[aMarylandfamily]

In-State or Inter-State adoptions are processed/overseen by any agency that is state licensed (most private ones are ... that doesn't mean they handle the state adoptions - just that they meet all the requirements imposed for state licensing). You really don't want to work with one that is not. Many private agencies are contracted to perform homestudies and placement of the children awaiting adoption in the state's care ... so you would inquire as to what adoption services they perform - foreign, domestic, etc. when you call them ... sometimes it's good to call more than one for input just to see what feeling you get from the call which is often good insight into how you will work with them and them with you.

The in-home visit/inspection from a worker performing your homestudy is not a inspection for cleanliness (although your home needs to be generally clean and sanitary but not white glove clean!) but more for general living conditions and to verify that you have a bed and room for as many children as you are hoping to be approved for (the beds do not have to be in place ... just the notation - this room can hold two twin beds). Bunk beds are against rules for some states but not all so again before making any furniture purchase you would want those questions answered by the agency perfomring your homestudy - they are often part of training you will receive or can be brought up in the appropriate class.

When a child is matched with you - again in-state or inter-state a transition plan is drawn (some are for quick physical placements while others are designed for slow transitions depending on the child's readiness and nedds) ... at physical placement an adoption agreement is put into effect but the children are essentially foster-to-adopt for the first six months ... the standard time before finalization papers can be prepared and filed with the courts ... some states such as Oregon who are wonderful to work with require a full year of supervision reports before finalization occurs - documents can be prepared after 6 months but actual legalization occurs at the year's time.

Hope this helps answer your basic questions ... keep them coming - we keep emphasizing it but this board consists of members who are oldies with lots of advice and information to share and newbies who are learning and up to speed on the current rules and regulations and those who haven't dared ask yet ... no question is dumb and if the answer is not what you ant to hear then you can dig further to get more information in that area while being armed for whatever comes your way.