ADOPTION

Becoming an adoptive parent to a child or teen out of foster care means changing the direction of a life forever. Sharing your love, support and home can return equally as much joy to you.

When a child comes under the care and supervision of Family Support Services, and attempts to keep them safely with their family is not in their best interest, the courts may terminate parental rights. 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.

Adoption is
easier than ever!

Your entire application can be accessed and completed via smart phone, tablet or desktop computer.

BEGIN YOUR ADOPTION JOURNEY

Is yours the family we’re looking for?

Dedicated to finding the best homes for our kids, we start with familiar circles of family, friends and neighbors and then reach out to the communities in which they live. Currently, we are looking for qualified, loving and supportive individuals and families interested in adopting:

  • Teens
  • Sibling groups
  • Children or teens needing medical or emotional support

Whether you’ve made the decision to adopt or would like to learn more, complete the adoption inquiry form or call 904.421.5839.

Why adopt through Family Support Services?

  • We give every adoptive family the personalized attention they need and deserve.
  • We look for families whose lifestyle and interests will best match with our adoptable children.
  • We provide ongoing, child-specific training and support.
  • We offer guidance and resources throughout the adoption process and for many years to follow.

5 steps to becoming an adoptive parent 

  1. Attend an orientation session
  2. Complete Parent Resources for Information, Development, and Education (PRIDE) training
  3. Complete a thorough home study
  4. Complete background, employment, and reference checks
  5. Get matched with a child or children

Learn More

Resources for Adoptive Parents 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the requirements to become an adoptive parent?

    You must:

    • Be at least 21 years old
    • Be a U.S. citizen
    • Pass a background screening
    • Complete the adoptive home application
    • Complete a home study and in-person interview

    Qualified adults can be approved to adopt, regardless of marital status, sexual orientation, age, gender, home ownership or income level.

  • How much does it cost to adopt a child from foster care?

    There is no adoption fee or fees related to pre-adoptive training, home studies or placement. You may incur attorney fees and court costs, which may be reimbursed by the state. Other one-time fees, which may also be reimbursed, are birth certificate fees and travel expenses relating to child visitation.

  • Who are the children that need families?

    Most of the children waiting for a forever family are local teens, siblings, and those with medical needs.

    Children available for adoption can range in age from 0 to 17. Often, the current caregiver (foster care parent or relative) of a child does adopt the child, so there are fewer newborns, toddlers and children under 5 needing an adoptive family.

  • Is becoming a foster parent required in order to adopt?

    No, however, many foster parents are able to adopt children who are placed in their home.

  • Can I adopt a child outside of our county?

    Once the adoption requirements are completed, and your adoption home study is approved, you may search for adoptable children anywhere in the U.S.

  • Is help available after I adopt?

    Yes, our post-adoption services help families before, during and after adoption. Check out our adoption resources here. Call 904-421-5839 or email adoptions@fssnf.org.

FSS Impact Stories

Family Preservation

Our focus in the community centers around strengthening families through in-home services, emergency assistance and community resources, in an attempt to help prevent child abuse and keep children out of foster care.
We offer programs and in-home training for parenting, life skills, financial management, and coping.

Foster a Child

Children and teens who are in foster care live right here in our community. They come into our care because they’ve experienced a negative family situation, trauma, abuse or neglect. While we work with parents to resolve issues and overcome challenges, with a goal of reuniting them with their kids, the children need a safe, stable and caring place to live.