FAQ
HOW DO I BEGIN THE ADOPTION PROCESS?
The first step is to decide the adoption journey you want to pursue. Do you want to adopt a child domestically or internationally? If you decide to adopt domestically, you can adopt a child or children privately or through the foster care system. If you choose to adopt from the foster care system, you will be required to complete the DCF required trauma-based, pre-service training (You will be provided the information to complete the training). If you decide on a private adoption, either domestic or international, now is the time to begin your home study.
HOW MUCH DOES ADOPTION COST?
The costs of private adoptions vary greatly. It is best to research several adoption agencies and/or attorneys. International adoptions have different costs based on the country involved. Be sure to figure in the cost of travel and hotel stays when calculating the cost. The home study is a relatively small part of the cost of adoption. At Family on the Mend, LLC, we currently charge $1400.00 for a domestic home study and $1850 for an international home study. Post-placement visits will also be required once placement of the child(ren) occurs. The number of visits varies depending on where and when the adoption is finalized. The post placement fees are typically covered if you are adopting from the foster care system. Family on the Mend, LLC will work with clients on a sliding scale fee if they qualify. Family on the Mend, LLC also offers a payment plan.
WHERE DO I GET A HOME STUDY
If you are adopting through an adoption agency in your state, they can provide you with a home study. If you are using an attorney or an out-of-state agency for your adoption, then you will need to find a home study provider. Family on the Mend, LLC is a Florida Department of Children and Families licensed home study agency. We have expertise in completing the required adoption home studies for foster care and private adoptions. We are happy to work with you and your adoption attorney or adoption agency to help you fulfill your adoption dream.
WHY DO I NEED A HOME STUDY?
A home study is a thorough assessment which includes background screening to demonstrate your appropriateness to adopt and provide a safe, nurturing, and loving home for a child(ren). The assessment is designed to provide the reader with a detailed outline to give insight into who you are as a person or couple; to help the reader visualize how the child(ren) will fit into your home and family.
WHY DO I NEED POST PLACEMENT VISITS?
Post-placement home visits (or post-adoption home visits, when the adoption was finalized in another country), are required to provide the child(ren)'s agency with an update of the adjustment in your home. During this time your questions will be answered, and services will be referred to help you in the bonding with your child(ren).
At Family on the Mend, LLC, we include a free, informal developmental screening to make certain that your child is developing on target. If your child appears to have any sort of delay or challenges, we will complete referral for you to receive appropriate services. During this time, the court or child(ren)'s country of origin will also be provided an update on the well-being of your child(ren) and how well he or she is adjusting in your home.
HOW LONG WITH THE HOME STUDY AND ADOPTION PROCESS TAKE?
At Family on the Mend, LLC, we guarantee that your home study will be completed within six weeks of your home visits, as long as you have provided all of the necessary documentation and your state, local, and Department of Children and Families clearances have been obtained. The adoption process varies for each family, as it is based on the challenges of the children that the family will consider.
More specifically, your process will depend on how open you are to child characteristics, such as age, sex, and race. Each state has varying requirements on the length of time for placement before finalizing the adoption. Different foreign countries also vary in the length of time that it takes to complete an adoption.
WHAT IF I STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Adopting is very rewarding but can be a confusing process, particularly for the beginning parent. Please feel free to call or e-mail us at any time to answer your questions.