What Is a Home Study and When Is It Required?

 Posted on July 18, 2026 in Family Law

A home study is an investigation of a person's background, household, and ability to care for a child. 

Home studies are most common in adoption and foster-care proceedings. In a disputed parenting case, a court may also order an investigation that includes an assessment of one or both parents’ homes. 

Depending on the type of case, it may be conducted by a child welfare agency or another qualified professional appointed or approved by the court. If you're facing a home study in 2026, a Cook County, IL family law attorney can help you understand what's expected and how to prepare.

What Does a Home Study in Illinois Involve?

Home studies are thorough. A licensed investigator gathers information from several sources to build a complete picture of the household and the people in it.

Although the exact requirements depend on the type of case and the agency or professional conducting the investigation, an adoption or foster-care home study may include:

• Background checks for all adults in the household, including criminal history and the Illinois child abuse and neglect registry

• At least one in-home visit to check the home for safety and suitability

• Interviews with each adult in the household and with any children currently living there

• Personal and professional references from people who know the household members

• A review of financial records to confirm the household can support a child

• Health information or medical documentation concerning prospective caregivers

The process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. The length depends on the circumstances and the agency conducting the study. Delays often happen when paperwork is incomplete or background checks take longer than expected.

When Is a Home Study Required in Illinois?

When a home study is ordered depends on the specific situation. They are typically used in only a few scenarios.

Adoption

Home studies are required for most adoptions in Illinois. Under the Illinois Adoption Act (750 ILCS 50/), the court generally must appoint a DCFS-approved child welfare agency or another person it considers competent to investigate a proposed nonrelated adoption. The investigator prepares a written report for the court.

Adoptions of a "related child," as that term is defined by the Illinois Adoption Act, are generally exempt from the investigation requirement. This category includes stepparent, grandparent, sibling, and several other family adoptions. However, the judge may order an investigation when appropriate.

Contested Custody Cases

Home studies are not automatic in disputes over parenting time or decision-making responsibilities. However, under 750 ILCS 5/604.10(d), a court may order an investigation and report to help it allocate parental responsibilities. The court determines the investigation’s purpose and scope, and the appointed investigator must have relevant expertise. Depending on the court’s concerns, the investigation may include interviews, record reviews, and visits to one or both parents’ homes.

Foster Care

Anyone seeking to become a licensed foster parent in Illinois is required to complete a home study before being approved. This is coordinated through DCFS and licensed private child welfare agencies.

Home studies can be an intimidating step in whatever process you’re involved in, but some basic preparation can help them go smoothly.

What Should You Do if You've Been Told You'll Need a Home Study?

The first step is to get organized early. Missing documentation can delay a home study. Gather financial records, medical records, and personal references before they're requested. Make sure everyone in your household knows they may be interviewed and understands the process.

If the investigation is connected to a parenting dispute, remember that the investigator may evaluate both your home environment and your approach to parenting. How you discuss the other parent, maintain your children’s routines, and cooperate with the investigation may affect the investigator’s conclusions.

If you receive a report that you believe is inaccurate or unfair, speak with your attorney promptly. In a parenting case, your attorney may challenge the report, present contrary evidence, and question the investigator in court. Different confidentiality and review rules apply to adoption reports.

Call a Skokie, IL Adoption Attorney Today

The Law Offices of Curtis Bennett Ross, L.L.C. has over 40 years of experience in Illinois family law and is court-approved in Cook County to serve as a Guardian ad Litem. This experience offers valuable insight into any case involving the interests of children.

Call 312-984-1514 to schedule your free limited consultation with our Cook County, IL custody lawyer today.