Adoption is not just about giving a child a home, it's about giving a child a future.

Why Choose Agape Adoptions for your Home Study?

• Expertise: We specialize in home studies for both Hague and Non-Hague international adoptions, facilitating placements worldwide. We also provide home studies for those pursuing domestic adoption. 
• Hague Accreditation: Our accreditation demonstrates our commitment to ethical and compliant adoption practices. 
• Regional Focus: We are dedicated to serving families in Alaska, Oregon, and Washington, offering home study services regardless of your placing agency. 
• Collaborative Approach: We prioritize strong partnerships with placing agencies, ensuring a smooth and timely process for all parties involved. 

The Home Study: An Overview 

As you begin your adoption journey, completing a Home Study Report is the first crucial step. This report is essential for all adoptions and required for immigration approval. It serves as your introduction for the in-country court process and the foreign adoption authority. If Agape Adoptions is your home study provider, we'll provide a complete packet outlining the process, requirements, and documents needed. 

The Home Study Report offers a comprehensive picture of your family, including details about your home, lifestyle, finances, health, adoption education, motivation and suitability for adoption, and personal history.  It's designed not only to collect information but also to encourage conversations about the adoption process, your preferences, and any parenting questions you may have. The home study is not only an assessment of your suitability to adopt. It is also a tool to help you prepare to be a successful adoptive parent. 

What to Expect During the Home Study 

During the process, one of our social workers will visit your home at least twice for in-person interviews with each family member, including children over 8. The focus will be on getting to know you and your family. Your social worker will also discuss the potential challenges of adoptive parenting, provide resources and recommendations, and ensure you're prepared to care for your adopted child. They will also tour your home to ensure it meets state required safety standards for a child.  Please plan for these home visits to last approximately 2-3 hours each. 

Discussions will cover topics such as: 

• Your motivation and preparation for adoption 
• The type of child you envision adopting 
• Your family background and dynamics 
• Your marriage (if applicable) 
• Your current or planned child-rearing and discipline practices 
• A discussion about the adoption education training you will be required to complete 
• A review of your financial statement
• A review of medical reports 
• Post-placement requirements 
• Criminal history and clearance questions 
• Guardianship designation 

Timeframe of the Home Study Process 

The home study process typically takes 4-6 months and is considered an ongoing journey of learning and preparation.  Upon completion, your Home Study Report will undergo review by you, your home study agency, and any involved placing agencies.  

The review process may take several weeks. Once finalized and approved, you will receive a notarized original and copies for designated parties, such as your placing agency. This thorough review helps ensure that you are fully prepared and ready to welcome a child into your family through adoption. 

The time it takes to complete your home study depends largely on how quickly you can provide the necessary documentation.  Submitting documents promptly will help expedite the process. 

Required Training and Education 

While love is essential, raising an adopted child requires more than instinct or general parenting advice. Adoptive parents face unique challenges stemming from factors like potential cultural differences, a child's history of trauma and loss, and developmental delays. Through our partnership with Creating a Family (CAF), Agape Adoptions offers comprehensive online training, fulfilling Hague requirements and providing ongoing education for all our families, both during the adoption process and after placement. CAF's audio courses (podcasts) are available for download and flexible listening.  Families who prefer a different format may opt to use another educational provider. Agape Adoptions, committed to best practices as a Hague-accredited provider, requires 14 hours of adoption education. 

Home Study Cost Breakdown: 

• Base Fee: $2,200 
• Travel Expenses: Travel fees will be calculated based on the distance and number of visits required for your home study. These fees will be discussed and agreed upon before the process begins. 
• Accommodation (If applicable): If an overnight stay is necessary, families will be responsible for covering the cost of meals and suitable hotel accommodation. 
• Comprehensive Fee Schedule: Please contact us for a detailed fee schedule outlining all potential costs associated with your home study.