Steps To Becoming An Adoptive Parent
In Broward County, foster parents are trained and licensed by individual agencies that directly supervise the children. If you do not live in Broward, contact your local lead agency to find out how the adoption process works in your area. You can find your local provider in Florida here: Lead Agency Information | Florida DCF (myflfamilies.com)
If you do not live in Florida, you will need to research the lead government adoption agency for your area.
1. Open House
Attend an orientation for individuals interested in adopting. Click here for orientation sessions.
2. Pre-Service Training
Attend pre-service training classes. During this class, you will be introduced to the child welfare system and learn how to care for your adoptive child. Completion of the training classes does not guarantee approval for adoption.
3. Home Study
While attending the pre-service training class, you will complete the other adoptive parenting requirements, including a home study and a background check.
4. Match
Once your home study has been approved, go to the Our Kids page to view children available for adoption in Broward County below. Attend recruitment activities, especially the matching events where you can meet the children. Once you've identified a child or sibling group with whom you have an interest, notify your counselor for more information.
5. Placement
After a child is placed in your home, a counselor must make monthly visits to assess the child's adjustment. The supervision period lasts a minimum of 90 days and ends when the counselor provides a "consent to adopt" to your attorney.
6. Finalization
Your attorney will schedule a hearing before a judge. At this hearing, the adoption will be legalized and the child will legally become a part of your family.
If you do not live in Florida, you will need to research the lead government adoption agency for your area.
1. Open House
Attend an orientation for individuals interested in adopting. Click here for orientation sessions.
2. Pre-Service Training
Attend pre-service training classes. During this class, you will be introduced to the child welfare system and learn how to care for your adoptive child. Completion of the training classes does not guarantee approval for adoption.
3. Home Study
While attending the pre-service training class, you will complete the other adoptive parenting requirements, including a home study and a background check.
4. Match
Once your home study has been approved, go to the Our Kids page to view children available for adoption in Broward County below. Attend recruitment activities, especially the matching events where you can meet the children. Once you've identified a child or sibling group with whom you have an interest, notify your counselor for more information.
5. Placement
After a child is placed in your home, a counselor must make monthly visits to assess the child's adjustment. The supervision period lasts a minimum of 90 days and ends when the counselor provides a "consent to adopt" to your attorney.
6. Finalization
Your attorney will schedule a hearing before a judge. At this hearing, the adoption will be legalized and the child will legally become a part of your family.
