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Holt International (IA) FAQ

  1. Tell us a little about the founding and development of your organization?
    In 1956, Harry and Bertha Holt revolutionized the definition of family when they adopted eight children in the wake of the Korean War. They pioneered international adoption, and founded Holt International. For over 65 years, Holt has worked in the U.S. and around the world to help strengthen families at risk of separation, care for orphaned and vulnerable children, and unite children with loving families through adoption.
  2. How are your adoption home study and your organization unique?
    Holt believes in the power of family and in supporting the wellbeing of adoptive families and adoptees. Holt’s commitment to adoption ensures children unable to be raised by their birth families are not left alone in the world. We are committed to supporting families formed through adoption, and have programs designed to meet the evolving needs of adoptees and adoptive parents throughout their lives. Families working with Holt become part of a global community of child advocates that believe in the right of every child to grow up in a loving, safe family.
  3. Why are you passionate about adoption and the home study process?
    At Holt we believe in a world where every child has a loving and secure home. For children unable to remain in their birth families, adoption allows them to be part of a family where their needs are met and they can experience love and belonging. Adoptive families deserve the best education and support available in order to successfully prepare for their adoption experience. Holt social workers are some of the most experienced, knowledgeable and supportive professionals in the field of adoption today and are passionate about supporting and guiding families through what can be a complex and difficult process.
  4. How long is an adoption home study valid?
    Although regulations vary from state to state, Holt updates home studies annually to ensure families have a current, valid home study to successfully complete their adoption process, either domestically or internationally.
  5. Approximately how much time is necessary to complete an adoption home study by your organization?
    The amount of time it takes to complete a home study varies, depending on how quickly families gather all of the required supporting documentation. It usually takes families 1-3 months to complete their preadoption education and gather all of their home study documents, then another 2 months for the social worker to meet with the family and write up and finalize the home study document.
  6. Can adoptive parents use a home study completed by your organization to adopt a child born in another state?
    Yes, Holt has experience working with dozens of families who have adopted a child born in another state, and we use home study guidelines that were created to meet most state requirements.
  7. If you complete my home study, do you also have to complete my post-placement visits?
    You can choose to work with Holt for the home study process only, post placement supervision reporting only, or both. It is our goal to work with your family throughout your entire adoption process, including both the home study assessment and post placement supervision. During the post placement process we not only complete required supervisory reports but we also connect you with resources to help support you in meeting the needs of your child.
  8. How many post-placement visits does your organization require?
    The number of post placement visits required varies depending on the requirements of your child’s birth country, and/or the state in which you finalize your adoption. Holt requires a visit and report during the first 90 days after placement for all children.
  9. What is some advice you can give to potential adoptive families about the home study process? What should they be prepared for?
    A home study process can feel overwhelming, because of all of the paperwork and interviews involved. We will work with you to help you understand all of the steps involved and prioritize which documents to tackle first. We are also knowledgeable about the systems you will need to interact with to get some of the information required for the home study such as background clearances. As part of the home study, you will meet with a Holt social worker who is experienced in adoption to share about yourselves, your home, your community, and your hopes for the adoption process. A social worker will also tour your home to ensure it is a safe environment to raise a child. The home study is an opportunity to explore adoption more fully and prepare for what it will be like to welcome a child into your family through this process.
  10. What do your home study social workers look for in a home and a family when they visit potential adoptive families' homes?
    Holt social workers want to get to know your family so that we can do a good job of representing everything you have to offer a child in the home study report. We ask questions about your relationships, what motivates you to adopt, and how you plan to discipline and raise an adopted child. No parents are perfect, our goal is to learn about your current physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing in order to ensure a child joining your family through adoption will experience stability, safety, love and a sense of belonging.
  11. Are you Hague accredited, and if not, does your international home study comply with Hague International Standards?
    Holt is Hague accredited and we are able to complete home studies for families adopting internationally as well as domestically.
  12. Do you have experience in completing the home study and working with international placement companies?
    Holt is the leader in international adoption and we currently have placement programs in 10 countries around the world. We are experienced in navigating the USCIS process and helping prepare families for a successful adoption trip to their child’s country of birth. After an adoption placement occurs, Holt has an array of post adoption services available to adoptive families and adoptees to support them throughout their lives.
  13. Are there other services and benefits you would like to share about your company?
    Holt is a leader in adoption education and support, with staff and/or partner agencies across the U.S. and around the world. We can help you sort through all avenues available for adding a child to your family through adoption, and connect you with reputable service providers to get started on your path. Whether you work with Holt or another organization to place a child with your family, we’ve got great resources to help smooth your path and prepare you for the journey of expanding your family through adoption. And we’ll also be there for you on the other end to support you and your child in the years to come. If we don’t have a program or service that fits your needs, we’ll help find it for you!

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