Our Home Study Services
Professional Adoption and Community Services (PACS) is licensed to complete home studies in Hawai'i. Our services are available to those living in Hawai'i in need of a home study, whether adopting through PACS, adopting independently or through another agency, domestically or internationally.
The Home Study
All prospective adoptive parents, whether adopting domestically or internationally, are required to participate in a home study. The purpose of the home study process is to not only gather valuable information that will assist in evaluating the suitability of the prospective adoptive parent/s for adoption, but also to educate and prepare the adoptive family for adoption. Home visits by qualified social worker are conducted and supporting documents gathered which will culminate in a written report--the pivotal document that will represent the prospective adoptive parent/s as qualified parents for adoption.
Domestic Private Adoption Home Study Services
If you reside in Hawai'i and are planning a domestic private adoption, PACS will complete a home study acceptable for your adoption regardless of where in the United States the final adoption petition is filed. Your home study will be valid for one year, after which it may be updated through PACS for a fee based on whether or not there has been a change in circumstances.
International Adoption Home Study Services
If you reside in Hawai'i and are planning to adopt a child through an international program with another agency, PACS can complete your home study. Although your home study will be accepted by most countries, it is important to first check with your adoption agency before applying for a home study with PACS. Some countries require home studies to be completed only by agencies approved by that country. Home studies are valid for one year and may be updated by PACS for a fee, the amount based on whether or not there has been a change in circumstances. In preparation for international adoption, PACS requires international home study clients to complete a ten hour adoption parent training course.
Steps in the Home Study Process
Step One: Apply for Home Study Services
To begin the home study process, please contact PACS through our e-mail and we will send the application with attachments to you via e-mail in PDF format. Review carefully all documents, prepare and then send the application for home study services with attachments and application fee to PACS office.
Step Two: Collect Documentation
Once PACS has received and reviewed your application, a home study packet will be sent to you via e-mail unless otherwise requested by you. Within the Home Study Packet you will find the information you will need to complete the documentation for your home study. You will be asked for identifying documentation such as copies of birth certificates for each household member and a marriage certificate and divorce decree(s) where applicable. Information that will support your appropriateness to parent will be required including child abuse and criminal clearances, medical evaluation reports, TB clearances, financial statements, employment verification as well as letters of reference.
Step Three: Begin Adoption Parent Training
You will be required to complete ten hours of certified adoption parent training and will be provided with different options for completing this requirement. You may begin this at the same time you begin collecting documentation, for the certification for training must be received by PACS on or before the time of the final visit with your social worker.
Step Four: Complete Documents and Schedule Home Visit
Collect all documents and sent them to PACS office. Upon review of all documents, your social worker will contact you to schedule the first of two to three visits to your home. At the time of scheduling, the home study fee will be due. A minimum of two home visits are required, although a thrid visit may be necessary. Note that in international adoption the number of home visits may vary among countries.
Step Five: Finalize the Home Study
Upon completion of your home visit, and receipt of the certification of your adoption parent training, your social worker will complete your Home Study Report. You will be given an opportunity to review the report. The finalized Home Study will then be issued to you, your primary provider and directly to USCIS office in your area when requested.