Below are frequently asked questions that we receive about child adoptions and becoming and adoptive parent, as well as Myths and Facts about adoption.
What is Adoption?
Adoption is a legal action that gives all parental rights to adoptive parents, making the adopted child a legal member of the new family with all the rights and privileges of a biological child.
Who Can Adopt?
Most adults who can provide a stable, loving home to a child can adopt. Married couples, single people, working mothers, parents who already have children, people who live in apartments, and people of any religious faith, race, and education level will be considered. Many of our most successful adoptive parents are older or have modest incomes. As long as you can provide for a child's basic material needs, you may adopt. Children need loving and patient parents, not necessarily wealthy ones.
How Do I Find Out About The Children Available For Adoption?
To view pictures and video, and to listen to the voices of the children available for adoption, go to the “Children Available for Adoption” section of the Heart Gallery Brevard website.
What Does It Cost To Adopt?
Brevard Family Partnership does not charge to place foster children in adoptive homes, and we even pay for MAPP classes, the home study, and background checks. The main costs for a foster care adoption are court costs and attorney fees. Brevard Family Partnership will cover up to $1,000 in costs.
How Long Does It Take To Adopt?
The answer varies. The process to become an approved adoptive parent includes attending a preparation course of ten weeks, obtaining local, state and federal background checks, current physical exam, and completion of a home-study. The process can usually be completed in eight months.
When a child is matched with your family, pre-placement activities will occur including visits and regular communications with the child. Placement of the child will occur as soon as the child is comfortable. The child's counselor will supervise the placement for a minimum of 90 days. When the supervision period is completed, a hearing will be scheduled for legalization of the adoption!
Will I Get Historical Information On The Child I Adopt?
You will be given the child's foster care history including the circumstances involving his or her removal, the child's medical history including the birth and delivery information, any assessments or psychological evaluations completed, and the child's current daily habits and preferences. Non-identifying social and medical information about biological parents and birth family will also be provided.
What Kind Of Post-Adoption Support Is Available?
For children with special needs, financial assistance may be available to help meet their expenses. In addition, Brevard Family Partnership provides ongoing support for adoptive families, counseling if necessary, and a monthly stipend.
Are college tuitions paid for adopted children?
Yes. Children adopted through Brevard Family Partnership are eligible to receive up to four years of college tuition exemptions at Florida universities, colleges and vocational training programs.
MYTHS & FACTS ABOUT ADOPTION
MYTH The children available for adoption through Brevard Family Partnership are disabled.
FACT Many of the children available for adoption do not have physical or mental disabilities. Some do have special needs, but they all can thrive in loving, permanent homes.
MYTH You have to be young, married, and wealthy to adopt.
FACT Many of our most successful parents are older or have modest incomes. Also, many children do well with single parents.
MYTH Teenage children don’t want to be adopted.
FACT Many teens want a loving family, and some fear that without parents they will be unsupported and alone. Family ties don’t end at 18.
MYTH Adoption is expensive.
FACT There is no charge to adopt one of Florida’s foster children. Brevard Family Partnership pays for the necessary classes, home study, and background checks. Also, Brevard Family Partnership will reimburse up to $1,000 in legal fees, which rarely exceed $500.
MYTH There is no support after the adoption is final.
FACT Brevard Family Partnership provides after-adoption support in the form of follow-up counseling, a monthly stipend, and child-specific support as needed. In addition, children adopted out of foster care are eligible for Medicaid until the age of 18, and they are eligible for tuition exemptions for four years at a Florida State college, university or vocational school.
For more information about child adoptions and to view some of the children who are available for adoption, please visit the Heart Gallery Brevard web site. Thank you.