WHAT IS A HOME STUDY?

To ensure that infants and children available for adoption are placed in stable, loving homes, the State of Wisconsin requires a home study assessment in order to receive a foster family license, which each family needs prior to the placement of a child in your home.  A foster family license is needed because for the six months after placement of a child in your home post termination of parental rights the adoption is not finalized.  This six-month period is NOT an opportunity for a birthparent to change his or her mind, but for the family caseworker to support and help the new adoptive family adjust to becoming parents through adoption.  Additionally, if there are any concerns about the care the child is receiving, the licensing agency is able to step in and provide the necessary support and assistance.
 

Home Study Components

A social worker will complete the home study assessment, which eventually takes the form of a written document.  A home study assessment is comprised of the following parts:

• criminal background check

• state child abuse and neglect clearance

• medical history

• financial assessment

• autobiography

• references

• home visits

• parent / adoption education classes

• a series of interviews with an adoption counselor designed to get to know you and educate you about adoption