FAQs about Adoption

Not sure where to begin? Perhaps your questions and answers fall into our Frequently Asked Questions below. If you can't find what you're looking for, please attend one of our Adoption Orientations or call us at (561) 868-4343.

How much does it cost?
Costs of adopting a child vary depending on the type of adoption. Fees assessed by CHS are based on the cost of services provided. For example, international adoptions may cost more than domestic adoptions due to country fees and required travel. Foster care adoptions typically have no costs to the adopting family because these fees are paid by the state of Florida. If you're interested in becoming an adoptive parent, you're required to attend MAPP classes and undergo an intensive home study -- families do not incur any costs for the classes or the home study. Expenses associated with adopting a child from foster care are nominal, and medical and legal fees are generally reimbursed by the state of Florida. CHS covers costs that occur at the time of finalization.

Financial assistance is also available, including:

Employer assistance
Tax credits
Military subsidies
Private foundation assistance

CHS adoption specialists will help you determine if you qualify for financial assistance.

Is there an age limit for adoptive parents?
No. We take a comprehensive look at the family, including health history.

Is it possible to adopt a healthy infant?
By the time younger children become available for adoption, they often already have a family ready to adopt them. If infants are available for adoption and don't yet have a family waiting to adopt them, they typically have moderate to severe special needs, whether physical, medical or developmental.

How does CHS select families for available children?
We find parents for children...not children for parents. The guiding force behind each adoption is the child's best interest. Every effort is made to match the specific needs of the child to the parenting potential of the family.

Is adoption permanent?
Yes. Every adopted child becomes permanently and legally part of the adoptive family with full rights to inheritance and a lifetime family relationship.

Are services available after the adoption?
Yes. Counseling services are always available to CHS adoptive parents, birth parents and CHS adoptees. In Palm Beach County, we also offer adoption support. Many questions may arise about child rearing, additional medical or background information, or a need to talk about what adoption means to those involved. CHS is here to help.

How do you screen and approve adoptive families?
Prospective adoptive parents must go through an extensive process called a home study. During this process, parents undergo background screenings with police departments and other governmental agencies, physicals, and home health inspections. Reference letters must be received to confirm stable employment and income. While the process may be time-intensive and invasive, it is necessary to ensure these precious children are safely placed with the family best suited to meet their needs.

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.