Mar 9, 2026
In a major step forward for ethical adoption practices, the Adoption Deserves Oversight, Protection, and Transparency (ADOPT) Act has been reintroduced in Congress with broad bipartisan support. The Act is designed to crack down on unlicensed adoption facilitators and ensure that families and expectant mothers are protected from exploitation during the private adoption process.
What makes this moment even more significant for us here at Tate Healey Webster is that our very own Jeanne T. Tate, a Florida Board Certified Adoption Attorney and one of the most respected voices in adoption law nationwide, was asked to consult on this legislation by federal policymakers.
A Federal Solution to a National Problem
Adoption laws have historically been left to the states. While many states, including Florida, have strong laws in place to prohibit unlicensed facilitators and regulate adoption advertising, inconsistent enforcement and varying legal frameworks between states create exploitable gaps. Unlicensed intermediaries have used these loopholes to charge families and expectant mothers anywhere from $18,000 to $45,000, often without providing the protections or services licensed professionals must offer. However, the lack of federal regulation has allowed bad actors to move their services across state lines and avoid prosecution.
The ADOPT Act changes that. It would:
- Prohibit unlicensed adoption entities from advertising or providing services anywhere in the U.S.
- Restrict paid adoption advertising to professionals licensed in the state where they operate
- Require expectant mothers to consult with a licensed adoption provider in their home state before receiving over $2,500 in living expenses
This legislation will reduce the financial burden on adoptive families by cutting out unethical middlemen and reinforcing oversight. It ensures that money spent on adoption goes toward licensed, qualified professionals who provide real services—not inflated fees or false promises.
The ADOPT Act would create a national baseline, closing loopholes and giving families across the U.S. the same level of protection.
Why Jeanne T. Tate Was Tapped to Help
Jeanne has practiced adoption law at the highest levels for over 40 years. Her unmatched expertise and unwavering commitment to child-centered, ethical adoption have earned her national recognition. That’s why lawmakers in Washington asked her to review and advise on this bill before it was introduced. Her voice carries weight not just in Florida but across the country.
This isn’t the first time Jeanne has helped shape adoption policy. She has long been a leader in both the courtroom and the legislative space, advocating for transparency, safety, and dignity in every adoption. You can read more about her work with Congress on our earlier blog here.
Florida’s Premier Adoption Law Firm—Serving the Entire State
Tate Healey Webster is the largest law firm in Florida focused exclusively on adoption and assisted reproductive technology law. With six offices across the state and board-certified attorneys leading our team, we are proud to support adoptive families, birth parents, and agencies statewide—from Miami to Jacksonville and everywhere in between.
As this federal adoption bill progresses, we’ll continue to provide updates and advocate for reforms that make adoption safer, more affordable, and more accessible.
If you’re exploring adoption in Florida or have questions about how federal law could impact your journey, our team is here to help.
