Adoption: The Home Study Process

A home study is one of the requirements for people who desire to adopt a child. The specific requirements vary from state to state; however, there are some requirements, which are common to most states. The home-study or home assessment for most states include a criminal records check, a check of the state's abuse and neglect registry, a check of the sexual offender's registry, a home inspection to address safety and health issues, a medical report on the prospective adoptive parents and verification of income. Also included in the home study process is an interview with the prospective adoptive parents and their children, as appropriate. A caseworker will make visits to the home to complete the assessment. Usually the family can expect a minimum of two visits with the caseworker. The family can expect the visits with the caseworker to last at least two hours. 

Criminal Records Check
All families interested in adopting must have a criminal record check and fingerprinting to assure that the prospective family does not have a criminal record. Federal Legislatures require that person's desiring to adopt must meet both federal and state guidelines. If a person has a criminal record, for example, assault, armed robbery, domestic violence, they would, in all likelihood, be denied the opportunity to adopt.

Sexual Offender Registry
A person who has been convicted of a sexual offense against another person, will be listed on the national sexual offender registry. These people cannot be approved as a foster or adoptive parent. In most states, this person cannot reside in the home of another person, who is a foster or adoptive parent.

Child Abuse and Neglect
During the home study process, a check of the local child abuse and neglect registry is completed to assure that the adoptive applicants have not abused or neglected a child. In most states, if there is someone in the home who has abused or neglected a child, the prospective adoptive parents cannot be approved as an adoptive resource unless the perpetrators leaves the home.

Medical Records and Verification of Income
Prospective adoptive parents must submit a current medical to verify that they are not only physically able to parent, but that they are emotionally able, as well. If there are concerns noted in the medical report, the agency may require the complete medical records prior to making a determination regarding the parent's ability to parent. The caseworker, on behalf of the agency, will also verify the income status of the parents. States vary regarding income requirements; however, prospective adoptive parents must show that they are able to meet the emotional, physical and social needs of a child. Because the best interest of the child is the focus of the agency, the caseworker must assure that placement of a child, in a family, would not place the child at risk.

Prospective adoptive parents can expect to be scrutinized, as they go through the process. They must be prepared to share and discuss information, they may consider private. The caseworker/agency's job is to obtain enough information, in order to paint a picture of the family, in addition to assessing the family in terms of their appropriateness.

Prospective adoptive parents can prepare themselves by researching information regarding adoption in general, learn more about the issues of adoption and their state's regulations and approval process.