Packet B — Massachusetts

Please be sure to read all instructions carefully. These represent the state specific documentation needed for a home study. We recommend you begin gathering these documents as soon as possible. Some of the clearances take considerable time to process and a home study can not be finished without all being received. You may send documents to WHFC as you receive or complete them, or submit all documents at once. Remember that we are here to help you every step of the way! Please do not hesitate to contact your Adoption Coordinator with questions.  

Items that can be scanned to your adoption coordinator:

Please only send .pdf format (not .jpg or other image files). You may, of course, mail copies if that is easier for you.  Please send the first three items ASAP:

  1.  These forms related to various clearances.  
  2.  A copy of a photo id (license or passport) for each household member age 15 and older
  3. This form for a mandated Massachusetts Criminal Clearance for each household member age 15 and older
  4. Birth certificates for all household members
  5. Marriage certificate for applicants (if applicable)
  6. Final divorce decree(s) for either applicant (if applicable)
  7. Most recent 1040 (first two pages only)
  8. If applicable, Certificate of Citizenship/Naturalization or Permanent Resident Card

Please note that you will likely need a few originals of 4,5, and 6 later in the adoption process.  Copies are fine for our file.  Also, additional financial information may be needed on a case by case basis.  

Items that you need to give others to complete:

  1. MEDICAL STATEMENT
    Complete one for each person living in your home
  2. RELEASE OF COUNSELING INFORMATION If applicable
  3. AFFIDAVIT OF HEALTH INSURANCE  Completed by your employer or insurance company
  4. THREE (3) LETTERS OF REFERENCE
    See enclosed instructions

Child abuse registry checks:

Complete the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families form for all household members age 14 years and older. Then, either mail or email a scan of it to your Adoption Coordinator

Wide Horizons For Children
144 Moody Street, Building 24, Second Floor
Waltham, MA 02453
Attn: Your Adoption Coordinator

Do not submit it to the address on the form.  It is better if it comes from the agency.

VERY IMPORTANT:  Additionally, child abuse registry checks (CARIs) must be conducted (for all adult household members) for all places of residence you lived in the last five years (for domestic adoption) or since age 18 (for international adoption).  Please provide the list via the form linked above (item #1) and your adoption coordinator will provide state specific instructions.  

If you have had any arrests or court appearances:

Review these instructions for additional items needed.  

Pre-adoptive education   

Immigration filing instructions:

(for towards the end of your home study if adopting internationally)

Please mail to the address below after making copies for your records.

Wide Horizons For Children
391 Totten Pond Road, Suite 303
Waltham, MA 02451
Attn: Your Adoption Coordinator (Christina, Jessica, Anne or Maryanne)