John

John, as his new parents named him, was only 10 days old when he was placed at the Crisis Nursery. He was tiny, and there were concerns for his health because his mother exposed him to drugs and alcohol while she was pregnant. But his smile was contagious! After 10 days at the nursery, he was placed in his first foster home.

The family loved him, fed him and helped him grow. It wasn't long before the Department of Children and Families decided the child's parents would have their parental rights terminated. Baby John would be freed for adoption by a loving family. The foster family John was with knew adoption wasn't in their future, but they were excited about the prospect of being able to help the child transition into a permanent home.

John and Bobbie graduated from CHS parental training for foster parents, known as MAPP class, in March of 2000. They had been married for 10 years and didn't have any children of their own. They planned to provide foster care for CHS, with hopes of eventually adopting a child. Baby John's foster parents also attended the MAPP foster training to answer questions for prospective parents. John and Bobbie immediately fell in love with the baby. They learned of John's medical and developmental needs, and in April of 2000, he was placed with John and Bobbie, where he found his "forever family."

In December of 2000, John and Bobbie legally adopted their son. They plan to spend some time adjusting to their life as a family and may provide foster care again in the future. This is a family that proved that love, dedication, commitment and patience can lead you to the love story of your dreams.

No clients shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Clients needing accommodations for a disability and/or clients with special communications needs should contact their Children’s Home Society of Florida worker or make their request for accommodation at the time of admission into a Children’s Home Society of Florida program.

CHILDREN'S HOME SOCIETY OF FLORIDA, REGISTRATION #CH180, IS REGISTERED WITH THE STATE UNDER THE SOLICITATION OF CONTRIBUTIONS ACT. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.