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Jacksonville Adoption & Foster Care Resources

Jacksonville, Florida
As a hopeful adoptive parent, an expecting mother, or just someone looking to learn about adoption, you may be wondering what resources are available. If you are looking to learn more about adoption in Jacksonville, Florida, the following page will help to guide you through the process.

Adoption Agencies and Adoption Professionals in Jacksonville

One of the first steps in the adoption process is choosing a professional to help you through the process. Adoption agencies are licensed and staffed specifically to guide you through every stage of adoption. Below are some adoption agencies and other professionals in the Jacksonville area:

Jacksonville Foster Care Professionals

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent in Florida, then you must comply with the state’s eligibility requirements. According to Florida law, a foster parent must:

  • Complete a home study and/or licensing study
  • Undergo a background check
  • Complete the mandatory training process

Certain foster care professionals may have additional requirements. Prospective foster parents can reach out to one of the following professionals in Jacksonville:

Home Study Professionals

All adoptive families must complete a home study before they can adopt a child. The home study involves a background check and home inspection, and your provider will guide you through the steps to ensure that your home is safe for a child. Read on to find home study providers near you.
Near Jacksonville:

In Florida

  • Sunshine State Adoption and Florida Home Study Services
    407-422-9136
    This home study provider has information on its website for families adopting either domestically or internationally.
  • Forever Families Adoption Services
    407-977-8639
    With over 25 years of experience, Forever Families promises to provide you with a quick, efficient home study in Florida.
  • Adoption Home Study Services
    727-375-2996
    The professionals at Adoption Home Study Services are committed to providing you with not just a home study, but also support and education through your adoption.
  • American Adoptions of Florida
    1-800-ADOPTION
    A national agency with a location in Tampa, American Adoptions is licensed to complete home studies in multiple states, including Florida.

Visit 1800HomeStudy.com to learn more about Florida home study providers.

Hospitals in Jacksonville

If you are a pregnant mother pursuing adoption, you will want to plan your hospital stay when your due date approaches. It is up to you to decide where and how you want to have your baby, as well as who you would like to be present with you. If you are interested in planning your hospital stay or learning more, speak to your adoption specialist and contact one of your nearby hospitals:

Jacksonville Eligibility and Adoption Laws

Every state has different requirements for who can adopt, be adopted, or place a child for adoption. In order to pursue adoption in Jacksonville, you must meet Florida’s eligibility criteria. Read on to learn more about adoption requirements for birth parents and adoptive families in Florida.
Birth Parents:
Birth parents pursuing adoption must make sure that their legal rights are terminated so that the adoption is legally recognized. Typically, the birth mother will sign the necessary paperwork shortly after the birth of the child. It is also important to recognize the birth father’s parental rights, which must also be properly terminated. In the event that he cannot or will not consent to the adoption, there are still options for moving forward in the adoption. To learn more about placement and termination of rights, visit our Adoption in Florida page.
Adoptive Families:
In the state of Florida, any married couple or unmarried individual who completes a home study can adopt. Each state’s requirements for adoptive families are somewhat different, so be sure to research or speak to your adoption professional if you have any questions. To learn more, visit the Child Welfare Information Gateway.
Before you begin the adoption process, you should also review the requirements of your chosen adoption professional. In addition to state laws, certain professionals may accept or reject families based on age, religious affiliation, or marital status. For more information, contact the adoption agencies in your area.

County District Courts

About six months after you take your child home, you will finalize your adoption in court. When you are ready to finalize the adoption, your specialist will contact you with more information. To learn more about the court system in your area, visit the Duval County Clerk of Courts website.

Things to Do in Jacksonville

Adoptive parents must remain in Florida for 7-10 days after placement if they are adopting out of state. While you wait, here are some suggestions for places to visit in or near Jacksonville:

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