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Orlando Adoption & Foster Care Resources

Orlando, Florida
Whether you’re a pregnant woman considering adoption or a family looking to adopt, the first steps of the adoption process can often be the most confusing. Every state’s adoption process is slightly different, so you will need to learn about adoption in Florida and find professionals near you. If you are in the Orlando area and thinking about adoption, the following resources will help you to get started.

Adoption Agencies in Orlando

The adoption professional you choose will be your partner in the process; adoption agencies work with you through every stage of your adoption. Below are some of the local agencies you can contact in the Orlando area:

Foster Care Professionals in Orlando
If you are looking to become a foster parent, then you must comply with Florida’s eligibility requirements. Foster parents in Florida must fit the following criteria:

  • Be 21 years old or older
  • Complete a home study and background checks
  • Complete the required training
  • Meet the standards of a suitable foster home as defined by the Department of Children and Families

Different professionals may have slightly different or additional requirements for parents. If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, contact one of your local foster care professionals, some of which are listed below:

Home Study Professionals

All hopeful adoptive parents must complete a home study before they can be cleared to adopt. This includes a collection of legal documents and a background check, along with a home inspection and interview by a social worker. Here, you can find a list of home study providers near you.
Near Orlando:

  • Sunshine State Adoption and Home Study Services
    407-422-9136
    Located in Orlando, this office provides home study services to families throughout the state of Florida. They also offer guidance to help you get started with adoption, find an agency, and find resources for loans and grants.
  • Angela Quick
    386-852-9098
    A licensed home study provider and the founder of the Adoption and Family Support Center, Angela Quick can help you complete your home study as well as guide you through the adoption process.
  • Adoption Support Services of Florida
    407-366-6436
    This child-placing agency offers home study services to families even if they are not adopting through the agency. They will work with any professionals you have chosen and guide you through your home study.

In Florida:

  • Sue Ham
    941-342-8189
    Sue Ham, a licensed Florida social worker, can conduct home studies for any prospective families in the state.
  • Forever Families Adoption Services
    407-977-8639
    Forever Families Adoption Services is committed to helping you complete your home study and prepare you to welcome a child into your home. Their specialists provide home study services as well as matching and other domestic adoption services.
  • Adoption Home Study Services
    727-375-2996
    While their focus is primarily on home studies, Adoption Home Study Services also provides support and education to families hoping to adopt.
  • American Adoptions of Florida
    1-800-ADOPTION
    As a national adoption agency, American Adoptions is licensed to provide home study services in multiple states, including Florida. Contact them at their Tampa or Sunrise locations.

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

Hospitals in Orlando

As prospective birth mothers create an adoption plan, they should also prepare for their hospital stay. When the big day arrives, it is up to the birth mother to decide who she wants to be present with her, how much time she wants to spend with her baby, and how much she will interact with the adoptive family. Contact one of the following locations for information as you begin thinking about your hospital plan:

Laws and Requirements to Adopt in Orlando

Every state has specific requirements for prospective families and expecting mothers who are pursuing adoption. Before you begin the adoption process, you can review Florida’s adoption requirements in full and make sure that you comply with them. Below, you can find a brief summary of requirements for birth parents and adoptive families.
Birth Parents:
In order to complete an adoption, both birth parents must legally terminate their parental rights. This usually takes place sometime shortly after the birth of the child, allowing the birth mother some time to recover from delivery before making a final decision. The rights of the birth father must also be terminated properly, regardless of his level of involvement. More information on this subject can be found on our Adoption in Florida page.
Adoptive Families:
All prospective adoptive families must meet certain basic requirements to adopt; this is to ensure that children are placed in a safe and stable home. Florida will allow any husband and wife or unmarried adult to adopt, provided that they successfully complete a home study.
You can find information on Florida’s specific requirements at the Child Welfare Information Gateway.

County Courts

Adoptions in Orlando must be legally finalized, a process that usually occurs about six months after placement. Families finalizing their adoptions need to file a petition with the county clerk of court, in the county where the birth parent rights were terminated. Find the county clerks for nearby Florida counties here:

Things to Do in Orlando

If you are a family adopting a child in Orlando, you may be unfamiliar with the area. The adoption process can take some time, so here are some things you can do during your time in the city:

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