We provide home studies across the state. Get more information now.
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.
The 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?
The home study preparer has two goals: first, to ensure that the home is safe for the child and, second, to make sure the family is stable and ready to parent. The first goal is accomplished by reviewing your background history and visiting your home. The second goal is completed by counseling throughout the home study process. When both goals are realized, you will be on your way to bringing your child home.
What is the role of the home study preparer?
Although the homestudy preparer is documenting your home-life and history; she is also a counselor, a guide, and a partner throughout your family-building process and she wants to help you succeed.
How long is the home study process?
A home study can usually be completed in a couple of months. How proactive a family is in getting documentation together and any issues in completing background checks may extend the process, however.
Do you provide home studies for couples working with out-of-state adoption agencies for placement, either domestically or internationally?
Adoption Choices of Texas can provide only the services you need to comply with Texas state laws. These services include the application process, the home study, adoption education, and post-placement or post-adoption services.
What types of home studies do you provide?
Domestic adoptions
International adoptions
Designated adoptions (you locate the birth mother on your own)
Kinship/Custodial adoptions
Embryo adoptions or Gestational Surrogacies
How long does it take to complete the home study?
On average, the home study takes two to three months to complete. You can speed up the process by gathering the required documents, scheduling your medical appointments, and completing your paperwork and fingerprint cards in a timely manner.
Resources for Adoptive Families
