Grace International Adoption Agency FAQ

1. Tell us a little about the founding and development of your organization?
   GIAA was founded in 2004. We wanted to provide a small, family-type atmosphere for our adoptive families. We continue to be a small agency, placing in Ukraine presently. We give individual attention to all families. We provide home study services for the entire state of Louisiana, either for domestic or international home studies.
2. How are your adoption home study and your organization unique?
   GIAA provides thorough, efficient, and personable home studies. We attempt to make the home study process fun and stress-free! You will feel like you are the only family we are working with at the time. You will receive individual attention and a home study completed as quickly as possible.
3. Why are you passionate about adoption and the home study process?
   Adoption is a beautiful way to grow a family. The home study is the beginning of your adoption process. It should be made to be exciting and pleasurable, not stressful and dreaded.
4. How long is an adoption home study valid?
   An adoption home study is valid for two years in the state of Louisiana. However, in order to comply with all 50 states, most agencies require a family to update their home study yearly.
5. Approximately how much time is necessary to complete an adoption home study by your organization?
   Every home study is different. The length of the home study is determined by how long it takes a family to complete their paperwork and gather their supporting documentation. You will not be waiting on GIAA!! A home study can be completed in as little as one month, or longer, depending on the family’s motivation to complete paperwork.
6. Can adoptive parents use a home study completed by your organization to adopt a child born in another state?
   Yes, home studies completed by GIAA will be valid for adoption in all 50 states.
7. If you complete my home study, do you also have to complete my post-placement visits?
   Usually, a family uses the same home study agency to complete their post-placement visits and reports.
8. How many post-placement visits does your organization require?
   Post-placement visits are determined by the placing agency and/or the state in which you adopt.
9. What is some advice you can give to potential adoptive families about the home study process? What should they be prepared for?
   I tell families to be themselves. Not to worry, I will guide them through the process so their are no surprises. I also want families to relax and enjoy the beginning of their adoption journey.
10. What do your home study social workers look for in a home and a family when they visit potential adoptive families' homes?
    We complete a home safety checklist. We gather information necessary to the home study process. It is important to be truthful and honest throughout the home study process.
11. Are you Hague accredited, and if not, does your international home study comply with Hague International Standards?
    GIAA holds full Hague accreditation.
12. Do you have experience in completing the home study and working with international placement companies?
    GIAA hold full Hague accreditation. We write home studies for many international countries and agencies providing placements internationally. We provide counseling throughout the home study process and refer to adoption education sites.
13. Are there other services and benefits you would like to share about your company?
    If you are searching for a home study agency who will answer your questions, call you back the same day, and answer your emails right away. GIAA is the agency for you! Your adoption matters, and we would be honored to become a part of your adoption journey!