Basic eligibility requirements can vary but generally include:
Adopting from foster care is generally less expensive compared to private adoptions. Many states, including Florida, offer financial assistance and subsidies to cover adoption-related costs. However, there may still be some expenses for things like home study fees, legal fees, and other incidental costs. HOAA can provide detailed information on potential costs and available financial support.
The time it takes to adopt from foster care can vary widely depending on factors such as the availability of children, a family’s openness to special needs, and the readiness of the child and adoptive family. On average, the process may take several months to over a year from the initial application to finalization.
The process can be lengthy due to several factors:
Yes, pre-adoption training is required to prepare you for the unique aspects of adopting from foster care. This training covers topics such as trauma, attachment, and the needs of children in foster care. It helps equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide a supportive and nurturing environment for your child.
An adoption home study is a comprehensive evaluation process to assess the suitability of a prospective adoptive family. It includes interviews, background checks, trainings completed, home visits, and assessments of your family’s readiness to adopt. The goal is to ensure that the home environment is safe and that you are prepared to meet the needs of a child. Download to learn more.
Children in foster care who are available for adoption in the United States are typically older than those in private or infant adoptions. The majority are between the ages of 5 and 17, with the average age around 8. Teenagers and sibling groups are also common among children waiting for adoption.
Adopting an infant from foster care is less common than adopting older children or sibling groups. Infants are frequently placed in foster care temporarily before being adopted, with many finding permanent homes with their foster parents or through private adoption avenues. If you prefer to adopt an infant, we can refer you to an agency that specializes in matching families with birth mothers.
You can adopt as many children as you feel prepared to care for, taking into account your family’s capacity and resources. HOAA will collaborate with you to assess your readiness and identify suitable matches for your family. Adopting siblings or multiple children at once is also possible and often encouraged to help keep families together.
When matched with a child, you will receive information about the child’s background, medical history, and any special needs or requirements. This information is provided to help you understand the child’s needs and to prepare for their arrival into your home.
When a prospective adoptive family is matched with a foster child, a series of visits is carefully planned to ensure a smooth transition for both the child and the family. These visits are designed to foster a bond, assess compatibility, and ease the child into their new environment. The process generally begins with supervised visits, followed by unsupervised day visits, overnight or weekend stays, and finally extended visits. The length of this transition, typically spanning from a few weeks to several months, is tailored to the child’s comfort level and individual needs and to ensure a successful move into the adoptive home.
Open adoption refers to an adoption arrangement in which the adoptive family and the child’s birth family/caregiver communicate. This can include visits, letters, or other forms of communication. The level of openness varies and is agreed upon by both parties to ensure the child’s best interests.
HOAA can provide and guide you through a wide range of resources and support services, including:
After the adoption of a child from foster care, various services and resources can support adoptive families and help ensure a smooth transition for both the child and the family. Here are some key services available:
Adoption is a process- with legal, social, and emotional aspects- in which children who will not be raised by their biological parents become legal members of another family. Download to learn more.
Consider your personal circumstances, such as your financial situation, support network, career goals, and emotional readiness. It may help to create a pros and cons list for each option and discuss it with trusted friends, family, or a counselor who specializes in unplanned pregnancies.
It’s common to experience a range of emotions, including shock, fear, guilt, relief, or joy. These feelings can change over time. Engaging with a mental health professional or support group can be beneficial in processing these emotions.
Start the conversation in a private, calm setting where you can express your feelings openly. Be honest about your thoughts and concerns and encourage them to share their feelings also. It’s essential to approach the discussion with empathy and understanding.
You have the right to make decisions about your pregnancy, including healthcare choices. Laws vary by location, so consult a legal expert or local advocacy group for guidance on parental rights, healthcare privacy, and other relevant legal issues.
Seek prenatal care as early as possible for the health of both you and your baby. Contact us and we will refer you to a qualified medical provider.
Yes, many women successfully balance parenting with education or work. Consider options such as:
There are several options, including:
Yes, here are some types of support HOAA provides:
No matter which agency, attorney, or individual handled your adoption, our services are available to you. There is no cost, and we welcome you to our programs.
Yes, if you and the adoptive family have agreed to an open or semi-open adoption, you may be able to maintain contact with your child. This can include letters, photos, or even visits, depending on the terms of your post-adoption agreement. Remember that open adoption agreements are generally flexible and can adapt to your child’s best interests over time.
In most cases, adoption is legally binding after the revocation period, which varies by state. Once final, adoption decisions typically cannot be reversed. However, some birth parents find that counseling can help with the transition and processing their emotions post-placement.
It’s up to you how much or little you want to share. Many birth parents find that talking openly with trusted family or friends—or joining a birth parent support group—can be helpful. Some also find journaling or connecting with other birth parents can provide an outlet for sharing their journey and experiences. Our Hope program is designed to support birth mothers.
The costs of adoption are wide-ranging, primarily depending on the birth mother’s living and medical expense needs. Generally, the costs range from $32,000 to as high as $45,000+. You will be able to tell us your adoption budget so we can stay within your parameters.
In matched situations where an adoptive family has already identified birth parents, fees typically range from $7,000 to $13,000 depending on the extent services will be provided.
Yes, Florida law permits adoptive parents to provide the actual and reasonable living expenses during the pregnancy and up to a maximum of six weeks following delivery if the birth mother is unemployed, underemployed or suffering from a medically diagnosed disability. This typically is handled through the agency.
The birth mother usually makes a “dream family list” that identifies the qualities important to her in an adoptive family. She is then presented with several families on our list that meet her requests and who have comfort levels matching her various social and medical history. She then selects from those families. Occasionally, birth mothers prefer us to select the adoptive family, and this is done in chronological order taking into consideration social/medical situations.
An independent investigation to verify your suitability as adoptive parents. They are valid for up to one year in Florida and can be updated easily. If you need assistance in obtaining a home study, Heart of Adoptions Alliance, Inc. can complete your home study or can refer you to a qualified professional if you live outside Florida.
HOAA is a licensed non-profit organization designed to support pregnant women, children, and families (FL Lic#100018035). We are committed to finding children permanent and loving families.
418 West Platt Street, Suite C
Tampa, Florida 33606
1000 Tamiami Trail North, Suite 501
Naples, Florida 34102
1604 South Bumby Ave.
Orlando, Florida 32806
360 Tangerine Ave
Merritt Island, Florida 32953
