Adoption 101: Family Assessments for adoption

November 5, 4:38 PMEducation ExaminerDonna Gundle-Krieg

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National Adoption Day 2009 will be on November 21, and many courts will open for foster adoptions.
Photo from NationalAdoptionDay.org

November is National Adoption Month, so now is a good time to get started on the process and help a child in need of a loving home. 

The first step in most adoptions is to have a family assessment, also known as a home study. In many states, an adoption agency sends out a social worker to conduct a family assessment.

The family assessment process usually takes anywhere from three to six months, and can often be done before the agency is chosen. The home study helps prospective parents choose the type of adoption as well as try out the adoption agency.

The family assessment includes an application, criminal background check, medical forms, personal references and several home visits.

The home visits provide an opportunity for the family to learn more about adoption, and to seriously consider their motivations and expectations for adopting. During the home visits, the social worker tries to understand what type of child might best fit within a family.

“You do not have to be married to adopt a child,” according to the University of Michigan Work/Life Resource Center. “Being a single parent is perfectly acceptable.”

During the family assessment, you will also be asked to provide an income statement. While you do not have to be wealthy to adopt, you must have adequate resources to provide for your family. You don't have to own your own home, either, as long as there is adequate bedroom space per child.

The average cost of a family assessment varies from $750-$1500. There is usually no fee when you are adopting a "special needs" child, or a permanent court or state ward.

After your assessment, you need to decide which type of adoption you want, and then research which agency is best for you.

For more information, see:

How to adopt a child

Should I adopt a foster, international, or domestic child?

Adoption agencies and other resources

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