Adoption Investigator

About

Adoption investigators conduct background reports on birth parents, adoption pre-placement investigations, post-placement supervision and report to the court within the State of Iowa.

Code Citation Code of Iowa, Chapter 441-107

Who Applies Anyone wanting to provide adoption investigation services independently, not as a part of their work responsibilities.

When To Apply Initial Application: Before work begins. Certificate Renewal: At least 30 days before license expires, but no more than 60 days before expiration.

Initial Requirements One of the following requirements must be met: graduate of a four-year accredited college or university with a bachelor\\’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, family therapy, family living or other family-oriented degree plus three years of full-time adoption experience; or, master\\’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, family therapy, family living or other family-oriented program from an accredited four-year college or university plus one year of full-time adoption experience. Prior to certification, the applicant must prepare a written statement identifying the proposed activities, duties and fees of the applicant as a certified adoption investigator. No fewer than four actual cases or twenty percent of the individual\\’s caseload is reviewed in the renewal process.

Duration Two years.

Processing Time Approximately 90 days.

Fee Structure None.

Renewal Requirements There are no continuing education requirements for license renewal.

Exam There are no examinations required.

Additional Information None.