Global Adoption Services FAQ

1. Tell us a little about the founding and development of your organization?
   The agency was founded 20 years ago. At that time the main office was in Wyoming. In 2004 that office was closed and moved to Maryland. We have been continually licensed in Maryland.
2. How are your adoption home study and your organization unique?
   At Global, we see the home study process as more than just gathering documents and checking off a list. The home study is a chance to further inform and support prospective adoptive families in adopting. Our social workers are experienced in child welfare, child development and local resources. We strive to be a partner in a family’s journey to adoption.
3. Why are you passionate about adoption and the home study process?
   All of our staff members are either adoptive parents themselves, or have extensive experience in issues related to children and families. We firmly believe that having a family that loves and supports a child should not be a privilege, but the right of every child.
4. How long is an adoption home study valid?
   A home study is valid for 12 months, or until a significant change in the information of the home study occurs prior to adoption (e.g. a change in the household, a change in employment, a new residence, an addition to the residence, a health change, etc).
5. Approximately how much time is necessary to complete an adoption home study by your organization?
   Families have the responsibility to gather supporting documents that must be in their file before social worker visits can be scheduled. Families differ a great deal in the speed in which these documents are submitted. Once the initial documents are submitted, visits can usually be scheduled to start within two weeks. We strive to complete home studies before the required 90-day time frame.
6. Can adoptive parents use a home study completed by your organization to adopt a child born in another state?
   Our home studies can be used by a Maryland family for the adoption of a child from another state or for an international adoption.
7. If you complete my home study, do you also have to complete my post-placement visits?
   If the family continues to reside in the state of Maryland, we are available to complete any post-placement or post-adoption visits and reporting.
8. How many post-placement visits does your organization require?
   The total number of visits is mandated by the state of Maryland and if an international adoption, the country of origin.
9. What is some advice you can give to potential adoptive families about the home study process? What should they be prepared for?
   The process can seem overwhelming, with many documents and inspections and attestations. Take the process one step at a time and reach out to your placing agency and/or home study agency for guidance. Also know that your home study social worker is your ally. He or she wants to join with you in the process, guiding your journey so that an adoption can be a success for you and for a child.
10. What do your home study social workers look for in a home and a family when they visit potential adoptive families' homes?
    We are looking for a home that can meet the needs of the type of child that prospective parent(s) hope to adopt into their family. We are looking to identify strengths as well as areas of need, so that a family can address those needs before an adoption, not after. We are looking at a family’s lifestyle and interactions so the best matches can be made between family and child.
11. Are you Hague accredited, and if not, does your international home study comply with Hague International Standards?
    We have full Hague accreditation as primary providers.
12. Do you have experience in completing the home study and working with international placement companies?
    Approximately 90 percent of our home studies are used for international adoptions.
13. Are there other services and benefits you would like to share about your company?
    We understand that the adoption process is emotionally demanding and complex. We are available nearly around the clock to address client concerns and questions in person or by telephone. Emails and voice messages are returned daily if not within the hour.