--- title: Home Study Services - Qualifications of Adoptive Parents description: Couples or individuals wishing to adopt a child must be approved as adoptive parents after successfully completing a home study investigation. image: https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/hs-fs/file-18149729-png/images/screen_shot_2012-05-14_at_4.41.35_pm-resized-377.png --- ![holding-hands-918990_960_720-2](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/hs-fs/hubfs/holding-hands-918990_960_720-2.jpg?width=959&name=holding-hands-918990_960_720-2.jpg "holding-hands-918990_960_720-2") # Family Connections, Inc. Blog #### Let us help you. # [Home Study Services - Qualifications of Adoptive Parents](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/bid/272367/Home-Study-Services-Qualifications-of-Adoptive-Parents) ![close](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2432204/AK-UI%20Builder/close-button.svg) ### Categories - [adopt a child (88)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adopt-a-child) - [adoptees (18)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoptees) - [adopting older children (6)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adopting-older-children) - [adopting the older child (5)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adopting-the-older-child) - [adoption (230)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption) - [adoption attorneys (1)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-attorneys) - [adoption choices (71)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-choices) - [adoption costs (3)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-costs) - [adoption dossier (2)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-dossier) - [adoption from foster care (2)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-from-foster-care) - [adoption help (86)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-help) - [adoption information (49)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-information) - [adoption law (1)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-law) - [adoption options (73)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-options) - [adoption paperwork (3)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-paperwork) - [adoption profile (3)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-profile) - [adoption questions (17)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-questions) - [adoption resources (24)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-resources) - [adoption services (97)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-services) - [adoption support (18)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-support) - [adoptive families (43)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoptive-families) - [adoptive family (40)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoptive-family) - [adoptive parent (39)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoptive-parent) - [adoptive parents (13)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoptive-parents) - [affording adoption (2)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/affording-adoption) - [Belize Adoption (9)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/belize-adoption) - [Binghamton (36)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/binghamton) - [birth families (15)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/birth-families) - [birth family (11)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/birth-family) - [birth mother (86)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/birth-mother) - [birth parent (72)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/birth-parent) - [Bulgaria Adoption (10)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/bulgaria-adoption) - [creating a profile (2)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/creating-a-profile) - [domestic adoption (106)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/domestic-adoption) - [expedited (1)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/expedited) - [families waiting to adopt (20)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/families-waiting-to-adopt) - [Family Connections, Inc. 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Examples](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/writing-adoption-reference-letters-tips-and-examples) Jan 23, 2024 [Adoption Reference Letters - How To](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/adoption-reference-letters-how-to) Dec 18, 2015 [Common Terms in Adoption](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/common-terms-in-adoption) May 17, 2016 Categories | Subscribe | Populars - ** - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.adoptfamilyconnections.org%2Fblog%2Fbid%2F272367%2FHome-Study-Services-Qualifications-of-Adoptive-Parents) - [**](https://www.twitter.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.adoptfamilyconnections.org%2Fblog%2Fbid%2F272367%2FHome-Study-Services-Qualifications-of-Adoptive-Parents) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/bid/272367/Home-Study-Services-Qualifications-of-Adoptive-Parents) - [**](https://plus.google.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.adoptfamilyconnections.org%2Fblog%2Fbid%2F272367%2FHome-Study-Services-Qualifications-of-Adoptive-Parents) Written by Renee Hettich on March 07, 2013 ![home study services](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/hs-fs/file-18149729-png/images/screen_shot_2012-05-14_at_4.41.35_pm-resized-377.png?width=157&height=112&name=screen_shot_2012-05-14_at_4.41.35_pm-resized-377.png) Couples or individuals [wishing to adopt a child ](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/i-want-to-adopt/)must be approved as adoptive parents after successfully completing a home study investigation.  An adoption [home study investigation ](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/i-want-to-adopt/home-study-services/)explores the following characteristics of prospective adoptive parent(s):   - Capacity to give and receive affection - Ability to provide for a child's physical and emotional needs - Ability to accept the intrinsic worth of a child - Ability to risk and share the child’s past - Ability to understand the impact of the separation and loss that the child has experienced through adoption - Capacity to have realistic expectations and goals - Flexibility and ability to change - Ability to cope with problems, stress and frustration - Feelings about parenting an adopted child - Ability to make a commitment to a child placed in the home - Ability to use community resources   In New York State, home study investigations review the following criteria to determine the eligibility of an individual or couple to be approved as adoptive parents:    **1.      ****Age of Prospective Adoptive Parents** Prospective adoptive parent(s) must be at least 18 years old.  The individual(s) should have a reasonable expectation to live until the child's majority.    **2.      ****Health of Prospective Adoptive Parent(s)** Prospective adoptive parent(s) shall be in such physical condition that it is reasonable to expect him/her to live to the child's majority and to have the energy and other abilities needed to fulfill the parental responsibilities.  ** ** **3.      ****Marital Status of Prospective Adoptive Parent(s)** The marital status of the prospective adoptive parent(s) is not a factor in the acceptance or rejection as adoptive parent(s).  Two unrelated qualified adults (of different or same gender) living together can be approved as adoptive parents.  A single person can be approved as an adoptive parent.   **4.      ****Fertility of Prospective Adoptive Parent(s) ** Prospective adoptive parent(s) may not be rejected for adoption because of his, her or their fertility (capacity to have biological children).    **5.      ****Family Composition of the Prospective Adoptive Family **   Prospective adoptive parent(s)’ family size and composition is considered as it relates to the ability of a family to care for another child and the quality of life that will be offered to an adoptive child.       **6.      ****The Health and Safety of the Home of the Prospective Adoptive Parent(s)**   The prospective adoptive parent(s)’ home will be inspected for safety and appropriate space for a child(ren).  ** ** **7.      ****Race, Religion, and Sexual Orientation of Prospective Adoptive Parent(s) **   Prospective adoptive parents may not be discriminated against or rejected as adoptive parents on the basis of race, religion, or sexual orientation.    **8.      ****The Financial Status of the Prospective Adoptive Parent(s) **   The home study investigator (social worker) considers the prospective adoptive parents’ ability to budget their resources in such a way that a child placed with them can be reasonably assured of minimum standards of nutrition, health, shelter, clothing and other essentials.    **9.      ****Employment and Education of Prospective Adoptive Parent(s) **   The employment, education, or volunteer activities of the prospective adoptive parents will be explored during the home study investigation but may not be a factor in the approval or rejection of an individual as an adoptive parent. ** ** **10.  ****The Parenting and/or Child Care Experience of the Prospective Adoptive Parent(s)** ** ** The home study investigator (social worker) will explore the prospective adoptive parents’ experience as parents or with caring for or educating other children.      **11.  ****The Social Networks and Community Support of the Prospective Adoptive Parent(s)**   The prospective adoptive parents’ ability to locate and take advantage of human support (e.g family, friends) and organizational resources (e.g. medical services, therapies) to strengthen their capacity as parents will be assessed by the social worker.    **12.  ****The Child Abuse and Maltreatment History of the Prospective Adoptive Parent(s) ** ** ** The home study investigator will acquire child abuse and maltreatment history reports for each prospective adoptive parent and all other adult household members (e.g. adult children, grandparents).    **13.  The Criminal History of the Prospective Adoptive Parent(s)** ** ** The home study investigator will acquire state, national, and international criminal history reports for each prospective adoptive parent and all other adult household members.  In New York State, any individual who has been convicted of crimes involving violence or endangering the welfare of a child, are automatically disqualified as an adoptive parent.   Please understand that the criteria described within this blog determines the eligibility of an individual or couple to be approved as adoptive parents *in New York State only*.    Family Connections, Inc., an authorized New York State adoption agency, recognizes that every individual and family is unique.  Thus if you have specific questions regarding your family’s eligibility to become approved as adoptive parents, please contact our agency at 1-800-535-5556 or [info@adoptfamilyconnections.org](mailto:info@adoptfamilyconnections.org).  We would be happy to explore your qualifications as adoptive parents.   [![Download The Adoption Home Study Guide](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/159841/6d149a21-0c87-464b-b937-c24da4301fcb.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/159841/6d149a21-0c87-464b-b937-c24da4301fcb) ![Subscribe](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2432204/99%20Template%20Pack/Background%20Images/message.svg "Subscribe") ### Subscribe to Stay Connected ### Let Us Know What You Thought about this Post. Put your Comment Below. ### You may also like: ## [Adoption Home Study Visit and What to Expect](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/adoption-home-study-visit-and-what-to-expect) Understand and prepare for your adoption home study visit to ensure a smooth adoption process. ## [Open Adoption vs. Closed Adoption: Understanding the Difference](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/open-adoption-vs.-closed-adoption-understanding-the-difference) What is the difference between open and closed adoptions ? ## [Ways to Discuss Adoption with Your Child](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/engaging-ways-to-discuss-adoption-with-kids) Discover effective strategies for sharing the story of adoption with your children, ensuring a nurturing and open family... ![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/2432204/hubfs/99%20Template%20Pack/newsletter_bg.jpeg?width=2000&name=newsletter_bg.jpeg) ## Subscribe to Stay Connected There is always more to learn when it comes to adoption! ### Subscribe to Email Updates    [I'm Pregnant](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/im-pregnant/) / [Waiting Families](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/waiting-families/) / [I Want to Adopt](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/i-want-to-adopt/) / [Resources](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/resources/) / [Our Staff](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/our-staff/) / [Contact Us](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/contact-us/) / [Blog](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/)    Call Today!  607-756-6574   © 2019 Family Connections, Inc. 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