Once you've applied to adopt a child, you will be required to submit to a homestudy. The purpose of a homestudy is to evaluate your living situation, and evaluate you as a prospective parent.

"The homestudy itself is a written report of the findings of the social worker who has met with the applicants on several occasions, both individually and together. At least one meeting with occur in the applicants home."

The average homestudy takes 3 to 6 months to complete, but actual time varies based on each cases individual set of circumstances. Read more online.