A home study for adoption is a required part of the process if you live in the U.S. and wish to adopt. The home study ensures that children are placed into secure, loving, and safe environments.
This step is also an important milestone for adoptive parents. Conducted by a licensed social worker, the home study provides a current, in-depth picture of your life. It’s meant to confirm that you’re ready and able to care for and parent a child. It covers many aspects of your life, including:
- Background checks
- Employment and financial verification
- Medical reports
- A home visit
- An evaluation of your marital and family relationships
- Your motivation to adopt
- Your parenting style and educational background
It may feel like your entire life is under review, but keep in mind—your social worker’s responsibility is to recommend a safe and appropriate home for a child, and they take that role seriously, as they should.
Tapestry Adoption Provides Indiana Adoption Home Studies
Tapestry Adoption is licensed to complete adoption home studies throughout the state of Indiana. We proudly offer the most economical home study services in the state, along with quick and efficient turnaround times to help you keep your adoption journey moving forward.
If you’d like to learn more about the home study process or want to schedule your Indiana home study, please call us at 317-529-7322.
For adoptive families working with agencies in other states, we’re happy to refer you to trusted home study providers and post-placement services when needed.
Home Study Education
Each state has its own home study requirements. In Indiana, training hours may vary depending on your situation and the type of adoption you are pursuing. While some education may be mandatory, we recommend all adoptive parents take advantage of learning opportunities to prepare for parenthood.
Your home study social worker may also recommend or provide helpful courses. These often include topics like parenting skills, safety, first aid, transracial adoption, and caring for children with special needs or prenatal drug exposure.
Home Visit
While the home visit may sound stressful, it’s nothing to fear. It will be scheduled in advance, and the purpose is to confirm that your home is a safe, welcoming place for a child.
You don’t need to create a picture-perfect household. The social worker wants to see how you actually live. Focus on key safety issues—working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, a stocked first aid kit, secured pools (if applicable), and child-proofing basics.
During the visit, the social worker will also interview you and anyone living in the home. This is a great time to ask questions and receive guidance. The home study process is meant to be informative, not intimidating.
Home studies must be updated annually until your adoption is finalized. You’ll also need an update if you move, change jobs, or experience other significant life changes. Keeping open communication with your social worker and adoption coordinator is key.
Once completed, your home study can be used with any agency or attorney for a domestic adoption throughout the United States.
After Placement
If required by your state, a social worker will visit your home within a week of placement and follow up monthly or quarterly until your adoption is finalized. These post-placement visits help ensure the child is adjusting well and provide an opportunity to ask questions or request additional support.
The home study provider will submit a written recommendation to your adoption attorney, which is then reviewed by the court before finalization.
If you have questions about an adoption home study or would like more information, please call us at 317-529-7322. You can also request a copy of our home study checklist to help you prepare. We look forward to serving you and walking with you through this exciting journey!
Indiana Home Study 