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.

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 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 called 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 to Consent to the Adoption?

If at all possible, the birth father should be part of the decision process.

The father's consent is legally required if:

1. The minor was conceived or born while the father was married to the mother.

2. The minor is his child by adoption.

3. The minor has been established by court proceeding to be his child.

4. 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.

5. He has provided the child with support is a repetitive, customary manner.

How do I place my child for adoption?

In Florida, there are three ways to place a child for adoption.

1. A licensed private adoption agency.

2. An attorney or physician (although very few physicians assist with adoptions).

3. The Department of Children and Families (The Department usually only places children that have been abandoned, abused or neglected).

You may call 1-800-96-ADOPT for adoption agencies in your area.

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 records checks (including the FBI), abuse registry checks, plus whatever else is needed for the attorney or agency to say to the judge "Indeed 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 home study.

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 to talk with will insure you that you are making the right decision for you and your child.

What if I don't 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 possibly a place to live during your pregnancy and after the birth of your child.

How do I start?

You can contact us:

Florida's Adoption Information Center
4203 Southpoint Blvd.
Jacksonville, Florida 32216
 
In Florida:1-800-96-ADOPT
Out of Florida: 904-353-0679
adoptflorida@danielkids.org

Based on your needs, Florida's Information Center will give you resources in your area that will be most helpful to you.

Florida's Adoption Information Center was created by the Florida Legislature to serve as a clearinghouse in every area of adoption. The Center has served more than 35,000 people since opening in 1994. As a free service, the Adoption Information Center provides adoption information and referral services to adoptive parents, adult adoptee, birth relatives, pregnant women and professionals.