Benefits of Adopting Florida's Kids

Adoption provides unique opportunities to change children's lives and enrich the life of the potential adoptive parent or family that welcomes them in. Adopting one of Florida's children from community-based care offers special benefits.

Affordability.

While private forms of adoption can cost upwards of $30,000, adopting one of Florida's community care kids costs little or nothing. The required MAPP training class and home study are provided free of charge, and even court costs and fees can be paid by the agency if the family cannot afford them.

Legally secure.

Prospective adoptive parents often worry that a child's birth parents may change their minds and want the child back. Because Florida's children are not made available for adoption until a court has already terminated the parental rights of their birth parents, this form of adoption is very secure.

Monthly financial support.

Families that adopt one of Florida's kids in care will likely qualify for a monthly subsidy to help offset ongoing costs. This amount is negotiated on a child-by-child basis, depending on the child's unique needs and the availability of funds.

Federal Adoption Tax Credit for Special Needs Adoptions

Many families adopting a child with special needs from community-based care are able to access a federal adoption tax credit without needing to document expenses. All that is needed is documentation of the child's adoption subsidy from the state as proof of special needs. For the 2007 tax year the Adoption Tax Credit maximum increased to $11,390. Parents who adopt children with special needs get the full $11,390 credit, even if actual expenses were less. If you think you may be eligible, visit www.irs.gov for more information.

2007 Federal Tax Benefits for Foster, Adoptive Parents and Kinship Givers (PDF)

State Employee Adoption Benefit.

State employees and teachers who adopt may be eligible for a one-time stipend of $5,000 or $10,000, depending on the special needs of the child. Your local community adoption agency can tell you whether funding for a stipend is available and if you qualify. Open enrollment for the program begins August 1, 2008 and continues until September 30, 2008. For more information, please visit:

http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/adoption/adoptbenefitsprogram.shtml.

Health care.

All of the children who receive a monthly subsidy are eligible to receive health care through the Medicaid program until age 18. Some of the children are eligible for Medicaid until age 21.

College tuition.

Florida's children adopted from care are eligible for free tuition at any state university, community college or vocational school in Florida. That's a great benefit for those considering adopting an older child, who is closer to college age.

A community of support.

Other parents who have adopted Florida's children offer a wealth of support and information for new adoptive parents, and even maintain a 24-hour helpline. For more information, visit www.fsfapa.org. Plus, in many communities, adoptive parent support groups, community-based care agencies, faith-based, civic and other organizations help support families that adopt Florida's children. Efforts are underway to strengthen that support.

Common interests.

When you adopt one of Florida's children, you have the opportunity to find a child with interests parallel to your own or whose needs match the strengths of your family. We have children who love sports, music, computers, animals and many other interests. You can find a child who will complement your life and interests.

Older children.

There are real advantages to adopting an older child. First of all, the long trek from diapers to college is shortened considerably if the child you are adopting is 10, or even 14. You may be sharing more fishing trips or football games than sleepless nights.

Siblings.

Imagine an instant family. Even a large instant family can become reality if you adopt a sibling group. The bond among siblings is often powerfully strong. By adopting a sibling group, you are giving brothers and sisters who care deeply about each other a chance to grow up together in a new family – yours.