Open House: The first step is an orientation meeting for individuals interested in adopting. At this meeting, prospective parents will meet with MAPP Recruitment Specialists who will provide an overview of the adoption process, children in foster care and the schedule of required training.

Preparation Course or M.A.P.P.: The Model Approach to Partnership in Parenting (M.A.P.P.) is a 30 hour training and preparation course that adoptive parents are required to successfully complete. These training sessions are usually held one night a week for ten weeks. *Completion of the M.A.P.P. course does not guarantee approval for adoption.

Home Study Requirements:

• You will be required to provide information about your physical and emotional health.
• Background clearance is required to complete the adoption process.
• References will be requested from your employer, school officials, if you have children in school and character references from individuals who know you.
• A counselor will visit your home at least twice during the adoption process to complete the home study interview.

Some of the topics that will be discussed with you and your family include:

• Your reasons for adopting
• Your childhood
• The strengths of your marriage or current significant relationships
• Your thoughts on the effects of a new child on your current home
• Your financial situation
• Your parenting philosophy

Approval: All of the information is gathered into a home study packet that is reviewed and sent for final approval by the Director of Permanency.

After Approval: View information on available children www.dcf.state.fl.us/adoption/ or www.heartgalleryofbroward.com and attend recruitment activities, especially the matching events where you can meet the children who are available for adoption. Once you've identified a child or sibling group who you are interested in, notify your counselor, who can provide more information.

Match: When the needs of a child or sibling group are matched with your family, your adoption counselor will discuss with you the pre-placement activities, including supervised and unsupervised visits with the child. Once you, your family, the child and the child's counselor determine that the child is ready, the official placement will occur.

Placement: After a child is placed, a counselor must make monthly visits in order to assess the child's adjustment and if new or additional services are needed. The supervision period lasts a minimum of 90 days and ends when the counselor provides "consent to adopt" to your attorney.

Finalization: Your attorney will schedule a hearing before a judge. At this hearing the adoption will be legalized and the child will legally become a part of your family.

Adoption
Considering Adoption
Steps in the Adoption Process
Frequently Asked Questions
View Children Available for Adoption
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