Department of Children & Families

Hi Becky, Not sure when you posted this but I just came across it today when I was looking for something else. Almost two years ago, my husband and I decided that we would try to adopt from DCF. We had done a lot of research and felt that we could do more good by adopting a child domestically here as opposed to internationally adopting. Unfortunately, that was not the case. It seems that (at least for our case) at every turn there were obstacles. At that time, it was still through DCF now that agency adopts through local agency's. With all the media attention surrounding DCF with Ryla Wilson and the 900 or so children unaccounted for in the state, that is when they went to the private sector for help. We attended the MAPP class and completed it successfully and even started the homestudy part. During that time, we suddenly lost contact with our Social worker. She didn't return phone calls and we were unable to make contact with her. After several weeks of trying to get a hold of her I contacted her supervisor. It was explained to me that she no longer worked for the dept. and basically had taken our file with her which was explained to me is illegal since it belongs to us and the state. The funny thing is that no one at the dept. seemed to care where our file was. It concerned me because of all the personal and financial information that it contained. I finally was able on my own investigation and tracked her down. At that point, we were disgusted with the whole process and we are now in the process of pursuing an international adoption. We are hoping to travel at the end of the year to pick-up our little one. I am sure the process is much smoother now, it has to be. There are so may kids that deserve good, loving homes right here in our backyard. I would investigate further and follow what you feel is in your best interest. I wish you the best of luch in your search! I know it can be difficult. Take Care, Mary Pat

I have a friend in AZ going through the process. She told me that the children posted on the web sites are usually those that are/will be the hardest to adopt. The more I thought about it the more I agree with it. I would ask your case worker for a complete listing. Good luck.

I was wondering that myself!! I was positive that there HAD to be more children than that waiting for homes. I did some research online and found that they have a big camp down in Tampa that they host for potential parents to attend to meet the kids and mingle. Has anyone else had any experiences with this? My husband and I already have two little girls of our own and would live to adopt a little boy under the age of 3. I am just curious about wether we should keep looking through DCF or if we should try another option. The only thing is the money issue. We make a moderate income but can't afford thoseexpensive angency costs. Of course we would love a baby, but I have such strong feelings about adopting a child that is already waiting for a home and family.

My husband and I are currently in the adoption process with DCF and our 5 year old son. I haven't heard about the tampa camp but I do know that there are many more kids who are looking for homes that are not on the website. We found out about our son only 2 days after TPR through another foster parent. From what I understand, the total adoption cost will be almost nothing as DCF is handling the attorney fees and everything. My friend has just adopted a baby through foster care and it is her third one.

I only have a minute to get this out because I'm supposed to be ordering Pizza for my 4! little ones. Anyway, don't listen to any of the horror stories...they are not as common as they sound and every single one of them seems to have another side....I'm speaking from first hand experience. Also, my first advice to anyone wanting to adopt through Safe Children's Coalition - 727-456-0600 is to ALWAYS remember that they are looking out for the child. There have been a few foster parents that have not turned out to be exactly what you would imagine. When you attend your MAPP training you may even meet some of them. I have been fostering and adopting for almost five years now and I love the people at SCC. If one of my lkittle ones turns out to be as dedicated to doing good as some of the caseworkers there I will be a happy Mom! It's like everything else though...there's always a bad apple in there somewhere...it's just a fact of life. They don't last long...gee tthis is taking longer than i thought. My final bit of advice is don't look at the black and white stuff first - if you see or meet a child you feel like you connect with then DO IT!!!! You can always get past the disabilities...believe me if you want to know more email me at dorothy.famiano@digitalbay.net. I'm all for adopting through the State..so many people don't realize how many kids are here. Adopting is also an addiction...it is such a cool way to have kids! My babies are my whole life but that will take such a long time as I start gushing...but now I'm in troubler as my two year old just smacked me with a bag of Ritz crackers. Do it! Pick up the phone and call Laura Lynn Segar at 456-0600, she is at Safe Childrens Coalition. It'll be the best move you ever made in your life. I'm alway's walking by and checking email so if you have a question, don't hesitate. Love to all, Dorothy

Where is Safe Children's Coalition based in?

SCC..Is this an expensive ageny or is this just like DCF?

Our experience with the classes was AWESOME! Whether you adopt internationally, domestically or through foster care, the classes cover some very interesting and important topics. My husband enjoyed the classes, liked the instructors and loved the other dads! Sure it took some time but we got a lot out of it. We were listed as foster-to-adopt and able to take sibling groups up to 8 years of age and up to 4 kids. Any race. We never got a placement. The first week our case manager called us about several groups that didn't fit our needs like an 8 child group mostly teens. IN OUR 3 BEDROOM HOUSE! When I asked why she would call us about this case given that we were approved only for 4 children, she said the exceptions could always be made. *sigh* We never got another call. When we first were approved the County Manager was reluctant to sign off on our application because she wanted us to be respite providers (which are in severe need) but we explained that the purpose for us was to build a family. She said they weren't in the business of adoption. Eventually she approved us but I think this bad feeling had a lot to do with never getting a placement. If you challenge anyone - you get NADA. When we finally gave up and decided to go with domestic adoption - suddenly they had a match for us - "Oh but we can't share it with you now that you've signed with a private firm." I swear on a stack of bibles - she taunted us. She said that the state didn't allow families to work with outside agencies. So she closed our file. So we are 9 months into the domestic wait. And 2 years into the International wait. I know that there are babies out there but you have to do your time and kiss some butt to get them. You also need to be in traditional foster care not foster-to-adopt.