Private Pay Adoptive Homestudies

• Home studies for private fee, domestic and international adoptions. 

• Post placement services

• Birth parent counseling

• Adoptive Placement Services

Process

The state of Iowa requires that all families planning to adopt must undergo a required formal evaluation process, called homestudy, to determine their appropriateness for adoption. Young House Family Services' caring staff is trained to conduct comprehesive home studies that will provide a complete understanding of the family's ability to care for a child or additional children.

Elements of a Homestudy

• Background records checks - Young House requires that adoptive families undergo background checks, including criminal, child abuse, and sex offender. The adoptive family must also provide references. 

• Personal interview - Young House staff will conduct two or more personal interviews with all family members. Interviews will explore the family members' motivation to adopt. 

• Occupation / education / child rearing practices / beliefs - Young House staff will obtain a variety of information about the family's occupation(s), educational background, etc., to ensure that they are well suited to care for a new child. 

• Financial statements - Financial records are required to ensure that families are able to afford the addition of another family member. Items requested include copies of tax forms, policies, and bank statements. 

• Physical examinations - Physical examinations are typically required for all family members. This requirement is necessary to insure the safety of the child(ren) being brought into the home. If a family member has an existing medical condition, the family is not necessarily precluded from adopting a child. 

Post Placement Services

Iowa law requires that non-relative adoptions must complete a minimum of three post-placement home visits prior to finalization. Post placement services also include a written report that is provided to the adoptive family, to District Court, the family's attorney and child's guardian ad litem. The report outlines progress made in the adoptive home, health status of the child, transitions and adjustments regarding all family members, and a recommendation to the court for finalizing the adoption.