Do you live in Florida, and are looking to adopt a child? Wondering what are the adoption in Florida requirements that you will have to meet to get a child? Let’s discuss all the requirements needed to bring a baby home in Florida in the article below.
Every year the number of children for adoption is increasing in Florida. In 2015-2016, it was 2,649; in 2019-2020, it was 3,905.
Every adoption journey in Florida can vary depending on the type of adoption. Joint adoptions are typically more complicated than single adoptions, and international adoptions can be more difficult still.
The State of Florida requires that all adoptive parents have a criminal background check and meet specific residency requirements before adopting a child.
To get a child for adoption in Florida, you must meet several requirements, including being of legal age, being a state resident for at least six months before filing, and having a valid driver’s license. You must also have no criminal record and be able to provide a clean criminal history. If you are a woman, you must be unmarried and have no children from a previous relationship.
Several additional requirements vary depending on the type of adoption you are interested in. Let’s take a look!
Adoption In Florida Requirements: Who Can Adopt?
To adopt a child in Florida, you must be at least 21 years old to become foster parents; otherwise, you are 18 and have adequate space at home for the child. You must also pass a criminal history check and complete an orientation class. Finally, your home will be inspected to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for a child.
You must have completed at least 20-30 hours of foster care training and have gone through a home study. You must also meet the income requirements for the state of Florida. These requirements are in place to ensure that the foster child is placed in safe and loving homes. Also, it is essential to meet the eligibility requirements mentioned here.
Can Same-sex Couples Adopt In Florida?
Yes, Florida’s ban on same-sex adoption was ruled unconstitutional in 2010. This means that same-sex couples in Florida can adopt children together. The lawsuit that led to this ruling was filed by a same-sex couple who had been trying to adopt a child for four years.
You might also like to read: How Does The Adoption Process Work?
Adoption Laws in Florida: Who Can Be Adopted?
In Florida, any person wishing to adopt a child must be at least 18 years of age. If the child to be adopted is over 12, that child must give their written consent to the adoption. Florida has strict laws regarding who can and cannot adopt children.
For instance, stepparents may not adopt their stepchildren unless the other biological parent has died or has had their parental rights terminated by a court order. Additionally, anyone convicted of a felony involving violence or sexual abuse is ineligible to adopt a child.
In Florida, a 90-day home residency is required before the finalization of an adoption. This applies to both domestic and international adoption. A court may waive the home residency requirement in certain circumstances, such as when the child is being placed with a relative or when the child comes from a foreign country and has been granted refugee or asylum status. Before the home residency waiver can be granted, the court must find that it is in the child’s best interests.
How To Adopt In Florida
It is not a challenging job to adopt a child in Florida. But like any other country, you need to fulfill its requirements:
Eligibility
To adopt a child in Florida, you must be at least 18 years old, be single or married, and be a resident of Florida. You must also have good health, adequate housing, and income to provide for the child’s needs.
Select Type of Adoption
Florida has many different types of adoption. One type is entity adoption when an agency or an intermediary helps you adopt a child. Another type is stepparent adoption when one parent adopts the child of their spouse. A close relative adoption is when a relative other than a stepparent adopts the child. Lastly, there is adult adoption, when an adult adopts another adult. Select the one that suits you.
Hire an Adoption Professional
There are many professionals available, so it is essential to do your research and find one that is a good fit for you. The professional should be licensed in Florida and have experience in domestic adoptions
Begin the Florida Adoption Process
The next step is to complete some paperwork. You will need to fill out the Adoption Planning Questionnaires, which will help determine if adoption is the right choice for you. You will also need to create an adoptive family profile to let potential birth parents know who you are and what your home is like.
The next step is to undergo a home study. This is a process where a social worker comes to your home and interviews you and your family. They will ensure that you are ready to adopt and that your home is safe for a child. Once this paperwork is completed, you can begin the waiting process for a match with a birth parent.
You might also like to read: Can You Put Yourself Up For Adoption At 14?
Enter into an Adoption Opportunity
The next step is to be patient and wait for the right opportunity. You may be waiting for a while, but it will be worth it to find the perfect family finally. Your adoption profile is an essential part of the process.
It is what birth mothers will look at when considering adopting their child. Make sure your profile is up-to-date and includes all your recent photos. You also want to ensure that your profile is honest and tells the birth mother about yourself and your family.
Finalize the adoption
Once the adoption is finalized, the adoptive family will receive the birth mother’s consent and take the child home. The father also needs to give consent. The adoptive parents will also need both of their consent to complete the adoption process.
In-home visits after adoption
In-home visits are essential for both the child and the parents. They can reassure everyone that the child is adjusting well and help identify any issues early on. Most adoptees adjust well to their new families, but some may have difficulties.
In-home visits allow caseworkers to assess how the child is doing and provide support as needed. The visits also allow parents to ask questions and get advice from the caseworker.
Cost Of Adoption In Florida
The cost of adoption in Florida can range from $60,000 to $65,000. This includes all fees associated with the process, such as home studies, court costs, and attorney fees. The cost of adoption can be higher if the child is adopted from another country.
You might also like to read: How Long Does Kinship Adoption Take?
Adoption In Orlando Florida
If you are considering adoption, the process can be daunting. However, with the help of an adoption professional, it can be a smooth and rewarding experience. The first step is to contact an adoption agency in Orlando, Florida. There are many agencies to choose from, so finding one that feels like a good fit for your family is essential.
The next step is to complete an application and attend an information session. This will give you a better understanding of the process and what to expect. Once your application is approved, you will work with your caseworker to create a profile describing your family and what you are looking for in a child.
You will then begin to review profiles of children available for adoption. It is essential to remember that there is no such thing as the perfect child, and every family has different needs and preferences.
Adoption In Palm Beach County
Many families in Palm Beach County are seeking to adopt children, and the adoption process can be complex.
To adopt a child in Florida, prospective parents must go through a home study. This process includes interviews with the parents and inspections of the home and surrounding environment. The home study also includes criminal background checks and reviews of the family’s medical history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What disqualifies you from adopting in Florida?
To adopt a child in Florida, you must be 18 years of age or older, have been a state resident for at least six months, be of good moral character, and not be ineligible to marry the child’s natural parent. Additionally, you must not be professionally licensed as a physician, psychologist, social worker, or other professional whose services would be necessary for the care and well-being of the child. Finally, you must not be incarcerated.
How long is the adoption process in Florida?
The adoption process in Florida can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the individual circumstances of the case. Most agencies will provide estimates of how long the process will take based on the particulars of your case. However, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the Florida adoption timeline will vary depending on the specific details involved.
Can unmarried couples adopt in Florida?
In Florida, unmarried couples can adopt children jointly. This means that both partners must agree to adopt and meet the same formal adoption requirements as married couples. To adopt jointly, both partners must be 18 years of age or older and must have been living together for at least one year. If one partner is pregnant, the couple can still adopt, but the adoptive parent cannot be the pregnant partner’s current or former live-in partner.
A Few Final Words
While adopting a child in Florida is extensive, it can be immensely rewarding for both the parents and the child. By understanding the requirements and process involved in adoption in Florida, hopeful parents can better prepare themselves for what to expect and increase their chances of a successful adoption. If you are considering adoption in Florida, please contact an adoption agency for more information.