Foster parents receive monthly financial support for each child in their home. The amount varies with the child's age and level of need. The medical and dental expenses of most foster and adopted children are covered by Medicaid, and additional financial assistance may be available for children with special needs.

If you want to adopt a child from foster care, you don’t have to be wealthy. Unlike private agency adoptions, adopting a child from foster care costs very little or nothing. Adoptive parents often receive a monthly subsidy, while their adoptive children are eligible to receive health care through the Medicaid program, as well as free tuition at any state university, community college or vocational school in Florida.

Once the decision is made to adopt, Family Services of Metro Orlando together with our partners will assist you with the pre- and post-adoption requirements and the legal transfer of the child into your home. If you are interested, visit our Heart Gallery to view photos of children eligible for adoption.

To support the emotional and behavioral needs of our children and families, Family Services of Metro Orlando provides case workers and supportive services, including pre-adoption assessment and counseling, family counseling and support groups. Your individual case worker is available 24 hours a day to care for the needs of your family and answer any questions you may have. Together, we can provide the support you need to provide the care a child needs.

In order to become a licensed foster or adoptive parent, you will need to: Allow for a criminal background check and be fingerprinted. Complete an application packet. Participate in interviews with Family Services of Metro Orlando staff. Complete medical exams for you and each of your family members. Complete pre-service training. Attend ongoing training programs provided by Family Services of Metro Orlando. Be financially stable and able to maintain financial responsibilities in your home. Attend an orientation meeting and complete a basic screening questionnaire. Participate in a 30-hour training program called the Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting (MAPP). Complete a personal history interview conducted in your home by a Licensing Representative. The Licensing Representative will visit your home at least twice – during and after the training period. Complete a background screening for criminal history or reports of child abuse. Participate in home and health inspections. A medical exam or doctor's statement may be required for applicants under a physician's care, or with a physical or mental health disorder. Complete character references, including personal and job. School references are needed if you have school-age children at home.

The information collected during the home consultations will be compiled into a home-study packet and submitted for approval.

For prospective adoptive parents, your family will be invited to special events to meet children available for adoption. Your Licensing Representative will coordinate pre-placement activities following the initial union or potential adoptive match, where information about the child can be obtained. The official placement in your home will occur when you, the child and Licensing Representative determine the child is ready. You can expect monthly visits so that the Licensing Representative can assess the child's adjustment and address issues for additional services if necessary.

Final approval is given and you are ready to have a child come into your home. For prospective adoptive parents, your attorney will schedule a hearing before a judge. At this hearing the adoption will be legalized and your adoption will be final.