Adoption Process
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.
Initial Contact
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.
Click here to receive additional information in the mail.
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.
Click
here for the 2009 - 2010 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.
Click
here for the 2009 - 2010 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.
- Community-based parent support groups, as well as 24/7 on-call support, are also available to help meet the needs of both children and families.
Q: Who can be an adoptive parent?
A: Individuals who are willing to support a special child, and able to offer their time, attention and understanding to that child. Adoptive parents may be young or older, single or married - with or without children - and must have completed Florida's FREE standardized course of MAPP (Model Approaches to Partnerships in Parenting) training. A family's annual income isn't as important as their ability to open their hearts and homes to a special child.
Q: What kind of children are in need of adoptive families?
A: Children seeking adoption are no different than children with families - only they lack the love and support offered by caring, loving parents. These children's ages range from birth to 17 years and may be part of a sibling or minority group.
Q: What sort of help is offered the children and their adoptive family?
A: Children and their adoptive families receive support from adoption professionals, which may include referrals for individual therapy, support groups, 24/7 on-call support and paid Medical.
Q: How long does the entire adoption process take?
A: In most cases, the entire process takes between 8-12 months before a child's placement in your home is finalized.
Q: Is adopting a child expensive?
A: In the State of Florida, all children classified as "special needs" are adoptable by a qualifying family with little or no cost. All major expenses related to the adoption process are paid by the State and the family normally incurs costs only for outings with the child, the purchase of any gifts, etc.
Q: What happens once the adoption is finalized?
A: Once finalized in a Florida Court of Law, the child becomes a permanent member of the adopting family, affording parents all rights and responsibilities that would come with a biological birth child.
Q: Does the adopted child or family receive any benefits?
A: In most cases, the State of Florida offers a monthly subsidy for the continued care of the child. Most children are eligible for Medicaid Health Insurance and, with minimal qualification, four years of college tuition at a State funded college or university.
The Heart Gallery of Tampa Bay is ready to
touch your heart through compelling professional portraits of our
community’s children. The Heart Gallery is a unique, artistic exhibit
that introduces you to Tampa Bay’s children who are anxiously waiting
and looking for families to nurture, love and care for them.
» Please
explore the Heart Gallery of Tampa Bay today.
Hillsborough Kids, Inc. currently has approximately 600 children available for adoptions.
For more information about becoming an adoptive parent, please contact us at (813) 643-KIDS.
Email: adoptioninfo@hillsboroughkids.org
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