I know you probably have many questions. That’s OK! I’m here to help!
Here are a few of the most common questions about home studies that I often hear. If your question isn’t answered here, don’t hesitate to contact me.
An adoption home study is a detailed written report about your family. Through interviews and the gathering of various documents and other information, I will be able to get a picture of who you are and what life is like in your home. The finished report is submitted to your adoption attorney/agency and the court, and helps your attorney or agency place a child into your home who would best fit with your family.
- Anyone adopting privately through an adoption attorney/agency
- Grandparent seeking to legally adopt their grandchild(ren)
- Step-parent seeking to legally adopt their step-child(ren)
- Any other kinship placement seeking to legally adopt their relative(s)
- It starts with an initial telephone consultation to gather information and to answer any questions that you might have. I will give you information about how to obtain a background check, and we will schedule our first home visit appointment.
- At our first home visit, you will sign a contract for services as well as releases for your adoption attorney/agency. I will give you a packet of forms to start completing as well as a detailed list of various documents that you can begin gathering. We will also visit a bit to start gathering autobiographical information about your family.
- At our second home visit, I will collect all of the required forms and documents that you have obtained. I will finish visiting with you about your family, so that I can provide a well-rounded picture of what life in your home is like. I will also take a tour of your home so that I can accurately describe the physical space/layout in my report.
- Once all background check results are in and all required forms and documentation have been received, I will finalize your home study report. You will be able to read over the completed home study to ensure that it is accurate prior to me mailing it to your adoption attorney/agency.
That depends on you! The required background checks typically take 6-8 weeks to complete, and there are a number of other documents that you have to obtain. I like to submit the background check information as quickly as possible, and then schedule home visits and gather the other required documentation while we are waiting for the background check results. Families who are flexible with their schedules for home visits and diligent about collecting their required documents are able to have their home studies completed much more quickly.
- Pre-placement domestic adoption home studies
- Post-placement evaluations
- Adoption home study updates
- $750 for a pre-placement domestic adoption home study in the Tulsa area.
- An additional travel time fee/mileage reimbursement fee may be required for home studies outside of the Tulsa area.
- $150 for each required post-placement evaluation.
- $350 for an adoption home study update.
- An additional fee may be assessed if the home study is required within a very short time frame.
- All fees are typically paid in full at the first home visit, although if this is a hardship I will be happy to discuss a payment plan with you. I accept personal checks as well as credit cards.