A home study is the first step in the adoption process. It is required for both international and domestic adoption. Children’s Adoption Services partners with an adoption worker to assess your family and prepare for your adoption.
Home Study Services
The First Step to Adoption is a Home Study
The purpose of the home study is to:
- Learn about the strengths in your family system
- Understand your unique parenting styles
- Learn about your family and community
- Determine how a child will fit in your family system
- Collaborate on how to prepare your family with the adoption of a child
- Prepare you to parent a child whose experiences and history may be different from your own.
- Provide education, resources throughout the adoption process
Call us now, Toll Free: (800) 632-9312 to learn more.
Home Study Services
Children’s/Carolina Adoption Services home study provides licensing for domestic adoption in:
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Virginia
- Families living in other states who are seeking adoptive placement through Children’s Adoption Services adoption programs are required to work with a licensed agency in their state.
Home Study for Adoption
Individual states, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, and international entities use the study as a central file for review.
State Adoption Review
A home study must meet the requirements of the state in which you reside. This document helps educate teams about your family as they evaluate the placement of a child.
International Adoption Review
For international adoption, the home study must also meet the requirements of US Citizenship and Immigration Services and the United States Department of State.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a home study required?
A home study is required anytime an individual or family plans to adopt a child either internationally or domestically. The home study must meet the requirements of the state in which the family resides and, in international adoption cases, must also meet the requirements of US Citizenship and Immigration Services and the U.S. Department of State.
What can I expect during my home study?
While the home study is an evaluative process to determine a family’s appropriateness and readiness for adoption, it is also an enriching process. The home study provides opportunities for families to meet with an experienced, professional social worker and to carefully explore the issues of adoptive parenthood. This is a chance to examine the choices prospective adoptive families must consider relating to issues such as country choice, the age of the child, medical issues, and more. CAS will work with each family to explore their strengths, limitations and personal resources to ensure that adoption is in the best interests of both the child and the family.
CAS believes that preparation is critical to a successful adoption and to long-term adoptive parenting. The agency will provide educational services to families in our program. Adoption is a lifelong process and CAS will work to ensure that every family is prepared and supported as they begin the adoption journey.
What is included in the home study?
As part of the home study process, prospective adoptive parents will provide documentation such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, health certification, and criminal background checks. Personal, family, and employment references will also be gathered. Families will be provided with a complete list of all required documentation once the home study process begins. The home study typically consists of 4-6 interviews with the family, including an individual interview with each applicant. At least one interview must take place in the family’s home.