Adoptive FAQ

  • What is adoption?

    Adoption is a legal action that transfers all parental rights to adoptive parents, making a child a legal member of a family with all the rights and privileges of a biological child.

  • Who can adopt?

    According to The Florida Department of Children and Families: “To be eligible to adopt one of Florida's children, you can be married or single, above the age of 21 and not have certain felony criminal records. If you have the time, the space in your home, are financially stable and the desire to adopt, you can be considered for adopting a child from Florida’s foster care system.”

  • What children are eligible for adoption?

    Any child in foster care whose birth parents’ parental rights have been terminated by the courts may be adopted. 

  • What does it cost to adopt from the state (foster care)?

    Florida does not charge for pre-adoptive training, home studies or placement.

  • How long does it take to adopt?

    The length of the process varies from case to case.

  • Will I get the historical information of the child I adopt?

    Any information that the agency currently has, will be provided to adoptive families.

  • What adoption benefits are available for families?

    Please refer to the Benefits of Adopting Florida’s Children page.

  • What are the steps to adopt?

    1. ORIENTATION:  Palm Beach County offers local residents an adoption orientation at Children’s Home Society of Florida located at 3333 Forest Hill Blvd. West Palm Beach, Fla., 33406. 

    2. Complete 21 hours of specialized training. 

    3. Complete background, employment and reference checks.

    4. Complete a thorough family and home study.

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