For families seeking to grow through adoption, the adoption home study may be the most crucial step in the process. As you pursue an adoption, it is important to understand the adoption home study so you can be as prepared as possible for a successful outcome.
What Is an Adoption Home Study?
The adoption home study, or pre-placement assessment, is an independent investigation that is undertaken in order to verify the suitability of prospective adoptive parents. It is often done by contacting a child placement agency or other certified individual or group. The study will have three primary goals:
- To educate and prepare the adoptive family for adoption
- Evaluate the fitness of the adoptive family
- Gathering information about the prospective parents that will aid social workers in connecting them with a child whose needs they can meet
How Long Does a Home Study Take?
The home study is typically completed within six to eight weeks and involves multiple visits. A home study report can be valid for up to one year for purposes of adopting a child or fostering. It is often best that the family have a home study in process or completed before an application for adoption. An adoption home study is also valid for certification as a foster parent.
The adoption home study involves many steps, including:
- Interviews
- Home visit
- Office visit
- Health statements
- Income statements
- Background checks
- Autobiographical statements
- Reference checks
Should we have a Birth Mother selected before the Home Study?
It is up to you. Our attorneys can work with you and an agency to help you find a birth mother. As you seek a match for your family, it may be helpful to create a portfolio that advertises your family to birth parents. We can help you publicize this portfolio as we help you pursue your adoption.
Contact us at 248-676-1000 for advice on the adoption home study. Kathryn Wayne-Spindler & Associates attorneys can help with all the steps required on your path to adopting or fostering a child.
Kathryn Wayne-Spindler & Associates have many satisfied clients throughout the five counties of Southeastern Michigan – Oakland, Washtenaw, Wayne, Genesee and Livingston. The Michigan Family Law Attorneys of Kathryn Wayne-Spindler & Associates have one simple objective: to handle our clients’ legal worries so they can concentrate on life and family. Contact Kathryn Wayne-Spindler & Associates today to learn more about our experience and success at 248-676-1000. We are conveniently located in Milford, Michigan. We help clients throughout Milford; Highland; Hartland; White Lake; Commerce; Waterford; West Bloomfield; Walled Lake; South Lyon; New Hudson; Wixom; Linden; Holly; Fenton; Grand Blanc; Flint and many more local communities.
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