Step 6 - The homestudy

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For the purpose of this article, the term "waiting child" refers to children currently available for adoption through U.S. public welfare and foster care programs.

More of this Feature

• 1. Educate yourself
• 2. Examine your capabilities
• 3. Adoption expenses
• 4. Select an agency
• 5. Complete an application
• 6. The homestudy
• 7. Take classes
• 8. Locating a child
• 9. Matching
• 10. Prepare to welcome your child
• 11. Placement
• 12. Petition to adopt
• 13. Finalization

The homestudy (also called a "family assessment") is an important, and required, part of every adoption, whether through a private or public agency. It is designed to help your social worker get to know you, and to educate and prepare you for parenting in general and parenting a child with challenges more specifically.

During the study process, you will be asked for information about your education, background, finances, medical history, your views on adoption, parenting, and family. Personal interviews will be conducted with each member of your household, including other children. The process can take anywhere from a couple of months to a year.

Each state has general regulations, but individual agencies have their own policies and ways of conducting the study. Ideally, the homestudy process is a time of further education about adoption, specific challenges, and the needs of children, in addition to the fact-gathering.

Homestudies are performed by social workers licensed by the state for this purpose.

Best Resources

Homestudy 101: Oh, the scrutiny!
Sample Homestudy Form - this form may be similar but not identical to the one used in your state.
The Homestudy - an index of articles and resources

Next page > Take Classes

Sources for this article include:
Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
National Adoption Information Clearinghouse
North American Council on Adoptable Children
The Learning Center