Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS ADOPTION?
Adoption is a legal action that gives all parental rights to adoptive parents, making the adopted child a legal member of the new family with all the rights and privileges of a biological child.

WHO CAN ADOPT?
Most adults who can provide a stable, loving home to a child can adopt. Married couples, single parents, working mothers, parents who already have children, people who live in apartments, and people of any religious faith, race, and education level will be considered.

WHO CAN BE ADOPTED?
Foster children whose birth parents' parental rights have been terminated by the courts may be adopted.

WHAT DOES IT COST TO ADOPT?
Florida does not charge to place foster children in adoptive homes. At the time of legal finalization of the adoption, you will have to pay court costs for the hearing and attorney fees. In most cases, these costs are less than $500 and may be reimbursed by the state.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO ADOPT?
The answer varies. The process to become an approved adoptive parent includes attending a preparation course of ten weeks, obtaining local, state and federal background checks and completion of a home study. The process can usually be completed in eight months.

WILL I GET HISTORICAL INFORMATION ON THE CHILD I ADOPT?
You will be given the child's foster care history including the circumstances involving his removal, the child's medical history including the birth and delivery information, any assessments or psychological evaluations completed , and the child's current daily habits and preferences. Non-identifying social and medical information about biological parents and birth family will also be provided.

WHAT KIND OF POST-ADOPTION SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE?
For children with special needs, financial assistance to help meet their expenses may be available.