(a) A home study shall be conducted by a:

1. (1) Caseworker of the agency; or
2. (2) Licensed certified social worker.

(b) The adoptive home study shall contain the following information, current to within one (1) year prior to each adoptive placement:

1. (1) The family’s motivation for adoption and the desired characteristics of the child or children to be adopted;
2. (2) Each family member’s attitudes toward adoption;
3. (3) Attitudes of the applicants toward the birth parent or parents, including parent search issues;
4. (4) Resolution of any infertility issues;
5. (5) The mental health, emotional stability, and maturity of the applicants;
6. (6) The physical health of all household members, including a physician’s statement provided to the social worker or agency conducting the home study stating that a medical exam was performed;
7. (7) The financial status and stability of the family, including proof of income and payment to the social worker or agency conducting the home study;

8. (8)

   1. (A) At least three (3) positive personal references from nonrelatives regarding the family.
   2. (B) The references do not need to be updated unless:

(i) This is a new adoption in the family; or

1. (ii) There have been significant changes;

2. (9) The family’s ability to cope with:

   1. (A) Stress;
   2. (B) Loss; and
   3. (C) Crisis;
3. (10) Adjustment and well-being of any minors residing in the home;
4. (11) The family’s child-caring skills and willingness to acquire additional skills;
5. (12) The family’s discipline practices;
6. (13) Religious affiliation;

7. (14) A description of:

   1. (A) The home;
   2. (B) Its location; and
   3. (C) Its environment;

8. (15) An assessment of the safety of the home, including:

   1. (A) All water hazards;
   2. (B) Dangerous pets; and
   3. (C) Firearm safety;
9. (16) A statement in, or an addendum to, the home study narrative stating that the adoptive parents will report to the social worker or agency conducting the home study if they have been either approved or denied as an adoptive home in the past and if denied, why;
10. (17) A statement regarding the availability and results from criminal records and Child Maltreatment Central Registry checks, dated within one (1) year prior to placement;
11. (18) The stability of the adoptive family and their marriage, if applicable, shall be discussed and determined to be appropriate;
12. (19) A recommendation regarding adoption, including the age, gender, characteristics, and special needs of children best served by this family; and

13. (20)

    1. (A) If the adoptive family experiences any major life changes, for example, marriage, divorce, separation, health changes, change of residence, or change of household composition, the social worker or agency shall reevaluate the family prior to placement of a child.
    2. (B) An additional home visit is required if there has been a change of residence.