Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Adoption Home Studies

A Florida adoption home study is a formal assessment required by law for all domestic and international adoptions in Florida. It is used by child-placing agencies, adoption attorneys, judges, and government entities to evaluate a prospective adoptive family's home environment, financial stability, and readiness to parent. The home study involves personal interviews, a home visit, background checks, and a written report.

Florida law requires an approved home study for all domestic and international adoptions. This applies whether you are adopting through an agency, independently through an attorney, or internationally. Stepparent adoptions and certain relative adoptions may have different or reduced requirements. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.

The timeline depends primarily on how quickly you gather your required documents. Because We start immediately and never makes families wait, most families get paperwork submitted within two to four weeks. Expedited home study services are also available and can be completed within hours after all required documentation is received. Some motivated families have received a fully approved home study within one week of starting the process.

Required documents typically include birth certificates for all household members, a marriage certificate or divorce decree if applicable, proof of income and financial stability, personal reference letters, health statements from a physician, background check results including FBI and FDLE (Florida Department of Law Enforcement) fingerprinting, and any documents specific to your adoption type. We provide a complete checklist. You'll always know exactly what you need and when.

It depends on your adoption type. Some circumstances require a home study completed by a licensed child-placing agency; others require one completed by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Adoption Support Services of Florida holds both credentials. We are a licensed child-placing agency and Christen Hartig is an LCSW, so you are fully covered regardless of your specific requirements, even if they change mid-process.

Yes, and many families do. Having your home study completed in advance gives you more flexibility when choosing an adoption agency and positions you to move quickly when a match is made. We will forward your completed home study to any agency or attorney you choose at no additional charge.

Yes. Unlike larger agencies that assign cases to rotating caseworkers, Christen personally handles every home study, every home visit, and every post-placement visit. You will always have direct access to Christen by phone and email throughout your entire adoption process, not to a case manager or support staff member.

Yes. Adoption Support Services of Florida serves adoptive families anywhere in the state of Florida. Christen will travel to your home for the required home visit at no additional charge. There are no geographic limitations to service within Florida. Families located anywhere from the Panhandle to South Florida are welcome.

We maintain transparent, reasonable pricing with no application fees, no travel expenses, and no hidden costs. We don't publish a fee schedule online because every adoption situation is somewhat different. Contact Christen for specific pricing information relevant to your adoption type and needs.

Yes. Adoption Support Services of Florida offers free initial phone consultations. Christen will personally answer your questions about the home study process or adoption in general. There is no obligation and no sales pitch, just a real conversation with someone who genuinely wants to help your family find the right path.

Absolutely. We frequently work alongside adoption agencies and attorneys as the independent home study provider. Christen coordinates directly with your agency or attorney so the process is seamless. Many families actually prefer having their home study completed independently. It gives them more flexibility if they ever need to change agencies.

Post-placement visits are required follow-up visits that occur after your child comes home, before the adoption is legally finalized. The agency, attorney, or foreign government involved in your adoption will specify how many visits are required and when they must take place. Christen completes these visits in your home. They are friendly, supportive conversations focused on your family's adjustment and well-being, not formal inspections.

Yes. Post-placement services are available to any qualifying Florida family, regardless of who completed the original home study. Christen will coordinate directly with your agency or attorney to understand the specific requirements for your adoption and ensure all reports are completed accurately and on time.

You'll receive a PDF of your completed home study along with our agency license. If your home study needs to be forwarded to agencies, attorneys, courts, or government entities, We handle this at no additional charge. Christen remains available to you throughout the rest of your adoption process and looks forward to completing your post-placement visits once your child is home.