Following the consent to adoption by the birth parents, the adoptive parents are required to follow court procedures which will lead to a final decree of adoption. Whether accomplished before or after the placement, the courts will require that the adoptive parents undergo a home study. State law dictates whether an individual social worker, a private licensed child-placing agency, or a public social services agency may perform the home study. The process is designed to evaluate the adoptive parents to assure that there is nothing in their homes or backgrounds which would be contrary to the best interests of the child.
More information about independent adoptions:
