Alabama Adoption Home Study Checklist

This checklist can help you organize the information needed to document your situation for your Alabama adoption. Because different agencies are involved and never have the chance to meet you, verification of each aspect of your situation is required.

You will need to provide proof of the following:

1. Birth certificates for all family members
2. Marriage certificate
3. Divorce certificate for previous marriage if applicable
4. Medical examinations of all family members to document good health
5. Health insurance
6. Income/assets/liabilities/life insurance
7. Criminal background checks
8. Personal references

Other areas that will be explored in several personal interviews with you are:

1. Your family background
2. Your hobbies
3. Education and employment history
4. How you come to be considering adoption
5. Feelings about marriage, problem resolution, strengths
6. Children in home
7. Description of home/neighborhood
8. Support from others
9. Parenting experience
10. Child care plan
11. Selection of guardians

The home study process is also designed to help you assess that adoption is the best plan for your family. It also provides education opportunities to learn about adoption and it helps you understand the short and long term ramifications of adoption.