An agency home study can be used for all types of adoptions including public and private agency adoptions, international and domestic adoptions, interstate adoptions, independent adoptions, etc.

An agency home study can be used for all types of adoptions including public and private agency adoptions, international and domestic adoptions, interstate adoptions, independent adoptions, etc. Many private workers say that their home studies may be used in all types of adoptions, but the reality is that many adoption agencies do not accept home studies conducted by private individuals. Also, interstate adoptions often require an agency conducted home study and an agency home study is required for an International adoption. In addition, some courts prefer agency home studies.

In New York State private individuals MAY NOT facilitate an adoption. Only an authorized agency can place children for adoption. When an agency study is obtained, the clients have an increased chance in receiving an agency referral for the adoption of a child.

Agencies are better equipped to serve their clients with more internal resources, services and referrals. Adoption agencies are often much more than “agencies that practice adoption,” but many offer client services above and beyond adoption. Adoption STAR has several certified social workers on staff, in addition to many experienced and dedicated board members and volunteers.

Agencies use an educational approach when conducting a home study. Adoption STAR has prepared an adoptive parent training curriculum that is utilized during the home study process. This curriculum allows clients to become familiar with various adoption options and issues surrounding adoption. Adoption STAR offers an orientation session, a private consultation appointment, and the training program which is organized into a series of classes, as well as a credit system where the client is able to utilize a number of creative resources to learn more about the adoption process. The classes and credit system are not only educational and an important part of the home study process, but they are fun too!

Agencies are equipped to handle post adoption issues that arise after the adoption of a child. Sometimes issues arise, as a child gets older. While a private individual cannot promise to be around later on, chances are the agency you worked with will still be present to help you and your family in the future.