An Adoption Home Study is a comprehensive report of the adoptive family's background and child-rearing philosophy. It is designed to assist the family in preparing for the arrival of an adopted child into a nurturing environment. It is conducted by a licensed master social worker (LMSW) in the privacy of your home. The Adoption Home Study for New York families conducting a Domestic adoption or International Home Study for New York residents is then prepared in a timely fashion by the social worker.

The home study will address information as outlined below. You can help to expedite the process by having your paper work ready and gathering all necessary documents before the meeting.

What is the typical information needed to satisfy legal requirements?

• Biographical Informationfor Adoption Home Study
  A profile describing your lifestyle, family, upbringing, education, listing of residences in America and overseas, marital status, employment history, and aspirations for your child.
  
  
• Adoptive Family Members' Input
  All members of the prospective adoptive family household, especially older children, will participate in the home study. They will be asked to describe their feelings about the new addition to the family.
  
  
• Health
  Physical exams of the prospective adoptive parents are required.
  
  
• Financial Information
  Income and assets must be verifiable.
  
  
• Child Abuse Clearance
  A child abuse clearance will be filed in Albany with the State Central Register and other states and countries as required.
  
  
• Criminal Clearance
  Fingerprinting is mandatory and will be filed with the local police jurisdiction and submitted to the FBI.
• References
  Names, addresses and telephone numbers of three references. For example, friends, neighbors, your employer, religious leader.