Regardless of the type of adoption (private agency, public agency, or intercountry), nearly all families must complete a home study process before adopting a child. There are a few exceptions. For example, stepparents adopting their spouses' children may not need a home study. The primary purpose of a home study is to ensure that each child is placed with a family that can best meet his or her needs. The home study process can help educate prospective adoptive parents about the type of adoption they are pursuing so they can make informed decisions that are best for their family.
This section contains resources about the home study process for different types of adoptions.
Series Title | State Statutes |
Author(s) | Child Welfare Information Gateway |
Availability | View Download (PDF - 1,356KB) |
Year Published | 2019 |
Series Title | State Statutes |
Author(s) | Child Welfare Information Gateway |
Availability | View Download (PDF - 1,404KB) |
Year Published | 2016 |
Relative/kinship adoption
Assessing Adult Relatives as Preferred Caregivers in Permanency Planning: A Competency-Based Curriculum (PDF - 312 KB)
National Resource Center for Foster Care and Permanency Planning (2002)
Describes the educational and administrative support social workers need to identify and assess relatives to consider as first placement resources for children.
Public agency adoption (foster care)
Casey Foster Family Assessments
Casey Family Programs
Provides free tools for workers and families to help with the foster family assessment process.
Casey Home Assessment Protocol (CHAP) Technical Manual and User's Manual
Casey Family Programs (2006)
Explains the methodology and structure of the Casey Home Assessment Protocol, a comprehensive system for evaluating the capacity of a family to provide foster care.
Finding a Fit That Will Last a Lifetime (PDF - 374 KB)
AdoptUsKids (2006)
Assists caseworkers with assessment, decision-making, and matching/placement processes.
Series Title | State Statutes |
Author(s) | Child Welfare Information Gateway |
Availability | View Download (PDF - 1,593KB) |
Year Published | 2018 |
Plan, Prepare, and Support to Prevent Disruptions
North American Council on Adoptable Children
Discusses the importance of careful matching, adequate preparation, thoughtful transitions, and abundant family support after adoption for preventing placement disruptions.
Intercountry adoption
Home Study
U.S. Department of State
Outlines the requirements for home studies for Hague Convention and non-Hague Convention countries.
FAQ: Conducting Home Studies for American Citizens Residing Abroad in Incoming/Immigrating Convention Cases
U.S. Department of State
Supplies information on completing home studies for families who live abroad and wish to effect an intercountry adoption.