Home Adoption Studies, Inc FAQ

1. Tell us a little about the founding and development of your organization?
   HAS was founded in 2008, by Sherry Keadle, the Executive Director. It was founded out of a passion for adoption, children, and families with a mission to help families on their adoption journey with someone who has been there already. We have continued through the years to be that helpful hand and guide. We have dedicated to continuously educating ourselves and our clients in the ever-changing world of adoption. We are even a 501c3 for the purpose of benefitting our clients.
2. How are your adoption home study and your organization unique?
   We are adoptive parents ourselves. It is not common to find an agency that has the perspective and experience we have as both adoptive parents and case workers. We are also really great at immediate return contact. Whether by phone, email, or text we answer questions within the same day, or 24 hour period.
3. Why are you passionate about adoption and the home study process?
   We have a reputation that is 5 star rated with our clients. We are passionate about what we do, because adoption is part of our daily lives. Our relationship with ICPC is great, and we have maintained a spotless record with DHS Licensing. This is our main focus and we take pride in what we do!
4. How long is an adoption home study valid?
   1 year by GA regulations
5. Approximately how much time is necessary to complete an adoption home study by your organization?
   We go as fast as you go! We have completed a study within 10 days, as it was needed. Our average time is about 4 to 6 weeks.
6. Can adoptive parents use a home study completed by your organization to adopt a child born in another state?
   Yes, we do ICPC ready home studies only. We even give you the completed paperwork in order with an ICPC cover letter and instructions, so there is no guess work on your part. We also send a PDF version to any agency you request and one for you to keep for your records
7. If you complete my home study, do you also have to complete my post-placement visits?
   Georgia ICPC requires that the agency who has completed your home study must complete your post placement visits.
8. How many post-placement visits does your organization require?
   The number of post placements is based on the "sending" state of the baby. In other words, Georgia requires you to complete however many posts placements are required by the state in which your child was born in or adopted from.
9. What is some advice you can give to potential adoptive families about the home study process? What should they be prepared for?
   What should they be prepared for? Our first advice is Breathe! It is a lot to take in and a lot of paperwork, but we are here to support you through the process. Be yourself, because we are all wonderfully unique. We will take you through preparations step by step during your journey with us.
10. What do your home study social workers look for in a home and a family when they visit potential adoptive families' homes?
    We are looking for safe, healthy, and happy homes. We do not expect perfection. Basic safety tips would be a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, a smoke detector on each floor, and dangerous or poisonous products kept high or locked. If you have a working fire place, you need to have some sort of mesh or glass cover to keep little hands out of danger. If you have a pool you must meet all subdivision and county statutes regarding fencing and locks. If you have fire arms you must have a locked gun safe or box made of metal or wood. You must have ammo kept in a separate place. These are just basic safety items we will prepare you for before our visit.
11. Do you have experience in completing the home study and working with international placement companies?
    What International support services do you provide? Yes, if you have a supervisory Hague agency we can prepare the home study for them with an interagency agreement. We have a great deal of experience in this.
12. Are there other services and benefits you would like to share about your company?
    We are a fully licensed agency, but our main focus and business is in completing home studies. If you have other needs such as to find a placing agency, or completing an identified adoption, we are more than willing to help. As a non-biased company we often are asked advice about potential birthmother situations. We are more than willing to help our clients in successfully adopting in any way we can. Adoption is our passion and our life!