Adoption home study is an in-home interview with an approved social worker and the adoptive couple, as well as brief interviews with elementary age or older children. The discussion includes childhood backgrounds, marriage, parenting and adoption issues, religion, employment and finances, and extended family.
The home study also requires the collection of supporting documents including employment verification, copies of insurance cards, medical reports, marriage license, and three reference letters from friends, pastors, etc. Criminal and child abuse background checks are performed as well as fingerprinting. The completed home study is a report, current for one year, that is reviewed by the adoption agency, attorneys, and a judge.
CPO does not perform the home study but does have referral information for social workers licensed to perform home studies in the state in which you live. Federal laws require a home study for all adoptions.