Adoption laws in every state require prospective adoptive parents to complete a pre-adoption assessment usually called a home study. The home study and adoption education thoroughly prepares prospective couples for parenting an adopted child.
The home study consists of interviews, various documents and paperwork, background clearances, and a home safety check. The interviews allow your caseworker to gather information about you and assess if a stable environment exists for your family to receive an adoptive placement. It is a time when the prospective adoptive parents and the caseworker mutually assess the qualities and behaviors of each family member parent(s) and previously adopted children and children by birth. The home study is an opportunity to identify potential areas of difficulty and develop a plan prior to the placement of a child. Adverse experiences can be viewed as having contributed to the strengths the family has developed, rather than as deficiencies that make them less than “perfect”.
The result is a written report that is reviewed by you for accuracy before completion. With your written permission, Adoption Choices of Texas may release your home study to another licensed adoption agency, an attorney, and/or a district court judge for adoption finalization. Otherwise, the home study is confidential.
Download Home Study Process & FAQThe home study process at Adoption Choices of Texas is non-judgmental and cooperative. Our caseworkers are trained professionals who are compassionate and understanding, with many years of experience in working with prospective adoptive parents. Several of our caseworkers are themselves adoptive parents. Making the home study experience enjoyable, educational, and positive is of utmost importance, along with helping you discover the unique attributes you bring to parenting an adopted child.
From the date of payment, you must have all supporting documents, medicals, fingerprints, etc. done within one month (30 days). Once your home study is complete, you have 1 week (7 days) to apply for the adoption. If not, you will go into our pool of families to apply. While it is not guaranteed that once you enter the home study process you will be approved for an adoptive placement, the majority of prospective adoptive parents are approved.
Answers To Your Common Questions
Why do I need a home study?
What is the role of the home study preparer?
How long is the home study process?
Do you provide home studies for couples working with out-of-state adoption agencies for placement, either domestically or internationally?
What types of home studies do you provide?
International adoptions
Designated adoptions (you locate the birth mother on your own)
Kinship/Custodial adoptions
Embryo adoptions or Gestational Surrogacies