For families beginning the journey to parenthood through adoption, one of the first steps will be to begin the home study process which is an evaluation of their suitability and readiness to adopt. The following is a list of frequently asked questions about the home study process in Florida:
1. How long does it take? Florida law requires at least one visit to the adoptive parent(s)' home and it also requires criminal background checks which can take several weeks to obtain so a home study usually will take at least 4 weeks to complete.
2. Does Florida require that the study be completed by a licensed adoption agency? Florida law does not require that a home study be completed by a licensed agency. Florida regulations require that it be prepared by or reviewed and approved by a licensed social worker; however, it is important to know in an international adoption situation if the foreign country requires a licensed agency to complete the home study.
3. Does a criminal conviction or arrest automatically disqualify the parent from adopting? No. Florida law does not have any law or regulation that automatically disqualifies a potential adoptive parent from adopting based on a criminal history. However, it is critical that the study be prepared by an experienced professional who can properly advise the parent of the necessary steps needed to successfully complete an adoption.
4. Must I report a criminal record that was expunged? Absolutely. It is extremely important to be honest and forthright during the process. Further, it is entirely possible that a record that was expunged will nevertheless show up on the criminal record report.
5. Does Florida law prohibit someone with multiple divorces from adopting? No. Florida law is silent on the issue of how many divorces are acceptable. Florida adoption regulation does require that a potential adoptive parent discuss their divorces and this becomes part of the evaluation of a parent's suitability to adopt.
6. If a family has been approved as foster care parents by the State of Florida, can this be used for an international adoption or domestic private adoption? No. If a family is seeking to adopt either domestically or internationally through a private adoption agency, then a home study must be completed by a licensed social worker or agency.
7. Must a Florida agency or social worker conduct the home study? Yes, if the adoptive parent(s) reside in Florida then it must be completed by a licensed Florida adoption agency or licensed social worker.
8. Does Florida law require that adoptive parents be married? No, single parents may adopt. However, Florida law does not allow gays and lesbians to adopt.
If there are other questions you have about the Florida home study process, you can contact the author for further information.
Candace O'Brien is an attorney and Executive Director of a licensed adoption agency in the State of Florida with over 10 years of adoption experience. For further information visit: adoptintl.com adoptintl.com or adoptamerica411.com adoptamerica411.com
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