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What is Adoption?
Adoption is a legal decision that you make not to raise your child
and allow another family to parent the child. You give up all rights
as the parent; adoption is a forever decision
How can Adoption be good for my baby and me?
If you are not ready to be a parent, you can still give your baby
the gift of life by choosing adoption. You can plan your baby's
future by selecting a good, loving, family to care for your baby.
At birth, you can see your baby, name your baby, love your baby.
If you so choose, you can get updates on your child's progress while
you continue your education and career goals. Finally, you avoid
the trauma and heartbreak of an abortion. You can be proud of your
decision for adoption!
May I Choose the Family?
You may help choose the family based on the things that you believe
to be in the best interest of the child that you are planning to
place for adoption. If you want your child to be adopted by a family
that attends church regularly, you must let your adoption worker
know. Families that attend church will be presented for your consideration.
The professionals involved in the adoption process want to do what
is best for you and the child you are placing for adoption.
Will I Meet the Family?
You will know a lot about the family and they will know a lot about
you. To meet one another is a decision you and the adoptive family
will make. It is important that you give accurate information about
yourself, this will benefit your child as he or she grows up.
May I change My Decision to Place My Child for
Adoption?
When you sign the consent to adoption (sometimes named "a surrender")
It is irrevocable (final) at that time. You may not sign the consent
until after the birth of the child. You may change your mind about
placing your child for adoption up to the moment you sign the consent.
A judge will terminate your parental rights based on the consent
to adoption.
Does the Father of the Child have any rights
or need to give Consent?
If at all possible, the birth father should be part of the decision
process. The father's consent is legally required if:
- The minor was conceived or born while the father
was married to the mother.
- The minor is his child by adoption
- The minor has been established by court proceeding
to be his child
- He has acknowledged in writing, signed in the
presence of a competent witness, that he is the father of the
minor and has filed such acknowledgment with the Office of Vital
Statistics of the Department of Health
- He has provided the child with support in a
repetitive, customary manner.
How do I place my child for adoption?
In Florida, there are a couple of ways to place a child for adoption.
- A licensed private adoption agency.
- An attorney or physician (although very few
physicians assist with adoptions).
You can phone or email
FACE Life, Inc. for referrals
How will I know that the family I place my child
with is a good family?
The adoptive family must have an approved "Homestudy" before they
are allowed to adopt a child. The Homestudy consists of physical
exams to insure good health, visits to their home, good references,
criminal record checks (including the FBI), abuse registry checks,
plus whatever else is needed for the attorney or agency to say to
the judge "It is true, this is a good loving, stable family whom
we predict will be able to raise this child to adulthood.
I have some friends of the family that want
to adopt my child, can they?
This is what is known as an identified adoption. You know the adoptive
parents and they know you. You and the family will still need to
go to an adoption agency or attorney to place the child the adoptive
family will need to have an approved Homestudy.
Is there any cost to place my child for Adoption?
There is no cost. The agency or attorney may help you with living
and medical expenses. This is usually paid for by the adoptive family
as part of their fees
What if I am not sure, but I want to explore
adoption as an option?
The agency or attorney that is helping you should offer you counseling.
Always say yes when counseling is offered, even if you know that
placing your child for adoption is the best decision. Having someone
talk with will insure you that you are making the right decision
for you and your child.
What if I do not want to place my child for
adoption, but I just need help?
There are agencies and maternity homes throughout Florida that will
provide you with assistance and a possible place to live during
your pregnancy and after the birth of your child.
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