How to Complete the California Adoption Home Study

Regardless of the type of adoption you choose or the adoption professional you work with, the home study is one of the most important steps you will take in the adoption process — and FCCA can provide the services you need to complete yours.

California law requires all prospective adoptive parents to complete an adoption home study. The purpose of the home study in California is to:

• Confirm that the family is able to provide a stable, nurturing home to a child
• Help the social worker understand the types of adoption opportunities that would be appropriate for the family
• Answer the family’s questions and help prepare them for parenthood

Although some families may feel overwhelmed by the home study for adoption, this is an exciting part of the adoption process that gets you one step closer to becoming a parent.

Whether you are adopting through one of our programs or through another child-placing agency, FCCA is licensed and Hague-accredited to provide a domestic or international home study in California.

To get more adoption information now, you can contact us online at any time. Meanwhile, learn all you need to know about the adoption home study in California.

The Home Study for Adoption in California

Each state has different laws for home study processes and requirements. The adoption home study in California includes:

• Individual interviews with each adoptive parent
• A home visit with all adults living in the home
• Fingerprint-based background checks
• Paperwork regarding finances, health and employment
• Documentation such as birth certificates, marriage/divorce certificates and character references

The California adoption home study will not be approved if any adult living in the home has been convicted of:

• A felony for child abuse or neglect, spousal abuse, a crime against a child or a crime involving violence, including rape, sexual assault or homicide
• A felony within the past five years for physical assault, battery or a drug- or alcohol-related offense

Although the adoption home study requirements are generally the same for most domestic adoptions, some other countries have additional requirements for international adoption home studies. If you are adopting internationally, then we will work with you and your child-placing agency to ensure your home study meets that country’s standards.

Although there is no such thing as a free home study for adoption, California offers the Adoption Assistance Program for families worried about the costs. This program includes a monthly subsidy and medical coverage, such as Medicaid or Medi-Cal for eligible children.

FCCA offers several adoption preparation classes, which include more detailed information about the adoption process and home study requirements. Your intake interviewer will provide more information about the adoption home study before beginning the process.

So, if you’ve been wondering, “Where can I find home studies for adoption near me,” then FCCA can help you out. Contact us online today.

What to Expect During the Home Study Interview

Once you have submitted the required adoption paperwork to FCCA, your social worker will schedule individual interviews with you and your partner, if applicable. These interviews take place at the agency office during regular working hours and generally last about two hours each.

These interviews give your social worker a chance to get to know you better and ensure that you and your partner share similar adoption goals and attitudes. During the interview, you might discuss:

• Your family background and childhood
• Your current family dynamics, values and traditions
• Your career, education and interests
• Your lifestyle and hobbies
• Your neighborhood and community
• Your experience with children and parenting style
• Your reasons for adopting
• Your attitudes toward adoption and adopted children
• Your knowledge about adoption issues

Remember, there are no “right” or “wrong” answers during the adoption home study interview. These interviews allow your social worker to get a better understanding of your family and the types of adoption opportunities you seek.

What to Expect During the In-Home Visit

In addition to your individual interviews, your social worker will schedule a time to meet with all adult members of your household. This visit will take place on a weekday during regular working hours.

During this visit, your social worker will conduct an adoption home study inspection, ask you some more questions and speak with other members of your family. Many hopeful parents are nervous about the home visit, but remember that your home does not need to be spotless, and you are not expected to be perfect.

Although you need to meet certain safety standards as outlined by California adoption laws, the social worker is there to make sure your house is generally safe and appropriate for a child.

Post-Placement Visits in California

After a child is placed in your home, you will undergo at least six months of post-placement supervision before the final adoption decree is granted.

In California, the post-placement supervision includes at least one in-home visit with the adoptive parents and child and three more visits with the adoptive parents that may occur outside of the home. During these interviews, your social worker will ensure you and the child are adjusting well to the placement and will offer any post-placement services or support you need.

Ready to Begin the Adoption Home Study in California?

Whether you are completing an international, foster care or domestic infant adoption, you will need to complete a home study for adoption. When you are ready to begin the adoption home study process, or if you need more information about our home study services, contact your nearby FCCA office to get more free information now.