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Florida Residents Home Study Services

FHSA provides quality home studies for Florida families adopting domestically (Florida) and internationally. FHSA has assisted families adopting from Cambodia, China, Guatemala, India, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Korea, Nepal, Romania, Russia, Thailand, Ukraine and Vietnam among others.

Home studies for international adoption are complex. They must meet requirements or obtain approval from:

  • State of Florida
  • United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS)
  • Child's Country of Birth
FHSA works in conjunction with your chosen agency to ensure all necessary requirements for your home study are met. ::


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. How do I begin with FHSA?

A. Request an information packet by mail or download the application and other forms from our website. Then simply mail in your application with the appropriate fees.  We will then contact you to set up your first home study appointment.

Q. What is a home study?

A. It is an objective and narrative report based on supportive documentation, interviews, and background clearances which assesses a family's ability to parent an adopted child.

Q. What is involved in a home study?

A. Home studies require several meetings with a home study provider. At least one visit must take place inside your home. You will be interviewed and asked to gather supporting documentation. 

Q. How much does a home study cost?

A. The cost of a home study can vary from state to state and from agency to agency. For specific information about FHSA home study costs, please contact us by e-mail or call us at (941) 342-8189.

Q. Why do I need a Home Study?

A. If you are seeking to adopt internationally, a home study is required by the State in which you reside, by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the country from which you are adopting. If you are adopting domestically in the State of Florida, part of the process requires that the adopting family submit a favorable home study.

Q. What should I look for in a home study provider?

A. Look for a kind, friendly person who has experience writing home studies. Don't hesitate to ask for their educational background, experience writing home studies, and references. Experience can make a huge difference whether or not a country or United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will accept your home study. Additionally, many countries require the home study provider be employed by a licensed adoption agency and not an independent social worker.  FHSA can assist you with your home study if you reside in the State of Florida. If you reside outside of Florida, check the listing of recommended home study agencies.

Q. What is the home study provider looking for when she comes to my home?

A. In general, she is making sure you have room for a baby or a child in your home. She is not coming with a white glove, nor will she be looking under your beds. You do not need to have the baby's room ready, but you should have plans for where the baby will sleep and a clear idea how you will baby-proof your home. If you have a pool, you must meet the State of Florida regulations for pool safety. Guns must be kept locked in a safe, with the ammunition stored and locked separately.

Q. What if I have pets?

A. We like pets and are aware that most people have them. There is no need to hide them.

Q. Do I have to write an autobiography?

A. No, you do not. At Florida Home Studies and Adoption Inc., we believe it is our job to write the information for you. During your interview, the home study provider will take careful notes as you answer questions. (NOTE: If you are using a home study agency other than FHSA, you may be asked to write an autobiography depending on their specific requirements or regulations.)

Q. What kinds of questions will be asked?

A. Questions like the following:

  • Did you enjoy school as you were growing up?
  • What activities were you involved in?
  • How are your relationships with your parents and siblings?
  • How do you resolve disagreements with your spouse?
  • In what ways do you discipline your child?
  • What do you view as your parenting style?
  • If this is your first child, what exposure have you had with children?
  • What are your childcare plans?
  • What are your hobbies and interests?

Q. What are you looking for when you ask about finances?

A. Your home study provider is simply making sure a baby will not cause a financial burden. You will be asked about your savings and checking accounts, mortgage or rent payments, bank loans, credit cards, and any other debts you have. You need to show that you are managing your finances in such a way as to be able to meet the needs of your adopted child.

Q. What could cause me to get turned down for a home study?

A. If you have an unstable marriage, a chemical dependency, a history of ongoing major mental illness, or been charged or convicted of a crime against a child or a violent crime, you will probably not be able to adopt a child.

Have a question that is not answered above? Call or e-mail us anytime. We are happy to help answer your questions.

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CIS Fingerpints and I-171H Expirations

Fingerprints and CIS approvals do Expire. If you are a waiting family and your fingerprints or I-171H (CIS approval) are about to expire, please click here for instructions.

