ADOPTING

Every child deserves to feel safe and loved. Open your heart and your home to and become a forever family for a child in foster care by adopting.

✺ Why Adopting Matters

✺ Why Adopting Matters

While we tirelessly strive for reunification whenever feasible, there are instances where circumstances prevent it. In such cases, when parental rights are relinquished, children become eligible for adoption. Each child awaiting adoption has a unique story and set of needs, whether they're a teenager, part of a sibling group, or require specialized care. Through our unwavering dedication, in collaboration with our esteemed Full Case Management Agency partners, we endeavor to secure loving, stable homes for these deserving children. Adoption is not just a legal process; it's the creation of enduring familial bonds. Embracing a child from foster care can be an immensely fulfilling journey, enriching both your family and the life of the child you welcome. If you're ready to embark on this transformative path of love and compassion, we encourage you to reach out to us today.

Let's begin building forever bonds together.

In order to safeguard the well-being of every child in need of adoption, certain essential criteria must be met by potential adoptive parents. We seek individuals who:

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    Applicants should be 21 years or older.

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    Financial Stability: Demonstrate financial stability and have adequate room in your home.

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    Background Checks: Consent to criminal and child abuse registry checks.

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    Training: Complete required training classes.

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    Home Study: Undergo an in-depth home study conducted by a Adoptions Professional.

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    Demonstrate the ability and willingness to make a lifelong commitment to provide a safe and supportive environment for a child in need.

Steps to Adoption

STEP 1: CONTACT US

Reach out to our agency to express your interest in adoption and to receive further guidance on the process.

Step 2: ORIENTATION

Attend an informative Prospective Foster & Adoptive Parent Orientation session to gain insight into the adoption process and requirements.

Step 3: TRAINING

Fulfill the necessary training sessions to equip yourself with the knowledge and skills required for adoption.

Step 4: HOMESTUDY

Undergo a comprehensive home study conducted by a licensing counselor while undergoing training. This crucial step involves a thorough assessment of your home environment, family dynamics, and readiness to adopt a child.

Step 5: LICENSING APPROVAL

Await notification from the Citrus Family Care Network Adoption Department once your adoption application is approved.

Step 6: THE RIGHT MATCH

Our Full Case Management Agencies or Adoption Permanency Recruiters will reach out to you if a child matches your family profile.

Step 7: MATCH FOUND

Begin the process of getting to know the child who appears to be a good fit for your family. This involves conversations, sharing photographs, and visits to establish a connection.

Step 8: PLACEMENT & SUPERVISION

After the child is placed with your family, an adoption worker will conduct monthly visits to assess the child's adjustment and determine if any additional services are needed.

Step 9: FINALIZATION

Once it's determined that the child is ready for adoption, your attorney will schedule a hearing before a judge. At the hearing, the adoption will be legalized, officially making the child a part of your family.

✺ MAKE A DIFFERENCE TODAY

✺ MAKE A DIFFERENCE TODAY

In the world of adoption, there are no prerequisites of wealth, marital status, or homeownership. Adoptive parents hail from varied backgrounds and beliefs, bound together by a single, powerful force: love.

✺ Frequently Asked Questions ✺

  • To adopt a child in Florida, eligibility isn't confined to any specific demographics. Whether married or single, a parent or without prior parenting experience, in your 20s or in your 60s, a renter or homeowner, or with varying financial statuses – all are welcome to consider adoption. The primary requirement is the ability to provide love, basic necessities, and a lifelong commitment to a child. Certain felony criminal records may disqualify individuals from adopting.

  • Most foster children in Florida may eventually return to their birth parents or relatives. However, children whose birth parents' rights have been legally terminated by the court become eligible for adoption.

  • Financial criteria vary based on individual circumstances. During the home study process, income is evaluated to ensure current financial stability and capability to meet a child's basic needs. However, income alone does not disqualify potential adoptive parents.

  • Timelines vary case by case, but usually, background checks, adoptive parent training, and home studies can be completed in less than nine months.

  • No need for concern. Florida's adoption process ensures that children are only available for adoption after a court has terminated the parental rights of their birth parents. This guarantees a secure adoption process, and adoptive parents' rights are legally protected.

  • Yes. Adoptive parents in Florida have access to comprehensive case histories, including medical background, foster placements, and developmental levels of the child. This information aids in determining the child's fit within the family.

  • The adoption process for special needs children may involve additional resources and support to address their unique needs. Prospective adoptive parents of special needs children may receive specialized training and access to financial assistance programs to ensure they can provide the necessary care and support.

  • Families considering adoption can access various support services, including informational resources, support groups, counseling, and assistance navigating the adoption process. These supports help families make informed decisions and provide ongoing guidance and assistance throughout the adoption journey.

  • Yes, single individuals and same-sex couples are eligible to adopt in Florida. The state's adoption laws do not discriminate based on marital status or sexual orientation. What matters most is the ability to provide a loving and stable home environment for the child.

  • After the adoption process is complete, families can continue to access various forms of support to navigate the challenges and joys of parenting an adopted child. This support may include post-adoption counseling, support groups, access to community resources, educational workshops, and assistance in addressing any ongoing needs or concerns that arise. We offer post-adoption services to help families adjust and thrive in their new family dynamic.