About a Home Study
A home study is a detailed overview of a family wanting to adopt. The term refers to the evaluation process, as well as to the official document — a comprehensive report that assesses the appropriateness of placement of a child in your care. Your total situation (home, financial, personal, etc.) will be assessed.
Is a home study necessary?
Yes, a home study is required for all adoptions, domestic (USA) or international.
When should the home study be completed?
The home study should be completed as soon as possible. However, it is important that you are clear about what agency you are working with and what country you are adopting from, that all documentation is in place prior to the home visit(s), that your agency is informed and agreeable to the arrangement.
Will your home study be accepted by the agency that I am working with?
Yes, I consult with your agency prior to any work being done or fees paid, in order to insure that the home study will be accepted and to work out any details or specifics for the home study that your agency may require.
What documents are necessary for the home study?
I will provide you with a list of documents that you need to have in order for the home study to be completed.
This list is also in a questionnaire that I provide once we have agreed to work together.
Who else is involved in the home study process?
For my services, you will only be involved with me. I will handle all correspondence, come to your home, and eventually write your home study report. This arrangement decreases communication problems and confusion in an already complex process. In the case of an International Adoption, Wasatch International will be involved in the approval process with the USCIS.
How often are you required to meet?
Several visits are required — for couples, both a joint meeting and individual meetings for each adult. The time needed is flexible, but generally it will be a morning or an afternoon. Some countries or agencies require more than one visit. I will meet with you at a mutually agreed upon time. I request a minimum of 4-6 weeks of advance notice to arrange for the home visit.
Are you limited in where you can travel to meet a family that requires your services?
No, I can provide these services in Europe, the USA, the Middle East, Asia — anywhere in the world.
Are you going to pass or fail us? What should we expect?
I as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am here to:
How long is the home study valid?
The home study is good for 12 to 18 months. If the adoption process takes longer than one year or there are changes in the original home study, I can do a home study update or addendum. This may involve an additional fee depending on what is required.
What about post-placement services?
These are generally required for all adoptions and the number of visits/reports varies. This is separate from the home study and needs to be discussed individually. I contract with every family that I work with to provide these services.
Is a home study necessary?
Yes, a home study is required for all adoptions, domestic (USA) or international.
When should the home study be completed?
The home study should be completed as soon as possible. However, it is important that you are clear about what agency you are working with and what country you are adopting from, that all documentation is in place prior to the home visit(s), that your agency is informed and agreeable to the arrangement.
Will your home study be accepted by the agency that I am working with?
Yes, I consult with your agency prior to any work being done or fees paid, in order to insure that the home study will be accepted and to work out any details or specifics for the home study that your agency may require.
What documents are necessary for the home study?
I will provide you with a list of documents that you need to have in order for the home study to be completed.
This list is also in a questionnaire that I provide once we have agreed to work together.
Who else is involved in the home study process?
For my services, you will only be involved with me. I will handle all correspondence, come to your home, and eventually write your home study report. This arrangement decreases communication problems and confusion in an already complex process. In the case of an International Adoption, Wasatch International will be involved in the approval process with the USCIS.
How often are you required to meet?
Several visits are required — for couples, both a joint meeting and individual meetings for each adult. The time needed is flexible, but generally it will be a morning or an afternoon. Some countries or agencies require more than one visit. I will meet with you at a mutually agreed upon time. I request a minimum of 4-6 weeks of advance notice to arrange for the home visit.
Are you limited in where you can travel to meet a family that requires your services?
No, I can provide these services in Europe, the USA, the Middle East, Asia — anywhere in the world.
Are you going to pass or fail us? What should we expect?
I as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am here to:
- complete an evaluation of the family or person;
- provide professional guidance and information (international adoption, children’s needs, concerns that you may have, etc.);
- answer any questions regarding the adoption process, including immigration and citizenship information; and
- advocate for the family.
How long is the home study valid?
The home study is good for 12 to 18 months. If the adoption process takes longer than one year or there are changes in the original home study, I can do a home study update or addendum. This may involve an additional fee depending on what is required.
What about post-placement services?
These are generally required for all adoptions and the number of visits/reports varies. This is separate from the home study and needs to be discussed individually. I contract with every family that I work with to provide these services.