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I am new to this site only because I have been trying to adopt a young child through (foster care system) Florida State for quite a while. I am actually looking out of state because it has been easier getting answers and followup calls.
My biggest problem is with Palm Beach County, which no longer allows Legal Risk placements in Adoptive homes.
According to my sources, this policy only affects PBC but may become a statewide policy soon.
If you are looking to adopt through the foster care system, I would advise that you get your Foster certification ASAP, so that you can foster to adopt. Also, if possible avoid your local DCF agency and try to find a faith based one that works with the state because DCF staff are over worked and priority will be given to those who want to just foster or relatives that need to get their licence sooner. You will be put on the back burner if you do not find another avenue to get your licence. Other counties may be easier to deal with so you may not have this problem.
Best of luck to all in getting your MAPP and licence.
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That is not a new policy, it has been in affect in Hillsborough County(and surrounding counties). It has been that way for the 3 years we have been in the adoption process(and I have been working in the system about that long). If you are staight adopt, you can not take a child that has not had all the parents rights terminated unless you get licensed for that child. Most agencies will now tell you that they do not do foster to adopt so don't be surprised, however if a child that you are foster becomes available for adoption then you will have the first opportunity to adopt(first after any bio family). They want to save people the heartache of thinking that every foster child that comes in their home they will get to adopt. So many children are going back home that is hard if you go into it thinking you will adopt the first child that comes in your home.
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Several "adoptive families" were given Legal Risk children in Palm Beach County (including us) and were told we could Foster-to-Adopt. No such thing exists and kids were taken away. We were not told entire truth about history of children and placements - sad but we know we provided a good home during the time with us.
We moved on to an agency in another county that is helping us with a straight adoption (kids are TPR's). Appreantly, some families sued the county which is why the policy in now in effect.
Seems every county has different rules.