homestudy

A homestudy is a formal assessment of a household conducted by licensed professionals, typically social workers, to determine whether a person or family is suitable to adopt or foster a child. In some contexts, the term also describes a plan for studying at home within an educational program.

In adoption and foster care, the homestudy examines the applicants' living conditions, parenting abilities, health, finances, and support networks. It usually includes interviews, home visits, background checks, medical and financial disclosures, and references, and ends with a written report used by agencies or courts to decide placement.

Process timelines vary by jurisdiction but generally take several weeks to months. Reports may require annual updates or renewals, and some places mandate pre-placement training or post-placement supervision.

Separately, in education, the term home study or home-based instruction can refer to studying at home under supervision or through an approved curriculum. Such programs may be offered by schools or accredited providers and typically require attendance records, assignments, and periodic assessments.

Legal and ethical considerations include privacy, consent, nondiscrimination, and the need for fair evaluation, transparency, and access to support services. Critics point to potential bias, inconsistency in standards, and barriers to entry, while supporters emphasize family stability and tailored planning.

See also: homeschooling, foster care, adoption, distance learning.