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All children need a loving, supportive and nurturing family to call their own. Yet, many of America's children are still looking for their forever families while living in foster care. Far too many children have lost their families through the tradgedy of abuse, neglect or abandonment.
Some are frightened, some are angry, but they are hopeful and eager to love and be loved. Adoption offers them a second chance.
Children seeking adoption are no different than children with families - they only lack the love and support offered by caring, loving parents. These children's ages range from birth to 17, although most are older than the age of 6. About one-fifth of the children waiting to be adopted are teenagers, many of whom are part of sibling groups that include younger children.
A child who is experiencing some or all of the following circumstances is considered by the State of Florida to be a special needs child:
- part of a sibling group
- a minority
- older than 8 years of age
- recovering from abuse, neglect and/or abandonment
Children and their adoptive families receive support from adoption professionals, which may include referrals for individual therapy and support groups and:
- Adoption subsidy payment is available to parents adopting children with special needs
- Medical assistance (Medicaid) 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
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"Every child deserves a permanent home and loving family. If just one foster child is adopted, all of our work has been worth it."
Wendy's Founder, Dave Thomas
- someone married, single, divorced or widowed
- with or without other children
- at least 21 years old
- financially stable, responsible, mature adult(s)
- own your home or rent
- complete an application (staff will assist you, if you prefer)
- provide proof of marriage and/or divorce (if applicable)
- possess adequate income to meet your family's needs without relying on public assistance
- attend an orientation meeting to learn more about the process
- participate in a 30-hour training program over a 10-week period
- complete a criminal history background and abuse/neglect check on all adults in the household
- successfully complete a home study with your adoption agency and obtain a favorable recommendation regarding adoption
How long does it take to adopt a child? It usually takes about 8 -12 months from the time a family first calls an adoption agency to the time when a child is placed with the family. Adoptions are usually finalized in court about 6 months after the child is placed with the family. Of course, these timelines are to be used as a guide and can vary depending on a number of circumstances
How much does it cost to adopt? Most adoptions from foster care are free (there may be some minimal fees depending on the agency you use and these fees are often reimbursable).
Will I need an attorney to adopt? In almost all cases, you will need an attorney to adopt. Your agency will be able to answer specific questions about legally finalizing your adoption.
Can I adopt a child outside my state? Yes! However, sometimes these adoptions can take a little longer. When a child is moved from one state to another to make sure the child is placed safely, social workers must follow the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC).
Can I adopt a child of a different race or ethnicity? Yes. It is against federal law to prohibit parents from adopting a child from foster care of a different race or ethnicity. The only exception to this is the adoption of American Indian children where special considerations apply.
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