Adoption process

	Step 1 Submit adoption application
	Step 2 Start your home study
	Step 3 Submit USCIS petition and fingerprints
	Step 4 Assemble the dossier
	Step 5 Identify a child
	Step 6 Travel to finalize adoption

Step 2 — Start your home study

Before you can adopt a child, an agency licensed in your state of residence will need to perform a home study. The home study consists of a series of meetings with certified social workers. They will evaluate your family, your history, your criminal record, etc., and confirm that you are emotionally, physically, and financially ready to adopt and care for a child.

At least one of the meetings will take place in your home, so that the social worker can confirm that the child will be adopted into a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment. The home study typically ends with the social worker's approval and recommendation of a placement in your home. Copies of the home study report are sent to the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS), Dept. of Human Services, and included in your dossier (see step 5).

If you are not already working with a home study agency in your state, AMI can recommend a home study agency in your area, will help to schedule your home study meetings, and follow up on the approval process and report filing. Based on gross income, Minnesota families may qualify to receive an AMI scholarship to help offset the costs of the home study.

If you are pursuing US adoption or International adoption and need an independent home study, Adoption Miracle will be happy to work with you! Adoption Miracle will prepare the home study in accordance with the law of the State of MN and USCIS requirement.