Thirty-eight percent of adoptions in the United States are private adoptions. Only 37% of adoptions involved government child welfare services, and 25% were international adoptions. Gulf Coast Adoptions explains private adoption in Florida.
What is Private Adoption?
A private adoption is the voluntary placement of a child for adoption. The birth parents, or current legal parents, choose the adoptive parents. Those involved complete the adoption of the child without the direction or involvement of government agencies.
Most private adoptions in Florida involve infants or close family members.
How do private adoptions work in Florida?
- A parent, usually a birth parent, chooses to place their child for adoption.
- The parent selects and approves of the adoptive parents.
- Although the court approves and issues the adoption decree, the government is not involved in selecting the adoptive parents.
- In a private adoption, adoptive parents work with an agency or attorney intermediary to complete the steps and the legal paperwork.
Legal Requirements for Private Adoption in Florida
- A child must be available for adoption.
- The adoptive parent or parents must be qualified to adopt.
- Placement is the surrender of the child by the birth or legal parent and the receiving of the child by the adoptive parent.
- Consent forms must be signed by the birth mother. The father must consent if they have established paternity.
- Home studies are still required, except if the adoption is by a stepparent or relative.
- Court paperwork is filed. The court approves the adoption and finalizes it.
Open vs. Closed Private Adoption in Florida
Private adoptions are closed, semi-open, and open. Having a private adoption doesn’t mean that the adoption must be open, although many are. A birth mother and adoptive parents may choose what is best for them, and an attorney can explain the different options.
Is an adoption agency required for private adoption in Florida?
No. You may complete a private adoption in Florida with an attorney, rather than with an adoption agency. The requirements to complete the adoption are the same, including when a home study is required.
The Role of Adoption Attorneys and Agencies
Two entities facilitate private adoptions in Florida—adoption attorneys and adoption agencies. While they both provide support for adoption, the costs of agency adoptions are traditionally higher, but both attorneys and agencies offer counseling and other personal support through the adoption process.
These additional services are not needed in all cases, and some adoptions can be completed more efficiently with attorney representation. This can make an attorney adoption less expensive than an agency-facilitated adoption.
Different adoption agencies provide different levels of service and support, so it’s important to know exactly what you’re paying for.
Financial support for private adoption in Florida
Many employers provide reimbursement for covered adoption expenses. Check with your employer to see if you qualify.
You may also qualify for federal tax credits if you adopt an eligible child.
Post-Adoption Support for Private Adoption Families
Adoptive parents can find support and resources in many places. They may work with counselors, mental health professionals, and support groups. Parents can find resources to help them discuss adoption with their children in an age-appropriate way. There is also support available for post-communication with biological family members, including how to proceed if this contact needs to change.
A child adopted through private adoption in Florida may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through Social Security subject to general eligibility requirements for children with disabilities.
Can you choose a private adoption if your child is in DCF care?
Yes. Florida law § 63.022(5) says that the intent of Florida adoption law is for DCF to cooperate with private entities for permanent options for children in DCF care when the parents want to pursue private adoption.
If your child is in DCF care, you may consider private adoption. Choosing private adoption allows you significant control over the process and the plan for your child.
Contact an Experienced Florida Adoption Lawyer
Are you a birth mother considering your options? Are you a prospective adoptive parent and think a private adoption may be right for your situation? We invite you to contact Gulf Coast Adoptions.
There is no cost for our services for birth mothers. We’re happy to discuss your situation for free, for hours. We listen without judgment.
For prospective adoptive parents, we invite you to contact us to learn more about our services.
See if a private adoption in Florida is right for you. We’ll explain what you need to understand and answer questions. We’re adoptive parents ourselves, and we’re here to meet your needs in the adoption process. Call or message us now to talk to a lawyer.