Adoption Home Study Process

Why Choose American Adoptions?

You can complete an California with a simple, secure and efficient process.

American Adoptions is licensed to provide home study services in California.
As one of the most experienced national agencies, we offer affordable and efficient services designed to help you move forward with confidence.
If you live in and need a licensed home study provider but plan to work with a different agency, we can still provide home-study-only services.
If you don’t have an agency for placement services, we can handle your entire adoption process from start to finish.

You don’t have to wait. Your California home study could be completed sooner than you ever thought possible, bringing you a step closer to your dream of having the family you want.

Our specialists are ready to answer any questions you may have–call 1-800-ADOPTION for more information.

Click below to get started with our easy-to-use online form.

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Adoption Home Study

Adoption Home Study Process

Learn what a home study is and why you need one to adopt a child.

Home Study Questions and Answers

While adoption home studies vary slightly from agency to agency and state to state, there are several key elements that are almost always included in every home study.

Home Studies: State by State

Find a qualified professional in your state to complete your home study.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do we need to retain our own attorney?

No, American Adoptions has established relationships with some of the best adoption attorneys in the nation. Because adoption laws vary from state to state and between counties, it is important to utilize the services of an adoption attorney who specializes in the state where the adoption will finalize, which is unknown until you match with an expectant mother. You have the right to retain your own attorney, but doing so may be an additional, unnecessary expense.

Can we choose the gender of our baby?

American Adoptions does not allow gender specificity in adoption. Any family who wishes to be gender-specific in their adoption should contact us at 1-800-ADOPTION and ask about the possibility of an exception waiver before taking any other steps toward adoption with our agency. Any families who do receive an exception to be gender-specific may also incur an additional fee, which helps cover the additional advertising costs of such a request.

Please note that gender specificity will likely increase your wait time significantly.

Additional Resources

Adoption Newsletter

Did you know that American Adoptions offers a free bi-weekly e-newsletter? Sign up today to keep up-to-date on the latest in adoption news and information.

Famous Adoptions

Learn which famous Hollywood actors, sports stars, politicians and other icons have been touched by adoption.

Adoption Glossary

Do adoption terms and phrases leave you feeling confused? Learn the meaning to key adoption words and phrases with our comprehensive adoption glossary.

Ted Mars' Adoption Story

Ted Mars, father of American Adoptions' founder Scott Mars, shares how adoption changed his world in ways he could have never imagined.

Read the Story