7 Steps on your Adoption Path

Becoming an adoptive parent to a child or teen out of foster care means changing the direction of a life forever – including yours!

Children who become available for adoption are generally between 8 and 17 years old. While there are alternative foster care programs for those 18-23, everyone needs a family and help to navigate life no matter how old.

There are a few steps between “I’m ready” and “welcome home,” and Family Support Services of North Florida will support you along the way.

1. Get in touch. Call the adoption hotline at 904-421-5839 or email us at adoptions@fssnf.org. We’ll discuss requirements for adoption of special needs children and give you a chance to ask questions. We’ll make sure that adoption from the foster care system is right for you and provide alternatives if necessary.
2. Background screening. Criminal records checks including local, state, national and abuse screenings.
3. PRIDE training. PRIDE stands for Parent Resources for Information, Development and Education, and is a free course required for families interested in adoption or foster care licensure.
4. Approval process. You will complete homework and gather required documentation while going through PRIDE classes.
5. Adoption home study. A written assessment of your family’s strengths and needs, as well as your background.
6. Registration. Following approval of your adoption home study you will be able to register on various websites designed to help caseworkers match children with approved families.
7. Search for available children. You’ll be given information to help guide you in your adoption journey!

Ready to learn more or get started? Click here to go to our main adoptions page!