Home studies provide child welfare agencies and the courts with the necessary comprehensive information for determining the most appropriate home for a child. They can also provide an opportunity for potential foster families to assess their readiness and ensure their home operates as a support for the child rather than as a substitute for their parent. Many foster parents are also dually licensed, which allows the agency to recruit and prepare families simultaneously as foster and adoptive families through common home study training, background checks, and other procedures. Find resources and information on the home study process, including State and local examples.
5 Tips to Prepare for a Foster Care or Adoption Home Study
Covenant Kids Family Services (2016)
Lists tips for foster parents on how to prepare for a home study and includes a 6-minute video on how to prepare for the home study process.
Completing a Home Study
AdoptUSKids (2017)
Shares information about completing a home study for foster care and includes a basic overview of the process and what is required.
Types of Home Studies
Binti (2016)
Describes several purposes of home studies in the child welfare system, such as obtaining approval to adopt, to become a foster parent, and to regain custody of a child.
What Happens During a Home Study Visit?
Covenant Kids Family Services (2016)
Describes the home study process, including the purpose of the visit, what will be talked about, the walkthrough, and more. The website also includes an 8-minute long video on the topic.
State and local examples
Completing the Home Study
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (2017)
Explains the home study process in Washington State for foster parents or other caregivers. Provides State policies and procedures and includes descriptions of reasons for the home study and next steps for parents.
Foster Care and Adoptive Home Study
Texas Adoption Resource Exchange
Describes how the home study is used in Texas adoptions and foster care cases and provides information on what the home study will examine.
Resource Family Approval Toolkit
Alliance for Children’s Rights (2017)
Helps families navigate the Resource Family Approval (RFA) process. While this process varies by State, the RFA guide highlighted here is an example of what to expect in the State of California.
Tribal Home Study Example
Capacity Building Center for Tribes (2021)
Guides child welfare professionals on how to conduct a detailed home study.
What Is a Home Study?
Alaska Center for Resource Families (2019)
Describes home studies for prospective foster families in Alaska and the types of questions and information the families will be asked to provide.