Who can adopt?
What types of children are available for adoption?
How do I find out about the children available for adoption?
What does it cost to adopt?
How long does it take to adopt?
Will I get historical information on the child I adopt?
What kinds of post adoption support services are available?
Who can I contact to access post adoption services?
Are college tuitions waived for adopted children?
Are there local support groups for parents who adopt?
Is there a number to call for additional adoption information?
Who can adopt? TOP
Most family structures can adopt. This includes singles, married couples, relatives and non-relatives. Presently, Florida statue prohibits same sex couples and homosexuals from adopting. Interested families should be financially stable.
What types of children are available for adoption? TOP
Most foster children are reunified with their parents or are permanently placed
with relatives and never become available for adoption. However, those foster
children whose birth parents' parental rights have been terminated by the courts
may be adopted.
The majority of children who are eligible for adoption are between the ages of 8 and 18. While many of these older
children have experienced multiple rejections and are hesitant to try adoption, it is important for them to have
a family to assist them through the remaining years of adolescence and to be supportive into their adult years.
How do I find out about the children available for adoption? TOP
Once you are approved to adopt, a counselor will help you to identify the children
whose needs correspond with the strengths of your family and will provide you
with their pictures and bios. In addition regular adoption matching events are
held to allow adoptive parents to meet the children who are eligible for adoption.
Children can also be identified through local Web sites - Heartgalleryofbroward.org
and www.dcf.state.fl.us/adoption/
What does it cost to adopt? TOP
It costs nothing to adopt from ChildNet. However, any related fees such as attorney's fees for finalization, or mileage during the visitation process, are reimbursable up to $1000.
How long does it take to adopt? TOP
The process to become an approved adoptive parent includes attending a preparation
course, obtaining local, state and federal background checks, and completion
of a home study. The home study generally takes about four months. On average,
the adoption process can generally be completed in eight months to a year. The
main factor affecting the length of time to adopt is if a child that meets the
family's preferred characterisitics is available.
When a child is matched with your family, pre-placement activities will occur including visits and regular
communications with the child. Placement of the child will occur as soon as the child is comfortable. The child's
counselor will supervise the placement for a minimum of 90 days. When the supervision period is completed, the
counselor will provide consents to your attorney and a hearing may be scheduled for legalization of the adoption.
Will I get historical information on the child I adopt? TOP
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 kinds of post-adoption support is available? TOP
Post adoption services is a resource for parents who adopted children in Broward County to ensure services such as, medical and mental health continue after a child is adopted. Mental Health services such as individual and family therapy and psychiatric services are provided through Medicaid and local network providers. Adopted youth are eligible for Medicaid. Most post adoptive services and benefits expire once the child turns 18. For more information about post adoption services contact, Stan
Rappaport at (954) 234-1571.
Who can I contact to access post-adoption services? TOP
In order to access post adoptive services, please contact Stan
Rappaport at (954) 234-1571 for a referral.
Are college tuitions waived for adopted children? TOP
Children adopted through ChildNet, are eligible to receive a tuition waiver to attend a four year university or college, a community college and technical school within Florida. Only children adopted through the dependency court system within the state of Florida are eligible for the tuition waiver. Effective July 1, 2010, this exemption remains valid until the young person reaches the age of 28.
Are there local support groups for parents who adopt? TOP
There are post and pre adoptive support groups for families who adopt. The Pre Adoption support group meets the third Thursday of every month, 6:30pm-8pm at Kids In Distress. The Post Adoption group meets the fourth Wednesday of every month, 6pm-8pm at Kids In Distress. Contact Terry Badeaux at (954) 390-7654 ext 1254 for more information about joining a support groups. Babysitting is offered for both group meetings.
Is there a number to call for additional adoption information? TOP
Yes. You may call the ChildNet Recruitment Line at (954) 414-6001.
Adoption
Considering Adoption
Steps in the Adoption Process
Frequently Asked Questions
View Children Available for Adoption
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