ADOPTION
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There are times when adoption is determined to be the appropriate goal for a child, and we are able to assist the child and caregivers in the next steps towards permanency. We offer adoption focused case management services, adoption home studies, quality parenting training for future adoptive parents, family recruitment and matching for children with unidentified homes, and post adoption services, education, and support groups following adoption finalization.
the ADOPTION PROCESS
1 CONTACT US
You can connect with us via our webform or you can call us at (850) 747-5755.
2 ORIENTATION
Orientation is a 1-2 hour presentation that will give you a chance to meet and talk with experienced adoptive parents and our adoptions specialists who will provide an overview of the entire adoption process from start to finish.
3 PREPARATION COURSE
All prospective adoptive parents must complete the Quality Parenting Initiative (QPI) Training. The QPI training will provide individuals with the
4 HOME STUDY
The purpose of the home study is to make sure you can provide a child with a safe and secure home. During this time, local, state and federal background checks will be conducted on all adults living in the household. You will be required to supply references from your employer and school officials if you have children in school, and character references from individuals who have known you and your family. An adoption worker will visit your home at least once to talk to you and other family members about adoption. The worker will likely ask you about your reasons for wanting to adopt, your financial situation, and your parenting style and philosophy. If you are married, you may be asked about the strength of your marriage. It's important to be completely open and honest during these meetings. Keep in mind that everyone involved is working together to ensure a successful adoption.
5 APPROVAL
All of this information is gathered into a home study packet and sent for approval to an adoption specialist. You will be notified as soon as your application is approved.
6 MATCH
Throughout the process you may look at the available children on the web and attend adoptive parent support group meetings. When your home study is completed, you may attend recruitment activities including the picnics or events when foster children who are available for adoption are in attendance. Notify your adoption worker when you are interested and need more information about a certain child or sibling group. Once you and your adoption worker have identified a child who seems to be a perfect match. Now is the time to learn as much as you can about the child. You may talk to the child's foster parents or case manager to gain valuable insight into the child's personality and background. At the same time you are learning about the child, the adoption specialist is sharing information about you and your family with the child. Some families prepare a photo album with pictures of their home, family members, family pets and the general neighborhood as a good way to introduce themselves to the child prior to an initial visit. When the child is comfortable, an initial short visit occurs. This initial visit is followed by longer and longer visits until the adoption specialist, child and family agree that an overnight or extended visit can occur. There is no set timeframe for getting to know each other. The official placement in your home will occur when you, the child and the adoption specialist determine that the child is ready.
7 FINALIZATION
​Usually a child lives with the adoptive family for six months before the adoption is finalized. At the end of this period, your attorney will schedule a hearing before a judge. The adoption will be legalized at the hearing and the child will officially become part of your family.
SUPPORT
Post adoption services are designed to offer your family ongoing support and education as you continue through your adoption journey. We serve all families that have adopted children from the child welfare system in Florida's 14th Judicial Circuit which includes Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington.
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We offer referrals to providers in the area, including mental health, behavioral, and educational resources, and bring in community and agency resources to work together for your family when a higher level of support is needed.
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We routinely provide parent support and education groups to our area, and work in conjunction with partnering agencies to help link you with other adoptive families to build your support network.
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Our Post Adoption Specialists (PAS) reach out to your family periodically to offer support and assess any needs that your family may have, as well as update you on any changes that may affect post adopt families.
BENEFITS
Adopting children through Florida's foster care system provides unique opportunities to change children's lives and offers many unique benefits.
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Community of Support
Our Adoption Specialists and Post Adoption Support team walk along side parents who have adopted Florida's children offer a wealth of support and information for new adoptive parents, and even maintain a 24-hour helpline. Plus, in many communities, adoptive parent support groups, community-based care agencies, faith-based, civic and other organizations help support families that adopt Florida's children.
Affordability
While private forms of adoption can cost thousands of dollors, adopting one of Florida's children from foster care costs little or nothing. The required adoptive parent training class and home study are provided free of charge, and even court costs and associated fees are covered.
College Tuition
Florida's children adopted from care are eligible for free tuition at any Florida state university, community college or vocational school in Florida up until age 28. Additionally, some Florida private institutions of higher learning will provide free tuition for children who have been adopted from foster care. This is a great benefit for those considering adopting an older child who is closer to college age.
Common Interests
When you adopt one of Florida's children, you have the opportunity to find a child with interests parallel to your own or whose needs match the strengths of your family. We have children who love sports, music, computers, animals and many other interests. You can find a child who will complement your life and interests.
Health Care
All of the children who receive a monthly subsidy are eligible to receive health care through the Medicaid program until age 18. Some children are eligible for Medicaid until age 21. Upon moving out of the State, your child may no longer be eligible for Medicaid due to their initial Title IV-E status, which is determined at the time of the child’s initial removal from their home.
Legally Secure
Prospective adoptive parents often worry that a child's birth parents may change their minds and want the child back. Because Florida's children are not made available for adoption until a court has already terminated the parental rights of their birth parents, this form of adoption is very secure.
Monthly Financial Support
Families that adopt one of Florida's children in care will likely qualify for a monthly subsidy to help offset ongoing costs through the “Florida’s Adoption Assistance Program” until he/she turns 18 years old. This amount is negotiated on a child-by-child basis, depending on the child's unique needs and the availability of funds.
Siblings
Imagine an instant family! Even a large family can become a reality if you adopt a sibling group. The bond among siblings is often powerfully strong. By adopting a sibling group, you are giving brothers and sisters who care deeply about each other a chance to grow up together in a new family - yours.
State Employees and Other Qualified Applicants
The State Employee and Other Qualified applicants program allows state employees, school district employees, charter school employees, active military service members and veterans that live in Florida to receive a one-time lump sum benefit of up to $10,000 for a special needs child and $5,000 for a non-special needs child when adopting through Florida’s child welfare system.
Frequently Asked Questions
contact us
Twin Oaks Community Services
910 Harrison Avenue
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 747-5755