Home » Adoptions by State » How to Adopt in Florida » Jacksonville Adoption & Foster Care Resources Jacksonville Adoption & Foster Care Resources 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: Bundle of Hope The Adoption Authority Shorstein & Kelley 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: Heart Gallery of Jacksonville Family Support Services of North Florida Daniel Kids 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: Northeast Florida Adoption Support904-412-3484Run by Dr. Shawna Kemp, Northeast Florida Adoption Support will provide you with the resources and guidance you need for your home study. Jewish Family and Community Services904-448-1933JFCS has Florida-licensed workers to conduct home studies for hopeful families. In Florida Sunshine State Adoption and Florida Home Study Services407-422-9136This home study provider has information on its website for families adopting either domestically or internationally. Forever Families Adoption Services407-977-8639With over 25 years of experience, Forever Families promises to provide you with a quick, efficient home study in Florida. Adoption Home Study Services727-375-2996The 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 Florida1-800-ADOPTIONA 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: Memorial Hospital Jacksonville3625 University Blvd. SJacksonville, FL 32216904-702-6111 Vincent’s Medical Center Riverside1 Shircliff WayJacksonville, FL 32204904-308-7300 St. Vincent’s Medical Center Southside4201 Belfort RoadJacksonville, FL 32216904-296-3700 UF Health Jacksonville655 West 8th StreetJacksonville, FL 32209904-244-0411 Mayo Clinic Campus in Florida4500 San Pablo RoadJacksonville, FL 32224904-953-2000 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: Cummer Museum Museum of Science and History Museum of Contemporary Art - Jacksonville Jacksonville Zoo How to Adopt in Florida How to Adopt in Florida: The Adoption ProcessAdoption is a popular option for many families because it allows you to grow your family while providing a home to a waiting child....Learn MoreAdopting a Baby in FloridaMany families choose private domestic adoption because it offers a direct path to adopting a baby in Florida. Have you considered infant adoption in...Learn MoreFlorida Foster Care AdoptionIn Florida, foster care adoption offers a rewarding way to grow your family because it also allows you to provide a home to a...Learn MoreInternational Adoption in FloridaInternational adoption in Florida is a rewarding way to expand your family because it allows you to provide a home to a waiting child...Learn MoreAdoption Requirements in FloridaAdoption requirements in Florida are necessary because they ensure the safety of the adoptee and prepare you for the responsibility of becoming a potential...Learn MoreFlorida Adoption Home StudyThe Florida adoption home study is a critical part of the adoption process because it ensures the safety of the adoptee while demonstrating that...Learn MoreFlorida Adoption LawsFlorida adoption laws are important because they govern the process of placing a child for adoption and adopting within the state. Have you thought...Learn MoreHow to Receive Your Final Decree of Adoption in FloridaFinalizing an adoption in Florida can be one of the most exciting days of your life, because it will mark the growth of your...Learn MoreOrlando Adoption & Foster Care ResourcesIf you are in the Orlando area and thinking about adoption, either as an expecting mother or an adopting family, the following resources will...Learn MoreTampa Adoption & Foster Care ResourcesFor anyone pursuing adoption or looking to learn more about the process, the following compilation of resources will provide you with what you need...Learn MoreSt. Petersburg Adoption & Foster Care ResourcesRead on for more information about local adoption and foster care professionals, home study providers and other St. Petersburg adoption and foster care services. Learn MoreMiami Adoption & Foster Care ResourcesIf you are hoping to adopt, foster, or place a child for adoption in Miami, the resources provided here will help you get started.Learn More