Social Investigation Program of Family Court Services

The Social Investigation Program of the 11th Judicial Circuit runs under the auspices of the Family Court Services Unit. In Miami-Dade County, the judges makes the final determination regarding the parenting plans of the child(ren), including the time-sharing process of the parents. When the court requires further information in order to make the most appropriate decisions for the child(ren), the judge or general magistrate may order that a social investigation (home study) be completed. The social investigation is a process performed by an impartial mental health professional who is qualified to provide the court, the parties, and the parties’ attorneys with a thorough report addressing the best interests of the child(ren).

The Family Court Services Social Investigation Program assigns, coordinates, and monitors these cases for the court through the completion of the consultant’s report, which includes recommendations to the court regarding the initial determination of parenting time, modification of parenting time, assessment of parental home environments, and shared/sole parental responsibility. For further information contact the Social Investigation Program Coordinator at Family Court Services at 305-349-5508.

Click on Family Court Services for additional information.
Click on MDC Administrative Order No. 03-15 for additional information.
Click on Order of Referral to the Social Investigation Program of Family Court Services for additional information.

Frequently Asked Questions
Custody Investigations Unit

	What happens during a social investigation?
	The judge in my case ordered a social investigation. How do I prepare for this?
	How much do home studies cost and who pays the fee?
	What happens after the home study is completed?
	How long does it take for the final report on the home study to be completed?
	Who do I contact if I have any other questions?
	If I am a person with a disability and need assistance, who do I contact?

What happens during a socail investigation?

Home studies include, but are not limited to:

Social Investigations are home studies which may include, but are not limited to:
1. Interviews with each child, parent, step-parent, or adult in a parenting role
2. Visits to the homes of each parent
3. Observations of each child with each adult in parenting role
4. Screening for domestic violence and abuse; all allegations are investigated
5. Contact with others living in each home.
6. Contact with relevant professionals, such as teachers, doctors and employers
7. Interviews with objective character references submitted by each parent
8. Background checks of relevant police and court records
9. Findings of related cases, when identified
9. Completion of relevant surveys and questionnaires as requested by the social investigator
10. Presentation of facts to the court, addressing all the pertinent details relevant to a child’s best interest, and addressing parental responsibility and time-sharing arrangements as requested.
11. May include recommendations to the court.

The judge in my case ordered a social investigation. How do I prepare for this?

Please have any written information that you think the Social Investigator should review on hand at the interview. This should include any court orders and parental agreements involving the children. Also, if there are people you feel are objective and could offer insight, such as pediatricians, babysitters or teachers, have their names and contact numbers available for the investigator. Your availability to the social investigator is paramount to having the Social Investigation completed in a timely manner.

How much do home studies cost and who pays the fee?

The total cost is $650 and paid directly to the Social Investigator before the evaluation is initiated. The judge decides how to split this fee between parents or can reduce or waive the fee upon his or her own discretion.

What happens after the Social Investigation is completed?

The Social Investigator prepares a final report, making recommendations to the Family Court judge regarding the request for information specified on the court order. This information may include recommendations to the court regarding: the initial determination of parenting time, modification of parenting time, assessment of parental home environments, and shared/sole parental responsibility. The report is forwarded by the Social Investigator to Family Court Services, who sends the document to the judge and parties in the case, their attorneys and Guardian ad Litem, if any. Typically, a hearing before the judge is then scheduled to determine what is in the best interest of the child(ren) and the appropriate order is issued.

How long does it take for the final report on the home study to be completed?

Reports are usually issued within 30 days of the judge's order for home study evaluation and full payment of the fee is made. The Social Investigator may request an extension from the judge, including a full explanation of the reason(s) as to why more time is needed to complete the procedure.

Who do I contact if I have any other questions?

For further questions, you may contact Family Court Services at (305) 349-5508.

If I am a person with a disability and need assistance, who do I contact?

If you are a person with a disability and need assistance to appear in court or participate in a court program or service, please contact:

Please contact ADA Coordinator, at: