Home Studies

Home Studies for Chinese Adoptions through Living Hope Adoption Agency
To help facilitate the adoption of your Chinese child, Living Hope offers home studies in  Pennsylvania. If you already have a completed home study in your state and want to proceed with a Chinese adoption, please contact our Adoption Director for more information. Email: shansen@livinghopeadoption.org

What is a Home Study?
The home study is not only a document necessary for a Chinese adoption, it is a process as well. The home study is an in-depth look into the family life of the applicants. The purpose of the home study is to offer an explanation as to the suitability of an applicant as an adoptive parent, as well as approval to adopt from a home study professional. Areas of investigation include, but are not limited to: health, marriage, parenting techniques, home environment, community, childhood, etc.

What does the Home Study process entail?
The prospect of a home study can be a very intimidating endeavor, as it entails having a complete stranger investigating every aspect of an applicant's life, and then make a determination on the findings. However, do not despair! Our home study social workers are trained professionals who understand the stresses involved in the adoption process, and who will make the home study process easy and comfortable for the adopting family.

The home study process begins with an in-office interview of both applicants. During this first interview, the applicants will also be interviewed separately. Next comes the home visit - the social worker will visit your home at a convenient time when all household members are present. During the home visit, the social worker will explore the home and verify that it is a safe environment for a child. Once the interviews, home visit, and all paperwork are completed, the social worker will then be able to write the home study document.

Paperwork? More Paperwork!
Living Hope Adoption Agency will provide you with a checklist of the paperwork necessary to complete the home study. Our social worker will work individually with you as you gather the necessary documents. Many of the documents needed for the home study are also needed for your dossier.

The Actual Document
The home study document is an 8-14 page document that ultimately approves a family to adopt. If approved, the home study document is sent to the International Adoption Agency, USCIS, and the country from which you are adopting.

Can Living Hope Adoption Agency conduct my Home Study for International Adoption?
Most likely, Living Hope Adoption Agency can conduct your home study. We are a licensed, non-profit adoption agency in the State of Pennsylvania. We meet the requirements of Pennsylvania,  USCIS, other agencies, and numerous countries. Our international studies include, but are not limited to: China, Vietnam, Ukraine, Russia, and Guatemala.

Fees
After the application fee of $200, the home study fee for families adopting through an agency other than LHAA is $1500. This fee includes the added paperwork and additional correspondence that is required when working in congruence with another adoption agency.

Post Placement Reports
We are happy to provide post placement reports for families who have adopted internationally. While each country has specific guidelines to follow, a post placement report typically covers the adjustment of the child since the adoption. Topics discussed will include the child's health and development as well as the adjustment of the family.

The post placement visit usually takes place in the home and takes approximately one hour. The post placement fee for families who have adopted through an agency other than LHAA is $400.