What is the adoption process for placing an older child for adoption in Florida?

Life can at times become very difficult. If you are going through a hard time and trying to parent a child, it can be overwhelming. You may have the child welfare system wanting to take your child to foster care, or you may know that you cannot properly and safely parent your child at this time. If you are in this situation, adoption can give you control over who parents your child and what kind of a future you and your child can have. We are here to help. At Lifetime we can help in the placement of children up to the age of six.

Recognizing that your current environment is not the best for your child is your first step. What to do about it leads to the question, “Can I place an older child for adoption in Florida?” The answer is “Yes.”

When placing a toddler or older child for adoption in Florida, you will have questions, and we are here to answer your questions and support you and your child.

1. Your first step will be to talk to an adoption coordinator and a counselor. Your coordinator will help you understand all the steps in the adoption process. If you are currently in an abusive relationship, have substance abuse issues, or other issues that make your situation unsafe, your coordinator will first help you find the resources you need to find a safe situation for you and your child.

Your adoption coordinator will contact a counselor that will work with you and your child throughout the process. She will work with you, your child and the adoptive family to make the transition a smooth as possible.

2. Next, you will need to decide what type of adoption is best for you and your child. You can choose an open adoption, semi-open adoption, or closed adoption. In an open adoption, you will have a Post Adoption Contact Agreement that will outline what contact you will have. You may receive photos and updates, social media contacts, and even visits. Semi-open generally means you will receive pictures and updates, and closed adoption means there will be no contact. In choosing one, the best interest of the child should be the most important factor. A professional counselor can help you look at your situation and what will be the best for you and your child.

3. Now, you will choose your child’s adoptive parents. At this point, you will decide what traits you are looking for and what type of contact you would like after the adoption is final. Your adoption coordinator will help you find the perfect family for your child. You can look at adoptive families online, and your coordinator will suggest families that she feels would be a good match.

Once you have chosen a family, your coordinator will set up a meeting via phone, text, Zoom, or, if possible, in person. If you and the adoptive family believe you are a good match for each other and the child, your coordinator will help you create an adoption plan.

A counselor will help you determine what the best plan is for the child. The child’s happiness and well-being will be the most important issue at this time. A transition plan will be put in place and may include some sleepovers and playdates to help the child feel comfortable in their new home.

We understand what a difficult time this is for you. We have helped many parents in your situation. Our adoption coordinators are very kind and very experienced. They will be by your side to walk you and your child through the adoption process.

Do not be afraid to reach out and ask for help if you are struggling with parenting your toddler or older child.

If you have still have questions or would like more information about adoption, you can fill out the form below or Call or Text us anytime, 24 hours a day at 1-800-923-6784.  We are ready to help you in any way we can.