At this time, there is not a standard process or format for Domestic Adoption Home Studies. Individual States set the minimum requirements for Home Studies. It is difficult to fully understand the process, and most people searching for information on adoption, do not fully understand the process. To better understand Home Studies, it is important to know who regulates them, who is authorized to write them, and why they can be so different.

Home Studies must comply with State Statutes and State Child Welfare Departments.

State Child Welfare Departments license Child Placing Agencies. These agencies are required to maintain compliance with all Rules Regulations and Administrative Practices. Licensed Child Placing agencies are reviewed by these Departments annually (at a minimum). During these compliance reviews the Agencies Files are inspected in great detail to confirm all laws, rules, regulations, and administrative polices are followed precisely.

Some states allow independent Licensed Mental Health Professionals to complete Home Studies. These independent Home Studies are not reviewed by the Child Welfare Departments for compliance.

While there are minimum requirements, Federal and State Laws do not outline a standardized process for conducting Domestic Adoption Home Studies. Child Welfare Professionals and Federal Lawmakers are aware of the benefits of standardizing the process for evaluating prospective adoptive parents, and are exploring ways to develop evidence-based research on how to standardize Home Studies.

Children need more than love to thrive. Not every person that wants to adopt has the capacity to meet the unique needs of an adopted child. It is imperative that all Home Study professionals have the ability to properly evaluate, educate and report each hopeful adoptive parent’s limitations and ability to meet specific needs.