Road to Adoption

If you’re interested in adopting a child, contact Florida’s Adoption Information Center at 1-800-962-3678. You will be connected with an Adoption Specialist in your local area within 7 business days who will provide you with more information about the adoption process.

Orientation and Parent Preparation classes are designed to build your skill sets around the impact of trauma, loss, grief, attachment and understanding of Florida’s Child Welfare System.

During these classes, individuals have the opportunity to meet team members who will support you along the way alongside other families on the journey to adoption.

Our kids deserve the very best! During the adoption home study, your dedicated Adoption Specialist will explore your unique strengths and your capacity to provide a loving home for a child. This process involves discussing your family’s history, experiences in child-rearing, and your readiness to embrace the different stages of parenting.

Your Adoption Specialist will carefully review the benefits available to you and engage in a conversation about additional supports that can enhance your adoption journey. As part of this thorough process, we will conduct background checks and seek references. This information will be used to provide final approval as an adoptive family.

You will collaborate with a committed Adoption Specialist throughout the matching process to ensure that the distinctive strengths and qualities of both your family and the child are carefully considered. When your family is matched, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the child, and likewise, the child will learn about you.

When the child is comfortable, visits will begin and gradually increase over time. Adoption is a forever decision, so this process ensures that both the prospective adoptive family and the child are ready to move forward. The Adoption Specialist will work with everyone to determine the final move-in day.

After the child is placed in your home, your Adoption Specialist will make monthly visits to support the transition process and discuss any services or any additional needs your family might have. These visits, known as post-placement supervision, occur over a 3 month period, but may extend longer if you or the child need additional time.

At the end of the post-placement supervision the Adoption Specialist will provide the “Consents to Adopt” document(s) to your attorney.

After the match, visits and placement, it is finally time to make it official. Your adoption attorney will schedule a hearing before a judge and your child will legally become part of your family.

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.