The home study is required in most adoptions and has three purposes :

1) to educate and prepare you and your family for the adoption,

2) to gather information about you that will help a social worker determine how many children you may adopt, and

3) to evaluate the fitness to adopt.

The agency performing the home study will evaluate your financial stability, marital stability, lifestyle, the dynamics of your family (whether you have other children, their age), your career obligations, your physical and mental health and your criminal history.

The home study process is often dreaded by the prospective parents who fear that the home study will be very invasive and will result in an unfavorable decision However, it is important to remember that the agency performing the home study is not looking for a “perfect family” but a family that is sufficiently stable and can accommodate the needs of the child.

Moreover, you may tremendously benefit from speaking to a social worker who will help you better understand the needs of children waiting for families and may help you decide what type of child or children you could parent most effectively.

Some of the home study agencies in the State of Georgia: