Benefits of State Adoption
Adopting a child through the state is a life-changing journey that provides unique opportunities and benefits to enrich a child’s life.
The two most common ways to become an adoptive parent are state adoption and private adoption.
State adoption occurs through a public agency, such as a state or county foster program. This is often less expensive and a simpler process than adopting through a private agency. The state provides child benefits to support them throughout their development.
Financial Support
College Tuition
Children adopted from the state of Florida are eligible for free tuition at any state university, community college or vocational school in Florida up until age 28. Additionally, some Florida private institutions of higher learning will provide free tuition for children who have been adopted from the foster care system.
Federal Adoption Tax Credit
The 2015 adoption tax credit is NOT a refundable credit, which means taxpayers can only get the credit refunded if they have federal income tax liability. In general, the credit is based on reasonable and necessary expenses related to legal adoption. Learn more about federal adoption tax credit.
Monthly Financial Support
Families that adopt one of Florida’s children in care will likely qualify for a monthly subsidy to help offset ongoing costs through “Florida’s Adoption Assistance Program” until they turn 18. The amount is determined on a child-by-child basis, depending on the child’s unique needs and the availability of funds. Specific subsidy information for Florida can be found at the Florida State Subsidy Profile portion of the North American Council on Adoptable Children website.
State Employees and Other Qualified Applicants
The State Employee and Other Qualified Applicants program allows state employees, school district employees, charter school employees, OPS or part-time workers who are employed with a state agency for at least one year, active military service members, veterans, law enforcement officers, health care practitioners and tax collector employees to receive a one-time lump sum benefit of up to $25,000 for a difficult to place child and $10,000 for a non-difficult to place child when adopting through Florida’s child welfare system. The employee must meet all eligibility criteria to receive the one-time benefit. Please contact your Human Resources Office, the Adoption Information Center at 1-800-962-3678, or email us for additional information regarding
Post-Secondary Education Support and Services (PESS)
A child adopted at or after age 16, who spent time in licensed foster care may be eligible to receive a monthly stipend as they pursue higher education. Learn more about this benefit.
State Parks
Families who adopt through Florida’s Child Welfare System are eligible to receive a one-time family annual entrance pass to any state park in Florida, at no charge, at the time of the adoption finalization.
Non-Recurring Adoption
Federal law allows for the reimbursement of up to $1,000 per adoption for reasonable and necessary adoption expenses directly related to completing the adoption process such as legal fees.
Health Care
Medical Care
All children who receive a monthly subsidy are eligible to receive health care through the Medicaid program until age 18. Depending on the unique needs of the child, some children are eligible for Medicaid until age 21. Be sure to talk to your Adoption Specialist about which benefit(s) your child may qualify for.
Medical Assistance
The Department may provide funding after the adoption of a child for medical, surgical, hospital and related services as needed resulting from a physical or mental condition that existed before the adoption and is not covered by Medicaid, Children’s Medical Services, or Children’s Mental Health Services.
Post Adoption Services
Post Adoption Support
Adoption is forever, which means the journey doesn’t end on adoption day – assistance is available to you and your family during and after the adoption process through our Post Adoption Support Services. These services are available at no cost to your family until your child turns 18, ensuring a seamless and successful transition.
Post Adoption Communication Program
Post Adoption staff will contact a family one year after finalization and inquire if services are needed and how they may assist in supporting the family. However, families may reach out to receive post-adoption support services at any time.
Florida Adoption Reunion Registry (FARR)
Adopted Adults, Birth Parents, Birth Siblings and other birth relatives who have been affected by adoption can reunite. Florida's Reunion Registry assist in facilitating these connects. In addition, FARR can provide non-Identifying Information such as medical history and social history may be obtained by adults who were adopted in Florida.
