Florida foster care and adoption guidelines

We are pleased that you are interested in fostering or adoption. For information, interested families in Florida can contact the Adoption Information Center:

Phone: 904-353-0679 or 1-800-96-ADOPT (800-962-3678)
Email: adoptflorida@danielkids.org

Foster and adoption licensing requirements

Requirements for foster and adoptive parents include training. The Model Approach to Partnership in Parenting (MAPP) course and the Parent Resource for Information Development and Education (PRIDE) training are the two most common options. In some areas, there are other state-approved courses that have been developed locally.

Prospective foster parents complete a licensing study to become licensed to become foster parents.
Prospective adoptive parents complete a home study to be licensed to adopt.
The typical time frame is six to eight months for the entire process.

For more information about adopting or fostering, please call 1-800-96-ADOPT (800-962-3678). Have more questions about adoption? Read our adoption FAQs or view the Road to Adoption.

Costs to foster or adopt

If a family is working with a community-based care agency, there is no cost to foster or adopt. Please call us (800-962-3678) to ask about finding a community-based care agency.

Agency contact and orientation information

At Adoption Information Center, we can help you to find your local community-based care agency through the Department of Children and Families.

Please call 1-800-96-ADOPT (800-962-3678) for the agency nearest you.

Post-adoption support services

Locate post-adoption and guardianship support services in Florida, including parent support groups.

Information on Florida's children