A method of instruction designed for students who live at a distance from the teaching institution. Instructional materials are provided to the student, through various media, with structured units of information, assigned exercises, and examinations to measure achievement, which in turn are submitted to the teaching institution for evaluation.
Analysis of the family situation of parents wishing to adopt, required by law to be prepared by a licensed social worker, often from an adoption agency, whether the planned adoption is from within the United States or from abroad. Would-be adoptors meet with the social worker in the home or agency setting over a period of several weeks or months. Some agencies use a group approach, in which parents are evaluated during a parenting preparation course. The social worker who writes the home-study report is attempting to screen out parents who might be unsuitable as adoptive parents, as because of financial or psychological instability. Would- be parents also often contribute autobiographies or other personal statements that help social workers understand what they have to offer children. As part of the evaluation process, parents often have to supply many other materials, including personal references and numerous certificates. The final home-study report is to be sent every time parents make an application for a child. Papers submitted abroad for an international adoption often need to be notarized and authenticated.