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Home Study Process
What is the process for an adoption home study? What can you expect from your home study? Read on to learn the most common steps for families doing their home study through Adoptions Together, a program of Paths for Families.
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.
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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.
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.
Next Resource
Foster Care Adoption Process
There are several ways to begin the foster care adoption process. A licensed adoption agency or local department of social services can help you get started. Adoptions Together, a program of Paths for Families, can help you on your foster care adoption journey. Here’s how the foster care adoption process works.