The home study process is a very important step for those hoping to adopt. Every adoption requires a home study as preparation for potential placement. The entire process typically takes around 4-8 weeks, and is conducted by the agency or a contracted, licensed professional who specializes in adoption home studies.

The purpose is to make sure that all adopting parents are safe, ready to parent, and to facilitate positive matches with birth parents. The home study includes, though is not limited to: background checks, face-to-face interviews, review of medical history, employment verification, adoption education and training, and personal references. The above is reviewed and summarized to determine if adopting parents are qualified for potential placement. Additionally, a post-placement report will be conducted after a child is placed in their new home, usually around 30 days after placement. Both the post-placement report and the home study are submitted to the court as part of the legal adoption process.

Open Arms Adoption Agency is required by law to comply with home study regulations dictated by the state. However, to ensure the most beneficial placements, we may require more than the state in our home study process. This means more communication with adopting parents, more face-to-face time with adopting parents, and other specific qualifications. You will be notified of the needs and progress of each step of the home study/post-placement process as we go.