The home study also includes an interview, the purpose of which is to ascertain whether the potential parents are ready for the responsibilities of parenting. The goal of the interview and examination process is not to make sure the applicants have a lot of money, a big house, or a great deal of education. It is meant to verify that adoption is the appropriate choice for the couple and that they will be able to meet the specific needs of the child they are seeking to adopt. The home study also is an opportunity for the potential parents to obtain information from the agency worker and to have their questions answered. Even if people arrange an adoption independent of an agency, a public or private agency still must conduct an investigation and home study.
Stepparent adoptions take place by way of a different procedure.
A county clerk, probation officer, or another employee of a county welfare department makes a study and report about the circumstances of the adoption, and provides a consent form that the adopting parent and the parent relinquishing custody must sign. Once the applicants have been approved to be adoptive parents and to adopt a particular child, the child is placed in the home on a tentative basis. During this probationary period, the parents are required to file an adoption petition with the court. The agency then files a court report stating that the circumstances are favorable for adoption and recommending that the adoption petition be granted. If the tentative placement is successful, a court enters a final adoption order.