American International Adoption Agency, Inc.

What is a Home Study?
A home study is a detailed written report prepared by a certified adoption assessor. The report contains information that the assessor gathers in his/her interview’s with the adoptive applicants, family members and also includes the information gathered by the home study agency required by the State of Ohio. If applicable the home study will also contain information necessary to receive United States Citizenship and Immigration approval.

How long does it take to complete a Home Study?
A home study is typically completed within 8 weeks. However, we can move as quickly as you do.

How long is a home study valid for?
A home study is valid for 6 years in Ohio if updated every 2 years. American International Adoption Agency, Inc. will notify you between 90 and 120 days prior to your home study expiring.

How much paperwork should I expect to have to complete?
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services requires paperwork such as the following to be completed: Bureau of Criminal Identification and Federal Bureau of Investigation Background Checks, Child Abuse Registry Checks, Reference letters supporting the family to adopt, Medical Statements, Financial Statements, Pre-service Training Certificates, Fire inspection, and Safety Audit. Please keep in mind you may be required to complete more than the above information stated.

Who does the adoption assessor need to interview?
Your assessor will most likely interview the adoptive applicants jointly and separately, any member of the household over the age of 18, and any children depending on their ages.

What kinds of questions will this assessor ask us?
During the home study process, the adoption assessor explores and evaluates the prospective adoptive parents abilities, knowledge, and capabilities. They will do a joint interview with the adoptive applicants to explore such issues as marriage, divorces, strengths and weaknesses, motivations and parenting capabilities. They will also do individual interviews and gather background information. They will need to know if there is any history of counseling, criminal activity, criminal convictions, or mental health issues.

What is the first step I need to take to start my Home Study?
The first step to starting the home study process would be to complete the Application for Child Placement JFS 1691 which could be found on the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Website.

I have already completed a domestic home study but want to adopt internationally, do I have to do another home study?
If you have previously completed a home study for a domestic adoption but have decided to pursue international adoption, the home study will need to be updated for international purposes. An updated home study is similar to regular home study but vary in costs. Depending on how much time has passed some documents from your previous agency may be utilized. Documents can be time sensitive.

What are post adoption services?
According to Joint Council on International Children Services:
Post adoption services are services provided to the adoptive family and child after the legal finalization of the adoption.

Prior to The Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-Operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption, there was little differentiation between post placement services and post adoption services. All services after the placement of the child, whether finalized or not, were considered post placement services.

Every country, state and commonwealth creates and enforces the post placement requirements for adopting families. The purpose of this is to ensure the safety, well being and optimal development of the child.

Does my home study agency also conduct my post adoption reports?
Yes. Most agencies that are licensed to do home studies also will do your post adoption reports that are required by the country you adopted from or the county in which you reside. Although you can have another agency conduct your post adoption reports it is recommended that the same agency that did your home study also do your post adoption reports.