Steps of the Adoption Home Study Process

Step One: Discover what adoption options you have

Explore our resources to learn about Adoptions Together, a program of Paths for Families, and the options we can offer your family. We are licensed to complete home studies in Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia. If you live outside of this area but plan on moving into the region, please contact our office prior to completing an application.

Register or View an Information Meeting

Step Two: Submit Your Application

Sign up for an account using our interactive MyAdoptionPortal, where you will fill out your Home Study application. Once your application is approved (usually within 48 hours), pay your application fee online.

View/Submit an Application

Step Three: Connect with Your Social Worker

Begin your Home Study! Your Home Study Social Worker will contact you to schedule your first meeting. You will begin work to organize your documents through your MyAdoptionPortal account.

Step Four: Complete Your Home Study Documents

Complete all of the Home Study documents and tasks including clearances, financial information, and medical records. Most of these can be electronically uploaded into our secure online portal at your convenience!

Step Five: Attend Required Training

Complete all required Home Study and Adoption specific training. We offer many Adoption Preparation classes online and in-person conveniently scheduled for families.

Step Six: Pay for Your Home Study

At this point, you will pay for your home study through our secure online portal. If you are joining the Domestic Infant Networking Program, you will pay your fee and start working with your networking social worker at this time as well. Your home study social worker will begin drafting your home study and you will schedule your final interviews.

Step Seven: Review Your Home Study

Once your social worker has completed the first draft of your home study, they will submit it for review by Adoptions Together. Once it’s approved, you and your placing agency will have the opportunity to review your home study and edit it before its finalized.

Step Eight: Home Study Approved!

Your home study is now complete. We send original copies to you to disperse as needed. We also place a final copy in your MyAdoptionPortal account for preservation if you ever need a copy.