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The process of adoption typically begins with a home study or comprehensive evaluation of each person living in the prospective adoptive parents’ home. The home study, which is conducted by a social worker, includes information about the following:

• The relationships of all family members
• Family interactions
• Childhood and life experiences of family members
• Living environment
• Employment history of the potential parent(s)
• Financial outlook of the potential parent(s)

Fees for conducting a home study range from $500 to as much as $3,000 or more. This varies greatly not only from state to state but from agency to agency. Therefore, it is recommended that prospective parents carefully research their options.

A home study is not a microscopic examination of a family’s life. Rather it is a profile that the courts and other professionals involved in placing a child will use to determine if the home is suitable and stable for an adopted child. The regulations for home studies vary from state to state and often include:

• An autobiography. This is a brief overview of the prospective parents’ childhood experiences, family relationships, marital relationships, infertility issues (if applicable), perspectives on child discipline, employment status and personal interests. Also included are the significant people in the lives of the applicants and the motivation for the couple or individual wishing to adopt.
  
  
• Personal interview.  The social worker will interview the prospective parents (individually and together) to review information contained in the autobiography. If applicable, the social worker may question the couple about infertility, as well as their expectations for the child and how they plan to integrate the child into the family.
  
  
• Background checks. Criminal background checks are routinely completed on all prospective parents. A prior felony conviction may prevent an individual or family from adopting a child.
  
  
• Health status. A physical examination by a qualified physician is usually required, as well as a health history of the prospective parents. A serious health problem that affects life expectancy may not be considered acceptable.
  
  
• Financial status. The financial well-being of the parents is evaluated to ensure the adopted child will be adequately provided for. Some of the records requested may include annual income, savings, debt and overall net worth.
  
  
• Character references. These references are provided to offer insight into the parents’ character, personality and reasons for wanting children and to offer a glimpse into the environment in which the child will be placed.

Additional elements may be considered depending on the specific family being evaluated. A post-placement home study may be conducted by a social worker in order to determine how the family is adjusting.