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
You may, of course, mail copies if that is easier for you. Please send the first two items ASAP:
- These forms related to various clearances.
- A copy of a photo id (license or passport) for each household member age 15 and older
- Birth certificates for all household members
- Marriage certificate for applicants (if applicable)
- Final divorce decree(s) for either applicant (if applicable)
- Most recent 1040 (first two pages only)
Please note that you will likely need a few originals of 3,4, and 5 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 TO OTHERS TO COMPLETE:
- MEDICAL STATEMENT
Complete one for each person living in your home - RELEASE OF COUNSELING INFORMATION If applicable
- AFFIDAVIT OF HEALTH INSURANCE Completed by your employer or insurance company
NY REFERENCE LETTERS:
Please email your social worker names and email addresses for three reference writers. Your social worker will email the correct form directly to the contacts you provide. The writers should not be family members and should have known you at least three years.
NY CRIMINAL CLEARANCE:
NY requires two sets of fingerprints to be taken during the home study. Please note that if you are pursuing international adoption, you will also later be fingerprinted by USCIS. Unfortunately, there is currently no way to combine any of the three procedures and you will need to be printed three separate times.
- National(FBI) background clearances are conducted by Fieldprint. Please click the link and arrange for an appointment.
- NY state clearance instructions and forms are below.
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CLEARANCE INSTRUCTIONS
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CLEARANCE REQUEST FORM
IF YOU HAVE HAD ANY ARRESTS or COURT APPEARANCES:
Review these instructions for additional items needed.
CHILD ABUSE REGISTRY CHECKS:
Complete the personal information on the Statewide Central Register Database Check form and return it to:
Wide Horizons For Children
391 Totten Pond Road, Suite 303
Waltham, MA 02451
Attn: Your Adoption Coordinator
Your form will be returned if not completed properly.
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.
PRE-ADOPTIVE EDUCATION
Due to the pandemic, 2022 classes are over zoom. Your social worker will map out a plan with you.
PRE-ADOPTION EDUCATION OVERVIEW
PRE-ADOPTION EDUCATION SCHEDULE 2022 (does not include NY based classes)
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)
