In some places, and in all international adoptions, a home study is required by law.
Depending on the location and agency, different information may be sought during a home study.
[3] The ultimate purpose of a home study is for the benefit of the child, not the parents.
The types of information that may be sought from a home study include the determination if there is abuse in the past, family background, employment history, a criminal background check of the prospective parents, a credit check, medical records, and an examination of the home.
[5][6] A home study, as its name implies, examines the dwelling of the prospective parents.