Adoption Home study - Adoption partners of Michigan.

What is the home study?

One of the first steps in the adoption process will be to complete a home study. When this is completed, there will be a written report that meets the requirements for state licensing and for court. Having an approved home study provides assurance to birth parents that the adoptive family has been thoroughly prepared and been found to be suitable for adoption in all aspects.

Can Adoption Partners of Michigan help me with a home study if I hope to adopt a child in another State or Country?

The short answer is yes! We are happy to assist hopeful adoptive parents living in Michigan who may be working with an agency, consultant, or facilitator in another State. Since you live in Michigan, even though you will complete an adoption in another State or Country, you will still, first, need a Michigan home study, completed by a Michigan-licensed agency. Adoption Partners of Michigan is experienced in providing adoption home studies no matter where your future child’s adoption will be completed.

Adopting in the United States:

If you are planning to adopt a child anywhere within the United States we will coordinate with your other agency, facilitator or consultant, to ensure that you are thoroughly prepared for adoption. We will also assist with any State-to-State approvals you will need and ensure that you meet all reporting requirements post-adoption.

International Adoption:

If you are hoping to adopt a child from another Country, our staff are experienced in providing intercountry home studies too. You must first, however, identify an ‘Adoption Service Provider’ (also called a ‘Primary Provider’ or ‘Placing Agency’), which is an agency that is properly credentialed to facilitate adoptions for the Country you are interested in. Adoption Partners of Michigan can then coordinate with your intercountry adoption agency to complete your Michigan home study, meeting all the necessary requirements.

How long does the home study take?

There are typically a total of three one- to two-hour sessions with a social worker over the course of several weeks or a couple of months. In Michigan, the entire home study process must be completed within 90 days.

How should I prepare my home?

The social worker will visit your home at least one time during the process. He or she will assess the home for safety and suitability for a child. The visit will include a tour of the home and property. You can expect to discuss any areas that might cause safety concerns, including things like household pets, weapons in the home, water hazards on the property, and general maintenance and upkeep of the environment.

How much detail is covered in the home study process?

You can expect to have several conversations with your social worker about topics including: your childhood and upbringing, educational and career history, marriage relationship and other support systems, your hobbies and interests, views on parenting, your health, your finances, and your motivation for adoption. In the end, we want to be confident that you are prepared and capable to provide a great environment for an adopted child.

What else is needed through the home study process?

You’ll need to complete background checks, get medical reports from your doctors, provide personal references, and verify your financial, income, and employment information.

What else should I be considering?

Every member of the household needs to be included in the home study process. Talk to your social worker early if you have other adults living in your home.

The original home study is valid for one year. If you haven’t had a placement by the one-year mark, you’ll need an update to your study.

If there are changes to the information covered in the home study while it is valid you may need to have an addendum completed. Examples of when an addendum is needed include things like moving to a new home, adding a family member to the household, and having a change in income/employment status.