Become an Adoptive Parent

In some cases, children are not able to return home to their birth families, and more permanent adoptive homes are needed. We believe that there are no unwanted children—only unfound families—and that every child deserves a safe, loving "forever family".

To see children available for adoption visit the Heart Gallery of Sarasota

As the Department of Children and Families contractor for Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties, the Safe Children Coalition provides the training necessary for families to foster or adopt.

Steps to Become an Adoptive Parent

  1. INQUIRE by calling the recruitment line at (941) 724-1101 or complete the online inquiry form. Someone will contact you within one business day and you will be provided information regarding the adoption process and next steps, and if appropriate enrolled in the next Adoption Parent Training Class.

  2. PARTICIPATE in a training and selection class called Adoption Parent Training Class (APTC) and complete 24-hours of curriculum. APTC classes are provided free of charge and are currently being held at multiple sites on various days and times. Generally, you will attend APTC classes one night a week for ten weeks.

  3. SATISFY background screening requirements. The Safe Children Coalition will assist you with this process. Generally you and all your household members must undergo local law, FBI/FDLE and abuse registry clearances to determine eligibility.

  4. COMPLETE adoption paperwork and a home study will be completed after successful completion of the class based on your family’s ability to meet the needs of the children available in our circuit.

  5. ADOPTIVE MATCH & FINALIZATION Once you have a completed and approved home study, you can start inquiring on children available for adoption.  Pre-Adoptive parents are responsible researching and seeking out children to adopt.  Your training class will link all families with resources.

ORIENTATION & TRAINING

In your pursuit to become a licensed foster family or to adopt children out of foster care, you will need to successfully complete the required training curriculum, the Adoption Parent Training Class (APTC). APTC is a selection tool for the mutual use of your family and the Safe Children Coalition to determine if fostering and adoption are right for your family.

Each Adoption Parent Training Class is led by an Adoption Competent Certified trainer.  Some topics you will cover in class:

  • Recognizing and working with the loss and grief children experience when they are removed from their parents, regardless of the abuse or neglect they experienced at home.

  • Identifying your family's strengths and skills to determine the appropriate matches for your home.

  • Parenting techniques to support the special needs of children in foster care.

  • For foster families, supporting the biological parents' attempts to reunify with their child(ren).

  • For adoptive families, recognizing that birth-family connections are an integral part of a foster child's development, and understanding the importance of Trauma Informed Parenting.