Home Study Updates

Welcome to the WHFC Document and Home Study Update website for families in the domestic program!

In the domestic program, it is very important to make certain your documents are perpetually updated and that there is continuous availability of documents that are less than a year old. Because the regulations vary by state and because you may end up adopting from a different state than your own, there can be delays or missed opportunities if documents are not current. In rare instances documents may actually need to be even more current and WHFC will work with you on a case by case basis when this is needed. However, in general, it is best to start the update process once a document is about 10 months old. This will likely ensure that the new documents will be ready before the previous ones expire.

The documents that must remain updated include medicals for all family members, state-specific child abuse registry checks, additional state-specific background clearances, your home study, and your FBI fingerprints (if your state background clearance does not involve prints).

The goal of this website is to provide you with easy access to the needed forms.

Steps in the process:

1.  Please complete all necessary paperwork in the two sections below (the first one and then your state). Be attentive to directions as they differ for each form. Your home study update can not be completed without the necessary items. It might be helpful to bookmark this page so you can navigate to it as a guide easily.

2.  Please pay the home study update fee ($600) at https://whfc.org/product/adoption-payments/

3.  Your social worker will be in touch in a few weeks to schedule a home visit.  We ask you to get a head start on the paperwork so that she can ultimately write her report shortly after your visit.

If you have questions about the expiration date of any documents currently in your file, please feel free to email Jessica Ellison at jellison@whfc.org.

Please scroll through the following to download the forms needed. Both the first section and the state specific section apply.

All documents should be returned to:
Attn: Jessica Ellison
Wide Horizons For Children, Inc.
144 Moody Street, Building 24, Second Floor
Waltham, MA 02453

Please remember that for any documents that are sent to us via scan, we only accept .pdf format (not .jpg or any other image file type). Many documents associated with updates do need to be mailed originals, but your Jessica can guide you about exceptions.

For all families regardless of state of residence

  • HOME STUDY CHANGE OF STATUS FORM
  • MEDICAL STATEMENT FORM: One for each member of the household — regardless of age — DO NOT USE IF YOU LIVE IN NY, SEE BELOW
  • FBI FINGERPRINTING: (only necessary if your state’s criminal clearance does not include FBI fingerprinting…. Ask Jessica if uncertain)
  • MOST RECENT 1040 Tax Form — please submit copy of first two pages only.

For Massachusetts Residents

  • CRIMINAL CLEARANCE REQUEST FORM:
    • One for each member of the household — age 15 and older
    • Must include photocopy of your U.S. passport or driver’s license
  • CHILD ABUSE REGISTRY CHECK:
    • complete only the one for your current state of residence for updates
    • include each member of the household — age 14 and older

For New Hampshire Residents

For New Jersey Residents

  • CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CLEARANCE INSTRUCTIONS:
    • For all household members over 18. After you have fingerprints completed, please scan your Adoption Coordinator the receipt.
  • CHILD ABUSE REGISTRY CHECK: Please alert your Adoption Coordinator that you need to complete this for NJ. She will need the name and current email for all household members over 18 to enter your information in the state’s system. An invitation will then be sent to each to complete the clearance. There is a $15/person fee paid online.

For New York Residents

  • MEDICAL STATEMENT
  • CRIMINAL CLEARANCE REQUEST FORM: Criminal clearances are updated by our Main office. A faxed request will be submitted to the NYS Office of Children and Families on your behalf. If you have any questions about this process, please speak with your social worker.
  • CHILD ABUSE REGISTRY CHECK:
    • complete only the one for your current state of residence for updates
    • include each member of the household — age 18 and older

Please complete this request and return to Wide Horizons’ Main Office to the address above Attn: NY Clearance. You likely saved a copy of this form the first time you completed it during your initial home study and this can assist you. DO NOT MAIL TO THE STATE YOURSELF.

For Vermont Residents

Each needs to be completed for all household adults (18+)

Send this form to WHFC for criminal history and child abuse registry clearances in Vermont. For domestic adoption, this form requires a fee and Jessica will update you with the current amount to send.