Adoption FAQs
Below are frequently asked questions that we receive about child adoptions and becoming an adoptive parent.
What is Adoption?
Adoption is a legal action that gives all parental rights to adoptive parents, making the adopted child a legal member of the new family with all the rights and privileges of a biological child.
Who Can Adopt?
Most adults who can provide a stable, loving home to a child can adopt, including:
- Married couples.
- Same-sex couples.
- Single people.
- Working mothers.
- Parents who already have children.
- Those who live in apartments.
- People of any religious faith, race and education level.
Many of our most successful adoptive parents are older or have modest incomes. As long as you can provide a caring, nurturing and safe environment where a child can have a “forever home,” you may adopt. Children need loving and patient parents, not necessarily wealthy ones.
How Do I Find Out About Children Available for Adoption?
Children of all races, ethnicities, and age groups, as well as sibling groups, are looking for their ‘forever home.’ Many teens also want a loving family, and some fear that, without parents, they will be unsupported and alone. Family ties don’t end at 18.
When the needs of a child or sibling group are matched with your family, your adoption counselor will inform you of pre-placement activities where you can learn more about the children. The official placement in your home will happen when you, the child and the counselor determine the child is ready.
What Does It Cost to Adopt?
Family Partnerships of Central Florida does not charge to place foster children in adoptive homes, and we even pay for classes, your home study and background checks. The main costs for a foster care adoption are court costs and attorney fees. Family Partnerships will cover up to $1,000 of these costs.
How Long Does It Take to Adopt?
The process can usually be completed in eight months and includes:
- Attending an informational meeting and completing a questionnaire.
- Attending a conveniently scheduled five-week, pre-service training curriculum and additional training.
- Participating in a home study assessment.
- Participating in background checks.
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 happen 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 complete, a hearing is scheduled for the legalization of the adoption.
Will I Get Historical Information on the Child I Adopt?
You will receive non-identifying social and medical information about the biological parents and birth family, along with the child’s foster care history, such as:
- The circumstances involving their removal.
- Child’s medical record.
- Birth and delivery information.
- Assessments or psychological evaluations.
- Their current daily habits and preferences.
What Post-Adoption Support Is Available?
We provide after-adoption support in the form of follow-up counseling, a monthly stipend and child-specific support as needed. For children with special needs, additional financial assistance may be available to help meet their expenses. In addition, children adopted out of foster care are eligible for Medicaid until the age of 18.
Is College Tuition Free for Adopted Children?
Yes. Children adopted through Family Partnerships of Central Florida are eligible to receive college tuition exemption at Florida universities, colleges and vocational training programs until the student reaches the age of 28. If you are interested in providing a “forever home” for a child in the foster care system, please contact us.
