If you are interested in adopting a child, a good first step is to obtain a home study from an authorized child placing agency or a licensed professional. The home study is an independent investigation to verify your suitability as an adoptive parent. The home study is valid for one year and can be updated easily. There are no restrictions based on age or marital status but certain criminal convictions can prevent a home study from being granted. Unless you are already a licensed foster home, a child cannot be placed in your home by an adoption entity until you have an up-to-date home study. The next step is to prepare a profile that can be submitted to birth parents. Birth parents generally make a “dream family list” and your profile is shown when you are a good match. Your profile is your chance to express your feelings about the birth parent’s decision in the form of a “dear birth parent” letter and to describe yourself through a picture collage. You should also think about the adoption situation that would best suit you and the circumstances that are acceptable to you. Do you prefer a newborn? Are you open to the possibility of twins? Would you accept placement of a child that has been exposed in utero to cigarettes or narcotics?
Often, prospective adoptive parents want to know how they can expedite their chances of adopting a child. First, you should tell everyone you know about your search for a child with the hope that someone may learn of a situation down the road. In addition, you should be aware that Florida law only allows adoption professionals to advertise that a child is sought for adoption. Any advertisement in Florida must contain the name and license number of an adoption professional that is working with you. While the internet may also lead you to a possible adoption situation, it is always a good idea to have a prospective birth parent speak to your adoption professional in the early stages of your communications.
Please contact Tate Healey Webster ([email protected] or 813.258.3355) if you have questions regarding how to qualify to adopt a child. If you have questions about adoption, or if you are interested in adoption information, please contact Tate Healey Webster ([email protected] or 813.258.3355). The attorneys at Tate Healey Webster have focused their practice on adoption law for a combined total of over 120 years and have helped complete thousands of adoptions. Click HERE to learn what considerations to take into account when selecting an adoption attorney.
Click HERE if you have questions about what financial resources may be available to assist you on your adoption journey.