Adoption is a very exciting time for a child and family. Depending on the family who has been approved for adoption, the process can look slightly different.
View an overview of the adoption process: Termination of Parental Rights through Finalization of Adoption
Contact the Adoption Agency
At the point of initial contact, individuals/couples will be provided with the basic information regarding becoming an adoptive parent. Questions about adoption are strongly encouraged. It is important to think through the impact of adopting on one’s marriage and family. Individuals/couples will be asked basic questions about their family and home setting and will be invited to attend an orientation meeting.
Orientation
The orientation process provides a more in-depth review of the program and the steps to becoming an adoptive parent. The training topics and home study process will be reviewed in addition to answering additional questions that you will have regarding adoption.
View the 2011-2012 Adoptive Parent Orientation Schedule:
Basic requirements at a glance:
- Attend an informational meeting to learn more about the requirements of becoming an adoptive parent.
- Prospective adoptive parents participate in a 30-hour training program over a 10-week period.
- All household members (12 years and older) must receive satisfactory background checks.
- You will have a series of visits with a representative from your adoption agency who will assess your readiness to become an adoptive parent.
- You must have adequate income to meet your family’s needs without relying on public assistance.
- You will need to participate in the home study process with your adoption agency and obtain a favorable recommendation regarding adoption.
View the 2011 - 2012 Adoption Pre-service Training Schedule (MAPP).
What support is available?
- Adoption subsidy payment is available to parents adopting children with special needs.
- Medical assistance is available through age 18.
- Costs related to the legal process of adoption are reimbursed up to a predetermined amount.
- Children adopted from foster care in Florida may be eligible for tuition waiver if attending a state college, university, or technical school.
- Pre-adoption services are also available to families adopting from foster care. Those services include counseling, training, support groups and ongoing case management. There is also on call 24/7 support during the time prior to finalization for emergencies. Post adoption, there are also counseling services, support groups and training available to families. Most of these services are provided through the Sylvia Thomas Center or Camelot.