To adopt a foster child in Florida, complete the adoption training and home study requirements. Identify a child to adopt, with the help of a placing agency. Following placement of the child, complete case worker visits with favorable reports. Petition the court for adoption.
Gulf Coast Adoptions explains how to adopt a foster child in Florida.
Steps to Adopt a Foster Child in Florida
Work with an adoption agency
Adopting a foster child in Florida begins by working with an adoption agency. There is one public adoption agency in Florida – the Florida Department of Children and Families. There are also private agencies that facilitate foster child adoption on a contract basis.
Note: You need an attorney.
It’s important to have an attorney, too. Adoption agencies do not represent you or protect your rights. The costs of foster care adoption are usually less than those of private adoption, but foster care adoption can be complicated. An attorney can help.
Become licensed
The adoptive family completes an approval process. The process includes:
- Orientation
- Training (21 hours)
- Home study
- Background check
- Employment check
- Reference check
You must be at least 21 years old and in good health.
Child placement
When a child is a match, they will be placed in your home. This may occur when a child you are fostering becomes available for adoption, or a child may be placed in the home for adoption. The parents will sign a Memorandum of Agreement, agreeing to receive the child and assuming responsibility for care.
Post-placement studies
There must be at least three case worker visits. The entire family must be seen together at least once. Post-placement visits evaluate family dynamics and the suitability of adoption. The case worker will complete a report for the court.
Court petition and finalization
The placing agency petitions the court to terminate parental rights and finalize the adoption.
The petition for adoption should be filed within 60 days of the termination of parental rights. The hearing should be held at least 30 days after termination of parental rights and 90 days after placement in the adoptive home.
Post-adoption
Adoption is a journey. Even after the adoption is complete, a child needs support. You will assist your child to address trauma, grief, and loss, talking with them in an age-appropriate way and preserving the child’s history and culture.
Key Considerations for Florida Foster Child Adoption
Licensing for foster care and adoption
Many foster care adoptions – a little more than half – begin with placement in foster care. It’s common to complete licensing for both foster care and adoption at the same time. There are several types of foster care licensing, including child-specific, non-family, human trafficking, therapeutic, and medical.
Parent reunification
The goal of DCF is to prevent the abuse and neglect of children, reuniting families whenever possible. A child in foster care may be returned to their family and may not become available for adoption.
The legal parent must consent to adoption, or the court must have clear and convincing evidence to terminate the existing parent-child relationship. A family wanting to adopt from foster care is not grounds for termination of parental rights.
Consent
If a child is 12 years of age or older, they must consent to be adopted. The court may waive the consent requirement for good cause.
Financial support
Significant financial support may be available for a Florida foster child adoption. The state may reimburse up to $1,000 in non-recurring adoption expenses, including attorney’s fees. Monthly reimbursement may be available for a difficult-to-place child. You may benefit from tax credits.
Multiple sibling groups
There are additional considerations when a child is a member of a sibling group. The case evaluation will explore the positive and negative aspects of separating a child from siblings.
Multiple applications for a single child
There may be a situation where more than one person or family wants to adopt a child. Relatives and non-relatives with whom the child has a relationship, and current caregivers, may apply and complete home studies. The court evaluates the best interests of the child.
When there are multiple applications for foster care adoption, the opinion of DCF case workers is important. The case will be referred to an Adoption Applicant Review Committee (AARC). A denied applicant can appeal to a trial judge. It’s critical to have an attorney protecting your interests.
Contact Gulf Coast Adoptions
To learn more about adopting a foster child in Florida, speak with our trusted adoption attorney today at 850-999-7977. We are waiting to take your call!