About Florida’s Children
Florida’s children come into care through no fault of their own. Some entered care because they were abused, neglected or abandoned or because their parents were unable to care for them due to the parent’s drug abuse, imprisonment or other impairment. In some cases, children enter care because they have medical needs or disabilities their birth parents cannot cope with. They come from varied backgrounds, circumstances, races and ethnicities. While some have specific medical, physical or emotional issues that require special care, many do not. And those issues will have been clearly identified by the child’s social worker and shared with the prospective adoptive parent. In all cases, their parents’ rights have been terminated, and they will never be returned to their birth parents.
About the term “special needs”
“Special needs” is a federal legal definition that applies to most children in care. It means the child qualifies for an adoption subsidy. It does not mean the child necessarily has any disability. In Florida, any of the following criteria qualifies a child for special needs assistance:
- Age 8 or older
- Member of a sibling group being placed for adoption together
- African American or racially mixed
- Significant emotional ties with foster parents or a relative caregiver
- Mental, physical or emotional handicap
Adoptive parents: Do I qualify?
To be eligible to adopt one of Florida’s children, you may be married or single, already a parent or never a parent, in your 60s or in your 20s, an apartment renter or a homeowner, a person of modest means or wealth. The fact is that there is no one description of people who can be prospective adoptive parents. If you have the ability to love a child, to provide the basics for a child and to make a lifelong commitment, you can be an adoptive parent. A few things will prevent you from becoming an adoptive parent, such as certain felony criminal records.
Teenagers and adoption
Teenagers in care need parents too. Think back to your own teenage years and remember how badly you needed love and guidance as you navigated the transition into adulthood. As an adoptive parent to a teen you will become a mentor, a cheerleader, a teacher and a friend. By providing the strong foundation of a permanent family, you give a teenager the security and confidence to make the good decisions that lead to a successful future.
Adopting a teenager is a great choice for older parents who are concerned about their ability to keep up with young children. And remember, when you adopt a teenager from community-based care, tuition to one of Florida’s state universities, colleges or vocational schools is free.