Depressed mother pauses on a sidewalk as she thinks about choosing an interventionDo you live in Florida, and Child Protective Services has taken your child away? Do you have a Case Plan?
 
Many parents who are involved with the Child Welfare System and have a case plan feel frustrated by the lack of decision-making they’re allowed on behalf of their child. If this is your situation, know that you can be actively involved in shaping your child’s future through adoption.
 
Per Florida law, a parent may place their child for adoption with an agency even if the child is under the juvenile dependency court’s supervision and in foster care. Adoption can happen so long as the court has not entered a final judgment of termination of parental rights. This process is called an Intervention.
 
Many mothers and fathers who have a case plan with the state are frustrated and scared when they discover that the state is moving forward to terminate their parental rights. Lifetime can help. We understand that this is a scary and lonely place to be. If you’re in this situation, we can help you take some control.
 

Choosing an Intervention Gives YOU Control Over Your Child’s Future

What about Florida parents who are faced with involuntarily losing their parental rights to their children? You can choose to make an adoption plan, which includes selecting an approved adoptive family for your child or children. You can also meet the adoptive family that you’ve chosen before placement and receive updates on your child as he or she grows up.
 
There is a provision in the Florida Statutes, in section 63.082, which allows parents involved in Florida’s Dependency system to work with a private adoption agency before their parental rights have been terminated. Parents can make an immediate private adoption plan for their children. This program involves a permanent adoption and isn’t designed to return the children to their parents. Parents typically consider Intervention when they don’t believe their children will be coming home.
 

What Does This Mean for Me?

What an Intervention means for you is that you have some power over what happens to your child. This is important when you are in a situation that makes you feel powerless. Deciding on Intervention comes with many advantages for both you and your child:

  • It lets you take your child out of the foster care system and ensure he or she is placed with the adoptive parents of your choosing.
  • You can select your child’s parents from many waiting families. You’re able to meet with them, talk to them, and get to know them before making your final decision.
  • An intervention gives you choices and to regain a sense of control. You can participate in your child’s adoption plan by choosing an adoptive family before losing your rights.
  • Choosing an intervention means you can have ongoing contact with the adoptive family and your child. After the adoption is finalized, you can receive updates on your child through photos and letters.
  • It also provides special counseling and support throughout the adoption process with licensed counselors. You can also speak with a peer counselor, a woman who has previously made an adoption plan.

Choosing an Intervention Doesn’t Mean Goodbye

If you choose an intervention, it is not goodbye forever. With adoption, you can provide a life and future for your child that you cannot offer yourself right now. If you are about to be incarcerated or are dealing with other legal proceedings, adoption can still be an option for you too.
 
There are many choices available to you so that you can make sure your child has a safe and loving home. We are not here to judge. Lifetime is committed to helping you learn about all of the options you have. Right now, you have choices with Lifetime! We want to help you choose what you believe is best for you and your child.
 
Our kind, experienced staff will guide you through the adoption process and provide you (and your child) with the support needed during the transition. If you’d like to learn more about how Lifetime can help you with an intervention, please call or text us anytime, 24/7 at 1-800-923-6784.

Heather Featherston

Written by Heather Featherston

As the Vice President (VP) of Lifetime Adoption, Heather Featherston holds an MBA and is passionate about working with those facing adoption, pregnancy, and parenting issues. Heather has conducted training for birth parent advocates, spoken to professional groups, and has appeared on television and radio to discuss the multiple aspects of adoption. She has provided one-on-one support to women and hopeful adoptive parents working through adoption decisions.

Since 2002, she has been helping pregnant women and others in crisis to learn more about adoption. Heather also trains and speaks nationwide to pregnancy clinics to effectively meet the needs of women who want to explore adoption for their child. Today, she continues to address the concerns women have about adoption and supports the needs of women who choose adoption for their child.

As a published author of the book Called to Adoption, Featherston loves to see God’s hand at work every day as she helps children and families come together through adoption.