Carolina Adoption Services is licensed to provide adoption homestudy (pre-placement assessment) services in the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and New Jersey. Families living in other states who are seeking an adoptive placement through Carolina Adoption Services will need to work with a licensed agency in their state.
Please note that as of April 1, 2008, when the Hague treaty on international adoption went into effect in the United States, CAS will only be able to accept homestudies from agencies with whom CAS has a formal, signed agreement. A list of such agencies will be available through CAS and should be discussed prior to application.
Is a Homestudy Required?
A homestudy is required anytime an individual or family plans to adopt a child either internationally or domestically. The homestudy must meet the requirements of the state in which the family resides and, in international adoption cases, must also meet the requirements of US Citizenship and Immigration Services and the U.S. Department of State. CAS is very knowledgeable about state and federal requirements and is highly experienced in working with those agencies.
Why complete a Homestudy?
While the homestudy is partly an evaluative process to determine a family’s appropriateness and readiness for adoption, the homestudy is also an enriching and educational process. The homestudy provides opportunities for families to meet with an experienced, professional social worker and to carefully explore the issues of adoptive parenthood. This is also a chance to examine the choices prospective adoptive families must consider relating to such issues as country choice, age of the child, medical issues, etc. CAS will work with each family to explore their strengths, limitations and personal resources to ensure that adoption is in the best interests of both the child and the family.
CAS believes that preparation is critical to a successful adoption and to long-term adoptive parenting. The agency will provide educational services to families in our program. Adoption is a lifelong process and CAS will work to ensure that every family is prepared and supported as they begin the adoption journey.
What is included in the Homestudy?
As part of the homestudy process, prospective adoptive parents will provide documentation such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, health certification and criminal background checks. Personal, family and employment references will also be gathered. Families will be provided with a complete list of all required documentation before beginning the homestudy process. The homestudy typically consists of 4-6 interviews with the family, including an individual interview with each applicant. At least one interview must take place in the family’s home. Most homestudies are completed in three months. That allows time for the scheduling of family interviews, for the gathering of documents, and for the writing, review, formatting and delivery of the homestudy to all appropriate parties.
What services does CAS provide?
CAS is available to provide services to families working towards an adoptive placement through CAS as well as through other placing agencies and entities. CAS has the expertise to conduct international as well as domestic adoption homestudies. Stepparent and relative adoption report services are also available.