What Does an Adoption Home Study Cost in California?

One of the first steps in your adoption journey is completing your home study.

Your home study is designed to prepare you for parenthood and ensure that your home is safe for a child to live in.

Home studies can be complicated, but every prospective adoptive parent needs to go through this process. If you’re ready to start the adoption process, then your home study will launch you on your journey.

As a licensed home study provider in California, American Adoptions has streamlined the home study process so that you can complete your home study with us faster and more efficiently than any other agency. Follow this link to begin your home study and to learn more about the services we offer.

 

FCCA, an affiliate of American Adoptions of California, provides home study services for families adopting through foster or international adoption. As a licensed and accredited adoption agency with over 35 years of experience, FCCA specializes in providing personalized, efficient home study services to ensure you receive the experience you deserve.

You can also keep reading to learn more about adoption home study fees in the Golden State.

How Much Does a Home Study Cost in California?

The average cost of a home study is between $900 and $3,000. But keep in mind that each adoption is different, and your costs may depend on multiple factors. The best way to find out exactly what your home study will cost is to reach out to a home study provider by calling 1-800-ADOPTION.

Adoption Home Study Fees in California [3 Things You Need to Know]

When you’re preparing for an adoption, you probably have questions about the fees included in your home study cost in California.

Don’t worry. American Adoptions is here to help you understand the home study process, including its fees.

1. Your Fees May Vary

The amount you pay will depend on several factors, such as the type of adoption you’ll be pursuing. For example, the fees for a domestic adoption are different from the fees for an international adoption.

That’s why you should speak with your social worker about your options regarding the types of adoption and the fees involved.

Also, if you need to update your home study once it’s been completed, there may be additional fees for updates.

So, what adoption home study fees in California can you expect?

• Application fee – Each hopeful adoptive family must pay an application fee before they can begin working with their chosen home study professional.
• Travel costs – You may have to pay travel expenses for your social worker. Travel fees are generally charged per mile, so if you live far away from your home study office, your costs may be higher.
• Addendums and updates – If you need to update anything on your home study, then you’ll need to pay for that.
• Post-placement visit fee – You may need to pay for a visit with your social worker that takes place after your adoption is finalized.
• Expedited services – If you’re in a hurry, then you can pay an additional fee to have your home study processed faster.

2. Your Home Study Has an Expiration Date

To ensure that all the information is up-to-date, your home study in California will need to be redone every two years.

After two years, if you’d like to adopt a child, you’ll need to have your home study updated. Each time you have a home study performed, you’ll need to pay adoption home study fees in California.

Also, if you have any lifestyle changes, you’ll need to pay an administrative fee to have that portion of the home study updated, as well.

It’s absolutely vital that you keep your home study updated with the most recent and accurate information.

Your home study lets potential birth parents know what kind of adoptive parent you’ll be and what they can expect if they choose you for adoption.

3. Staying Organized Can Reduce Your Expenses

If you’re concerned about adoption home study fees in California, then that is completely normal. Many hopeful adoptive parents are concerned about the cost of their home study. Fortunately, there are ways you can reduce your expenses.

By getting organized, you save some money. One common – and expensive – fee is for expedited paperwork. If you can get organized ahead of time, then you can reduce your expenses by not paying for expedited paperwork.

Before you start the home study process, be sure to get your paperwork in order.

You’ll want to have the following documents:

• Birth certificate
• Proof of marriage and/or divorce
• Proof of citizenship
• Tax returns
• ID card

Each of these items is necessary in order to complete your home study.

Don’t be afraid to ask your social worker for a list of documents you’ll need when it’s time to begin your home study. This can help move things along even faster.

Choosing Your Home Study Professional

The professional you choose to help you with your adoption should be someone you trust and feel comfortable with. They’ll be able to give you an estimate of the adoption home study cost in California and guide you through the timeline for adoption.

No matter where you are in your adoption journey, American Adoptions can help. Our team wants to help you have the best possible experience with adoption, so don’t wait to reach out. Follow this link to begin your home study and to learn more about the services we offer.

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.