Home Studies | Adoption Support Center (Indianapolis, IN)

The Adoption Support Center is the largest provider of adoption home studies in the state of Indiana. Whether you need a domestic or international home study, Adoption Support Center is your most experienced provider.

In addition to our regular home studies, ASC also offers Kinship Home Studies for step-parents who wish to adopt their step-children as well as grandparents, aunts/uncles and other adults who wish to adopt a family member.

Plan 1: Caucasian and Hispanic, and Plan 3: Full and Biracial African-American Domestic Home Study Process

If you live in Indiana, you must have a home study performed as part of your adoption process. You will meet most of our staff members during the process...this is intentional. We want you to bond with several staff members so you don't feel your hopes and dreams are wrapped up in one important person. If you live outside Indiana, you must have your home study done by a licensed agency in your state and sent to us before you can work with us, and then you must still participate in the Office Interview and attend our Home Study Class. If you are reactivating, we cannot use your previous ID or forms.

Domestic home study steps include:

1. Preparation: When you call to book your adoption home study (or sign up as an interstate couple), you will be mailed a registration packet.

2. Office Interview: A two-hour interview takes place at our agency for Indiana and interstate couples.

3. Home Study Class: The Home Study Class meets the second Friday of each month from approximately 9:00-5:00.

4. Home Visit: This is an approximately two-hour meeting in your home for Indiana couples. It is a scheduled appointment with both husband and wife, not a surprise visit.

5. Home Study Follow-up: Indiana couples will have a home visit as part of the follow-up process.

Plan 2: International Adoption Home Study Process

1. Office Interview: A one-hour interview takes place at the agency. We use this time to discuss your international adoption questions and concerns.

2. Home Visit: The home study visit takes approximately 2-3 hours in your home. This is a scheduled appointment with both husband and wife, not a surprise visit. Soon after your office interview, you will be called by an adoption case worker to schedule your home visit. Among other things, with international adoption, you will be asked about the agency, country, and child you wish to adopt. Our goal is to complete your home study approximately 6 weeks from your home visit. However, we do not guarantee the timing as some elements may be out of our control.

3. Hague Treaty Preparation and Training Classes: All couples are required to complete 10 hours of Hague-approved training. We have a wonderful collection of resources, some on the web, others in a classroom environment. You may choose which format you prefer to meet these requirements.

4. Home Study Follow-Up for International: When you bring home your child, you need to call us immediately. Most countries require at least one follow-up visit(s).

Kinship Home Study

What is a Kinship Family?

Adoption Support Center also provides home studies for Step-Parents who wish to adopt their step-children, as well as for grandparents, aunts/uncles and other adults who wish to adopt a family member. The process is simpler and less costly than the normal adoption home study process.

Kinship Home Study steps include:

1. Preparation: When you call to book your kinship adoption home study, a registration packet will be sent to you.

2. Home Visit: Once your registration form is returned, we schedule a two-hour meeting in your home. It is a scheduled appointment with the adult(s) and child, if the child is already in your home. It is not a surprise visit. Our goal is to complete your home study approximately 6 weeks from your home visit. However, we do not guarantee that timing as some elements may be out of our control. Your completed home study will be sent to your attorney.

4. Home Study Follow-Up: If the child was a part of your interview at the time of your home visit, no follow-up is needed. If the child has arrived after your home visit, a post-placement visit will be required.

ASC also offers “Kid Counseling”

For an additional hourly fee, the Adoption Support Center also offers one-hour weekly or biweekly counseling sessions for adoptees and their families. In our calm, nurturing environment, this counseling might include play therapy, behavioral therapy, adoption-related therapy, bonding and attachment therapy, and individual and family therapy. Counseling is provided by Diane Stiles, LCSW, Clinical Director at ASC and adoptive parent. For more information, please call ASC, or visit our Kid Counseling page.