Golden Cradle has the responsibility of preparing people to become adoptive parents. Raising a child from infancy to adulthood is one of the most important decisions and commitments that anyone can make. The Home Study, required by all states, helps families assess their readiness to parent, to prepare themselves for parenting, and to ensure their meeting state requirements.

     The first phase consists of educational seminars conducted by Golden Cradle staff and guest speakers. These provide information and the adopting families share experiences, ask questions, and gain an understanding of adoption.

     The second phase consists of interviews with a Golden Cradle staff member. Usually one couple interview and one individual interview with each partner must be completed.

The third phase is the home study. 

     In addition to the groups and the interviews, the home study requires various documents, such as:

• Autobiographies written by the adoptive applicants
  
• Medical Reports
  
• Financial Statements
  
• A minimum of five to six reference letters (2 Personal, 1 Neighbor, and 1 Employer)
  
• Fingerprinting (State and FBI)
  
• Child Abuse Registry Information forms for New Jersey
  
• Child Abuse History Record Checks for home state
  
• Well-water testing, if applicable, instructions and forms for completing these requirements are provided by Golden Cradle.
  

     The adoption home study evaluation must comply with the regulations of the state of residence of the family, as well as with the regulations of the State of New Jersey. Our staff will work with your home study agency to ensure full compliance with all regulations. Adoptive parents from out-of-state must temporarily remain in New Jersey following the placement of their child with them. The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children in the sending state (NJ) and the receiving state (your home) takes about 1 to 20 days to review, process and approve.

     Finalization of the adoption usually occurs 6 to 8 months after placement. New Jersey State regulations require bi-monthly post-placement supervisory visits during this time.

     Golden Cradle offers education and support services to birth families and adoptive families after placement. Once the adoption is finalized, our After Adoption Services Department provides educational and counseling services to meet the needs of our adoptive families, birth families, and children.