A home study, also called an “adoption study”, is an investigation to determine whether the prospective adoptive parents are fit and qualified to care for a child and whether the physical environment of their home is safe and healthy for all occupants. Usually the investigation includes the health, medical, criminal, family and home background of the adoptive parents. The home study is required by all states, and its purpose is to help the court make sure the prospective adoptive parents are fit to raise a child, based on the criteria that have been established by state law.
New York State requirements for certifying and approving foster homes can be found here.
[Last updated in March of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team]