Q. Does my home study provider need to be licensed?

Q. Can my home study social worker perform both a domestic and international adoption home study?

---

Q. Does my home study provider need to be licensed?

A. While it is not always required by the state, it is recommended that you choose a licensed home study provider to limit any potential complications during the adoption process. For example, if you live in Missouri, you do not need to have a licensed home study provider perform your home study. However, if you adopt a child from a state in which a licensed home study is required, such as Arkansas, the home study may not be approved under Arkansas’ adoption law. Furthermore, some states require the home study to be conducted by a licensed adoption agency, and not just by a licensed individual.

For international adoptions, over 70 countries are members of the Hague Convention, so to adopt a child from those countries you must have a Hague-accredited agency or individual operating under the accredited agency perform your home study.

return to top

---

Q. Can my home study social worker perform both a domestic and international adoption home study?

A. Your home study social worker may be able to complete both your international and domestic home study. There are a few things to consider when choosing a home study social worker who can complete both.

• Your home study social worker will need to be supervised by a Hague-accredited child placing agency to complete your international home study if you are adopting a child from a Hague Convention Country.
• You home study social worker will need to be familiar with not only all 50 states requirements to complete your domestic home study, but also the social worker will need to be aware of the requirements of the country you are interested in adopting a child from if they are also completing your international home study.

return to top

---