2) Completion of formal application. This is required before the home study can begin.

3) Home study. The pre-adoptive home study is required by the State of Rhode Island in order for any adoption to take place in the State of Rhode Island. If you are not a Rhode Island resident, your home study must be prepared by a licensed placement agency in the state where the you reside. The purpose of the home study is to explore the prospective parents' feelings about their backgrounds, their marital relationships, parenthood, their motivation to adopt, the types of children that are acceptable, and their ability to provide proper physical, emotional and financial support for their child. Clearances by the Bureau of Criminal Identification and the State Child Welfare Agency (DCYF in Rhode Island) are a vital part of the home study process. The length of time needed to conduct a home study varies with each individual case, however it is usually completed within eight to ten weeks. Before the home study visits begin, each person will be asked to submit an autobiography. This helps the prospective adoptive parents to reflect on all the issues that must be addressed during the home study process, and it gives the social worker an opportunity to know a little background on the prospective parents before they meet. All of the home study visits are conducted by the social worker in the home of the prospective parents to ensure privacy and confidentiality. These meetings will allow each person to examine feelings and objectives, and give them the opportunity to ask the questions necessary to understand the adoption process. Once your application and autobiography have been received and arrangements for your home study visits are made, you will be given a list of required documents necessary to support the home study and the proper forms necessary to proceed with your adoption process.

4) In the case of all international adoptions, Immigration and Naturalization petitions must be filed. This process can be lengthy. Therefore it is advisable to begin as soon as possible. Little Treasures will assist you with the necessary paperwork to file your petition with the Immigration and Naturalization Service. The pre adoptive home study is part of the orphan petition process.

5) Gather supporting documents to complete your adoption dossier according to the specific requirements of the adoptive program you have selected. Little Treasures will work with you to identify the program of adoption that is best for you. You will be guided through all the required steps to complete your adoption.