What is an Adoption Home Study?
The single most important
tool in your adoption readiness arsenal is the Adoption Home Study. Until the Adoption Home Study is complete, a
prospective adoptive family may not lawfully be considered qualified to adopt. When you are “home study ready” you can be confident about evaluating whatever
adoption opportunity comes your way. You can become part of an
adoption plan that suits you without delay.
Adoption laws require a home
study for all non-relative placements, and for some relative placements as well.
For international placements, Federal
Government regulations contain specific requirements for an adoption home
study.
For domestic adoption placements
within the United States,
individual state laws and regulations set forth the requirements of that
state.
A favorable New York adoption home study is
required as a comprehensive pre-screening of a prospective adoptive home and
family. The adoption home study is
relied upon by adoption agencies, attorneys, judges, and state and foreign
governments.
The New York Adoption Home Study is conducted in the applicant's home community and includes:
A home visit, with all household members present for interview by a licensed professional or agency caseworker;
Documentation of identity, income, employment, health, marital status, and personal references; and
Record checks of criminal and abuse history.
The adoption home study also evaluates an applicant's understanding of the adoption process and its lifelong implications within a family.
Adoption Education and Training for Prospective Adoptive Parents is required as part of the NY adoption home study process.
The NY Adoption Home Study is summarized in a report about the prospective adopting family. The report concludes with a recommendation for the placement of an adoptive child or children into the home.
At this point, a favorable recommendation qualifies a family for the placement of a child.
After an adoptive child is in the 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.
Most courts require post placement reports before an adoption may be legally finalized.
Sometimes post-placement reports are required for international adoptions even after the adoption is legally final, to fulfill the promises made to the sending country.
