Adoption Home Studies
Adoption laws require a home study for all non-relative placements. Adoption agencies, attorneys, judges, and state and foreign governments all rely upon home studies throughout the adoption process.
Advocates for Children and Families is a licensed agency with Masters-degree professionals performing home study services. Contact us for more information about the home study or court-ordered home inspection investigation study.
Adoption Home Study Process
The Adoption home study is conducted in the applicant's home state, and includes:
- A home visit, with all household members present for interview by a licensed professional or agency caseworker.
- Record checks of criminal and abuse history.
- Documentation of income, employment, health, birth, marital status, and personal references.
- Adoption training.
The Adoption home study results are presented in a report about the prospective adopting family. At this point, the results are typically favorable, as the family should be qualified for the placement of a child at this point.
After an adoptive child is in his or her new home, the post-placement stage includes visits over a period of several months, and preparation of status reports about the child's health and development, and the family's adjustment. Sometimes post-placement reports are required for international adoptions even after the adoption is legally finalized.
How to Get an Adoption Home Study Conducted
If you are an adopting family residing in Southeast Florida, Southwest Florida or Central Florida, contact ACF to request a home study packet and arrange a fast and efficient adoption home study for domestic or intercountry adoption.
Intercountry Adoption Home Study
A first step to determine your eligibility to adopt is to file an application. Here are some of the forms you may need to access:
- U.S. Department of State - Eligibility to Adopt and Home Study Requirements
- Form I-800A - Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country
- Form I-600A - Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition
Intercountry Adoption Home Study for Relatives
If you wish to adopt a child who is a relative of yours, it’s important to understand that all of the U.S. adoption procedures still apply. Visit this page to learn more:
Adoption Home Study Costs & Fees
Domestic Home Study or Court-Ordered Home Inspection Investigation - $1,500 - plus costs for additional clearances and travel expenses, if applicable.
Intercountry Home Study - $2,500 -plus costs for additional clearances and travel expenses, if applicable.
Post placement visit and report - $300 each - plus travel expenses, if applicable.
For more information about the Adoption Home Study process: If you are in Florida call us at 1-800-348-0467 or 305-653-2474 or fill this FORM to ask questions or for support. We are here to help.
