A home study is a thorough report required by every state prior to an adoption. The purpose of the home study is to prove to the courts that the adoptive child is being placed in a safe home and will be well cared for.
A social worker will be in charge of the process. She will conduct in home meetings, run a criminal and financial background check as well as a medical history. She will ask for personal references and interview all members of your household and perhaps extended family.
This process can vary from state to state, and your adoption coordinator will be able to provide the details you need for the state you live in. This process can take up to six months. This is where it will help to be very organized and to have a “to-do” list that will help you organize and submit all of the documents requested by your home study social worker. In general, this needs to be complete before an adoption can begin, so be sure to work as quickly and as accurately as possible.