for completion depends on the complexity of the family make-up. In general a domestic Home Study takes 6-8 weeks and an international one is closer to 8-12 weeks.
Additional documents are required if other adults and/or children reside in the home.

Adopt International is a team of social workers and administrators who are committed to building families through ethical practices. Our staff works directly with families to support them throughout the home study process. We aim to make the process feel educational rather than judgemental. We are here to help those who want to learn.

How to Prepare for a Home Study

Preparing for your home studies requires time and organization. Allow time to read and re read materials provided. Follow provided instructions and checklists. Ask questions if you are unsure of what to do. If you don’t have copies of your birth certificates, marriage license, divorce decrees, order those now.

Make time and space to be present at the interview. Be honest with yourself and your social worker. We don’t expect perfect people with perfect families, histories and lives.

Your home inspection will be assessing for a safe and healthy environment for a child including safety and cleanliness. Your social worker will review the home study process and expectations at your first interview, giving you an opportunity to ask additional questions. Your home should be clean, safe and tidy but not sterile and spotless. Often the room that will be the child’s room is currently an office or spare bedroom. This is fine.

Pools should have covers, fire arms should be locked, and other home hazards should be addressed before the home visit.

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Adoption is a journey of connection, courage, and care. Whether you're just starting to explore your options or ready to take the next step, we're here to walk beside you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an adoption home study cost in California?

Home study fees different between domestic and international home study and specific requirements. To inquire about home study fees, email adopt@adoptinter.org.

How long is a home study valid for?

Domestic Home Studies are generally valid for one year and International Home Studies are generally valid until your immigration adoption approval expires.

What happens after the home study is completed?

After your home study is completed, it is submitted to your placing agency to be presented to birth families (for domestic adoptions) or submitted as part of your country dossier and USCIS immigration application (for international adoptions).

Can a home study from another state be used in California?

No, home studies are prepared specifically to meet each state’s regulation. For families who are moving from one state to another, we may be able to work with your previous agencies and “endorse” your previous home study, which means we may be able to reuse some information from your previous home study and reduce the time and fees to update your home study.

Does a home study look different for domestic vs. international adoption?

Yes, both domestic and international home studies must meet state requirements; however, international home studies must also meet Hague and country specific requirements. International home studies involve more training and more child abuse clearance.

What kind of background checks are included?

All adult members of the household must complete FBI, DOJ and child abuse reports in California. In addition, out of state child abuse reports must be obtained from states you have resided in, in the last 5 years (for domestic home studies) or since age 18 (for international home studies). For Hawaii, you must also complete a federal and Hawaii sex offender report.

Do all household members need to be part of the home study?

Yes, all household members are part of the home study. Adults over 18 years of age must complete a criminal background check, provide a medical clearance and complete a short interview. Documentation for children in the home include a medical and school report. They must also be present at the home inspection for observation/short interview, depending on the child’s age.

Will social workers interview my children or other family members?

Yes. Children and family members residing in your home must be at the home inspection interview.

Can I start an adoption without a completed home study?

No, one of the first steps in starting an adoption is starting a home study. For international adoption, you must have secured a Primary Provider before an international home study is officially started.

What are common reasons a home study is delayed or denied?

Some of the most common reasons for a delay of a completed home study is lack of transparency or disclosure of information and/or a delay in submitting documents in a timely manner. Reasons for a denied home study may include lack of transparency and disclosure of vital information.

How do I update my home study if my situation changes?

Contact your home study agency once a major life event has occurred, including change of residence, a new adult in the household, a new child in the family, significant decrease in financial status, change in family (eg divorce) or significant change in health.

Is the home study process confidential?

Yes, your home study is confidential and only shared with agencies and authorities that you have authorized us to share with. In general, this includes your placing agency/ Primary Provider, attorney, judge, US immigration and foreign governments. Some states require an expectant parent to see a redacted version of the report, this would only be done with your consent.