Who Can Adopt?
People of all ages, races, and beliefs are eligible to become adoptive parents. There is no marital, educational, or financial prerequisite that must be met for consideration.
Some Things To Consider When Deciding To Adopt A Child:
Why do I want to adopt a child?
Can I provide a stable home for a child?
Am I ready to open my heart to another's needs?
Is this child just a substitute for a lost child, or a person in his/her own right?
Am I willing to go through all the paperwork and various other requirements to have a child?
How will I handle friends' and family's questions and comments about adoption?
Can I love this child as my own?
How will I deal with my child's questions about his or her birth parents?
When will I tell my child about adoption?
Can I afford to take another person into my family?
Traits Of Successful Adoptive Families
A sense of humor
A true acceptance of the child's differences
The ability to measure success in small steps
A firm belief in commitment
What is Adoption?
Adoption is a legal action that gives all parental rights to adoptive parents, making the adopted child a legal member of the new family with all the rights and privileges of a biological child.
Who Can Adopt?
Most adults who can provide a stable, loving home to a child can adopt. Married couples, single people, working mothers, parents who already have children, people who live in apartments, and people of any religious faith, race, and education level will be considered. Many of our most successful adoptive parents are older or have modest incomes. As long as you can provide for a child's basic material needs, you may adopt. Children need loving and patient parents, not necessarily wealthy ones.
How Do I Find Out About The Children Available For Adoption?
To view pictures and video, and to listen to the voices of the children available for adoption, go to the “Children Available for Adoption” section of this website.
What Does It Cost To Adopt?
CBC of Brevard does not charge to place foster children in adoptive homes, and CBC even pays for MAPP classes, the home study, and background checks. The main costs for a foster care adoption are court costs and attorney fees. In most cases these costs are less than $500, and CBC of Brevard will cover up to $1000 in costs.
How Long Does It Take To Adopt?
The answer varies. The process to become an approved adoptive parent includes attending a preparation course of ten weeks, obtaining local, state and federal background checks, current physical exam, and completion of a home-study. The process can usually be completed in eight months.
When a child is matched with your family, pre-placement activities will occur including visits and regular communications with the child. Placement of the child will occur as soon as the child is comfortable. The child's counselor will supervise the placement for a minimum of 90 days. When the supervision period is completed, a hearing will be scheduled for legalization of the adoption!
Will I Get Historical Information On The Child I Adopt?
You will be given the child's foster care history including the circumstances involving his or her removal, the child's medical history including the birth and delivery information, any assessments or psychological evaluations completed, and the child's current daily habits and preferences. Non-identifying social and medical information about biological parents and birth family will also be provided.
What Kind Of Post-Adoption Support Is Available?
For children with special needs, financial assistance may be available to help meet their expenses. In addition, CBC of Brevard provides ongoing support for adoptive families, counseling if necessary, and a monthly stipend.
Are college tuitions paid for adopted children?
Yes. Children adopted through Community Based Care of Brevard are eligible to receive up to four years of college tuition exemptions at Florida universities, colleges and vocational training programs.
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MYTHS & FACTS ABOUT ADOPTION
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MYTH
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The children available for adoption through CBC of Brevard are disabled.
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FACT
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Many of the children available for adoption do not have physical or mental disabilities. Some do have special needs, but they all can thrive in loving, permanent homes.
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MYTH
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You have to be young, married, and wealthy to adopt.
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FACT
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Many of our most successful parents are older or have modest incomes. Also, many children do well with single parents.
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MYTH
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Teenage children don’t want to be adopted.
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FACT
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Many teens want a loving family, and some fear that without parents they will be unsupported and alone. Family ties don’t end at 18.
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MYTH
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Adoption is expensive.
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FACT
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There is no charge to adopt one of Florida’s foster children. CBC of Brevard pays for the necessary classes, home study, and background checks. Also, CBC of Brevard will reimburse up to $1000 in legal fees, which rarely exceed $500.
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MYTH
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There is no support after the adoption is final.
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FACT
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CBC of Brevard provides after-adoption support in the form of follow-up counseling, a monthly stipend, and child-specific support as needed. In addition, children adopted out of foster care are eligible for Medicaid until the age of 18, and they are eligible for tuition exemptions for four years at a Florida State college, university or vocational school.
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