Governor Crist Creates New Initiative for Florida Adoption System

Throughout Florida, more than 1,000 children from varied backgrounds, circumstances, races and ethnicities are looking for a forever family and a permanent place to call home. Florida Governor, Charlie Crist, recently created the Explore Adoption Initiative which promotes public adoption services. Through the public adoption system, adoption is more affordable, and provides a home for Florida’s children. Some of the benefits of public adoption are:

Affordable. While private forms of adoption can cost upwards of $30,000, adopting one of Florida’s children through the public adoption system costs little or nothing.

Legally secure. Because Florida’s children are not eligible for adoption until a court has
already terminated the parental rights of their birth parents, this form of adoption is very secure.

Monthly financial support. Families adopting one of Florida’s kids in care often
receive a monthly subsidy to help offset ongoing costs.

Health care. All of the children receiving a monthly subsidy are eligible for health care
through the Medicaid program until age 18.

College tuition. Florida’s children adopted from community-based care are eligible for
free tuition at any state university, community college or vocational school in Florida.

A comm unity of support. Other parents who have adopted Florida’s children offer a
wealth of support and information for new adoptive parents, and even maintain a 24-
hour helpline.