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Home Study Agencies in Other States

FHSA can assist you with your home study if you reside in the State of Florida. For families residing outside of the State of Florida, below you will find a list of some out-of-state home study agencies. Though it is not mandatory to use an agency on this list, these agencies are familiar with USCIS and the international home study process.

Alabama:

Villa Hope
6 Office Park Circle, Suite 218
Birmingham, AL  35223
205-870-7359

California:

Adoption Connection
2150 Post St.
San Francisco, CA  94115
415-359-2494

Adoption Options
5353 Mission Center Rd., Suite 303 
San Diego, CA  92108
619-294-7772

Delaware:

Adoptions from the Heart
18-A Trolley Square
Wilmington, DE 19806
302-658-8883

Georgia:

AAA Partners in Adoption
5665 Hwy.9, Ste. 103-351
Alpharetta, GA  30004
770-844-2080

Hawaii:

Journeys of the Heart
PO Box 235600
Honolulu, HI 96822
808-391-5493

Idaho:

CASI Foundation for Children
2308 No. Cole Rd., Suite E 
Boise, ID 83704 
800-376-0558

Kentucky:

Adoption Assistance
510 Maple Ave.
Danville, KY 40422 
859-236-2761

Kentucky Adoption Services
3808 So. Griffith Ave.
Owensboro, KY 42301
866-543-7459 

Maine:

MAPS Adoption and Humanitarian Aid
277 Congress St. 
Portland, ME 04101
207-772-3678 

Massachusetts:

MAPS Adoption and Humanitarian Aid
400 Commonwealth Ave.
Boston, MA 02215
617-267-2222 or 866-397-6319

Wide Horizons for Children
38 Edge Hill Rd.
Waltham, MA 02451 
781-894-5330

New Hampshire:

MAPS Adoption and Humanitarian Aid
1087 Elm St., Suite 506
Manchester, NH 03101 
866-397-6913

New Jersey:

Adoptions from the Heart
451 Woodland Ave.
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 
856-665-5655

Homestudies and Adoptive Placement Services (HAPS)
668 American Legion Drive
Teaneck, NJ 07666
201-836-5554

Jewish Family and Children's Services
1301 Springdale Rd., Suite 150
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 
856-424-1333

New York:

Adoptions from the Heart
30-31 Hampstead Circle
Wynnewood, PA 19096 
610-642-7200

Baker Victory Services
780 Ridge Road
Lackawanna, NY 14218 
888-BVS 1160

North Carolina:

Frank Adoption Center
2840 Plaza Place
Raleigh, NC 27612 
800-597-9135

Nathanson Adoption Services
7400 Carmel Executive Park
Charlotte, NC 28226
704-553-9506

Oregon:

All God's Children International
3308 NE Peerless Place
Portland, OR 97232
800-214-6719

Associated Services for International Adoption
215 SW Hooker St., Suite 100
Portland, OR 97201
503-224-1860

Journeys of the Heart
PO Box 39
Hillsboro, OR 97123
503-681-3075

PLAN Loving Adoptions Now
850 SE Booth Bend Rd.
McMinnville, OR 97128
503-472-8452

Pennsylvania:

Adoptions from the Heart
30-31 Hampstead Circle
Wynnewood, PA 19096 
610-642-7200

Living Hope Adoption Agency
PO Box 579
Fort Washington, PA 19034
888-886-8086

Tennessee:

Adoption Assistance
5006 Stonewood Dr.
Smyrna, TN 37167
615-907-2767

Texas:

Harrah's Adoption Internation Mission
6700 Woodlands Pkwy., Suite 230-306
The Woodlands, TX 77382 
281-465-9990

Little Miracles International
3418-G Olsen Blvd.
Amarillo, TX 79109
806-351-1100

Los Ninos International Adoption Center
PO Box 9617
The Woodlands, TX 77387
888-567-6466

Virginia:

Adoptions from the Heart
1407 Stephanie Way, Suite H
Chesapeake, VA 23320
757-361-0008

Washington:

Journeys of the Heart
332 NW Richmond Beach Rd.
Shoreline, Washington 98177
206-274-6055

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