How Long Is an Adoption Home Study Good for?

Most home studies for adoption are good for at least a year, although this will depend on the professional you work with. With any significant life change, whether that’s a new job or a new house, your home study will need to be updated accordingly.

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How Long Is a Home Study Good for?How to Prepare for a Home Study Renewal

One of the most complex parts of the adoption process is the home study. That’s why so many hopeful parents feel a wave of relief once they’ve completed it. But, if you have been waiting for an adoption placement for several months, you might start to think about renewing your home study.

If you have any questions about the home study for adoption in California, then you can contact us online and get more free information now. Our team is here to help you at any time. We’ll provide you with the support you need and deserve, whether that’s related to the home study or anything else in your adoption journey.

How Long Is an Adoption Home Study Good for in California?

An adoption home study in California is valid for two years. After that time period passes, you’ll need to update your home study with any necessary details. If you experience any significant life changes, then you will also have to provide an update on your home study for adoption in California.

Even though home studies do expire after a certain amount of time, that often depends on the professional and the state. If you’re curious about how long an adoption home study lasts with our agency, then you can fill out our online contact form to get in touch with us.

How to Prepare for an Adoption Home Study Renewal in California

Your home study for adoption in California will expire at some point. Regardless, you can prepare ahead of time to update your home study, which is a much easier process than re-doing the whole thing. For the most part, there are three steps you can take to be proactive about your adoption home study renewal in California.

Step 1: Learn the Reasons and Deadline for the Adoption Home Study Renewal

Just as a home study needs consistent updates, some of the documentation you submitted will also need to stay up-to-date. Depending on where you live and the type of adoption you’ve chosen, your adoption home study update can vary.

When you work with FCCA, an affiliate of American Adoptions, we’ll make sure that all your documents are current and valid. We understand that updating your home study for adoption in California can be tedious and frustrating. But, your social worker will explain all the necessary changes to ensure as smooth and stress-free of a process as possible.

If you would like to learn more about adoption home study renewal with our agency, then contact us online today.

Step 2: Complete Potential In-Home Visits and Fill out New Documents

Depending on what documents you need to update, renewing your adoption home study in California can look different for many adoptive families. Once a year, you will have to complete new background clearances, such as:

  • Criminal background checks
  • Child abuse
  • FBI clearance

On top of this, financial paperwork should also be current. For instance, you may need to submit your latest tax information and notify your social worker of any changes in your employment status. Whether it’s a promotion at your current job or you’re working for a different employer, that’s something that should be included in the adoption home study renewal in California.

Also, when you completed your home study for adoption, you had to include health-related information, such as physician statements. You will need to provide this information once again, as these statements should reflect your current physical and mental capacity for parenthood. Likewise, health insurance should also be up-to-date.

If you have moved to a new city or home, then your social worker will need to know that, too. This is when another in-home visit would be necessary. Smaller changes in lifestyle, such as those listed above, are often fine without a new in-person visit from your social worker.

Step 3: Pay the Adoption Home Study Update Fee

Similar to how every family’s adoption journey is different, so is every family’s adoption home study renewal. The cost of your adoption home study update will vary depending on how extensive the updates are and the home study provider you use.

At our agency, we are proud to offer relatively low rates for the comprehensive services we can provide for you. Just like we do for the pre-placement home study for adoption in California, we offer regular updates and ensure that your adoption home study renewal meets all legal requirements. To get started on your adoption home study updates today, contact us online whenever you’re ready. We’re here to help you out whenever you need us.