Children’s Adoption Services has been helping families in South Carolina adopt since 1993. CAS has highly experienced, professional home study workers across the state to assist you in your domestic or international adoption. We work with families adopting through our agency as well as families working towards a placement with agencies around the country. Our goal is to help your dreams of family come true through adoption.

How long will my home study take?

A home study will take approximately 3-6 months from assignment of social worker to finalization, depending on how fast the family completes their documents.

How much will my home study cost?

The cost of a home study is dependent on the requirements of the adoption program. For general fees click here.

 

Pre-Application

What items will I need for my Home Study?

Specific requirements for home studies vary by placement country and agency. The following items are commonly required during the home study process (note this is a general list):

  • Birth certificates for every family living in your home
  • Marriage certificate(s)
  • Divorce decree(s)
  • Military discharge (if applicable)
  • Medicals on all household members and/or vet records
  • Financial Statement
  • All criminal and child abuse clearances (since the age of 18 for international adoption or from the last 8 years for domestic adoption)
  • 5 reference letters from family members and friends
  • Most recent tax return

What questions can I expect during my home study?

Be expected to answer questions about your background, education, job history, marriage, leisure activities, faith, beliefs, experiences with children, and any medical/counseling backgrounds.
  • What is your family like, and how will you integrate a new child into it? How will your extended family treat an adopted child?
  • How is your marriage? How do you make decisions, resolve conflicts, and express your feelings?
  • Why do you want to adopt?
  • Where is your neighborhood in relation to shopping centers, medical centers, and schools?
  • Are you familiar with different types of discipline techniques?
  • What was your family like when you were growing up? How were you raised? Are you close to your parents?