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We Provide Homestudies for Adoption

A homestudy is required for any adoption. It must be performed by an agency/licensed social worker in your state. Therefore, the requirements for the homestudy are regulated fully by the state in which you live. These requirements will vary.

You must select an agency that is authorized to perform homestudies in your state. Do some research, because the intensity and price of the homestudy can vary. World Child, Inc. and its affiliates are licensed to conduct homestudies in Maryland, Washington D.C., New York, New Jersey, Virginia and Mississippi. Even if you do not reside in one of these states, please feel free to check with us and may be able to recommend a specific organization in your state.

If we don't have a recommendation, we may be able to put you in touch other World Child families in your state who will be willing to share their experiences and offer suggestions. It's probably wise to employ somebody who has successfully completed this process with us in the past. However, that is in no way a requirement, and the decision as to which agency you use is entirely up to you.

As previously mentioned, the cost can vary, so, depending upon your budget, it may be worth your while to do a little more research. Overall, your best guide will be your heart and you will find an agency/social worker with whom you feel most comfortable.

Homestudies can take as little as a month or as long as six months to complete. It has a lot to do with how quickly you want the process to move, and how quickly the homestudy agency can complete the requirements.

Note: It appears that most frequently, the longest part of the homestudy process is the Child Abuse Check, which may take as long as 3 months to complete. This is not required in every state, but where it is required, in many cases it takes longer than the INS approval. Therefore, as soon as possible, request your social worker to submit the Child Abuse request form, if applicable. Also be sure to obtain a telephone number and a contact to check on the status.

There are examples of documents required for a typical homestudy, independent of those required for the INS. Because the homestudy is at a state level, the required forms may vary from state to state. Therefore, please verify everything with your homestudy agency.

Letters of reference (3-5):
The number required, and the actual format varies by agency. Some agencies will send out a form to the people you list. Others actually want a short (one page or less) letter. Each letter should include the author's name and address, how the author knows you, for how long, that you are wonderful people and would make fantastic, caring parents. The author should call you by the name used in the homestudy (James vs. Jimmy, for example).

Well Water Test:
If you use well water, many states require a test that indicates you water is "potable" and has the appropriate lead content. There are many tests you could get, so check with you homestudy agency as to specifically what tests you need.

Birth Certificate(s) (1 each):
Often, a birth certificate is required for each family member, adults and children.

Evidence of Marital Status:
You must provide evidence of your current marital status (marriage certificate, divorce degree, never married letter or death certificate of spouse). A copy of the actual marriage certificate is required, which you can obtain from the records office of the town in which you were married.

Child Abuse Check:
Required for each household adult in many states, and seems to be the slowest part of the process. Bottom line: submit these forms as early in the process as possible.

Certificate of Good Health:
Required from a physician on his or her letterhead, dated, and saying that you have a normal life expectancy, no communicable or contagious diseases, and that you are in overall good health. If you have a health condition, discuss it early on with the social worker and World Child.

Police Letter of Good Conduct:
Required for each member of the household over 18. This is a state police clearance. Your social worker should have the forms.

Criminal History Information Request:
For each adult in the household. Same as above, your social worker/agency should have the appropriate forms.

Past 3 years W-2 forms:
Will vary from state to state