Navigating the Adoption Landscape
Families who are beginning the adoption process often find themselves confronted with an overwhelming range of options and decisions. Domestic or international? Agency or independent placement? Infant adoption or older child adoption? Open, semi-open, or closed adoption? What race, culture, age, or health background feels right for your family?
Every adoptive parent carries a picture in their mind of their child. Adoption Support Services of Florida is here to help you find the path that leads there.
What Adoption Counseling Includes
Adoption counseling with Christen is not a formal therapeutic program. It is a supportive, educational conversation designed to help you understand your options and make informed, confident decisions. During a consultation, Christen may help you explore:
- The differences between domestic and international adoption
- Independent placement versus licensed adoption agency pathways
- Florida's specific pre-adoption requirements and how to meet them
- What to consider when choosing an adoption agency or attorney
- Realistic timelines and what to expect at each stage
- The emotional dimensions of the adoption journey
- Questions and concerns specific to your family's situation
The initial consultation is always free. One of our families shared: "You seemed truly interested in just helping me decide on an adoption route and spent over an hour, at no cost, providing me with information and referrals. I was so impressed with your obvious passion for this work."
Assistance with Florida's Pre-Adoption Requirements
Each type of adoption has its own specific set of requirements under Florida law. The requirements for a domestic infant adoption differ from those for an international adoption, which differ again from a stepparent adoption or a foster-care-to-adoption situation. Understanding exactly what applies to your circumstances, and navigating the steps efficiently, can make a meaningful difference in your timeline and experience.
Christen helps Florida families understand exactly what is required for their specific adoption situation and supports them in meeting those requirements so the process can move forward without unnecessary delays.
Agency Referrals
If you have not yet selected an adoption agency, We're happy to help. Based on your specific goals, circumstances, and preferences, Christen can provide referrals to reputable adoption agencies that may be a good fit. This guidance is provided as a service. We do not have financial relationships with agencies we recommend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Domestic adoption involves adopting a child born in the United States, while international adoption involves adopting a child from another country. Both require a home study, but international adoptions also involve additional steps including USCIS approval and compliance with the laws of the child's birth country. Christen can walk you through the differences and help you consider which path aligns best with your family's situation.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Christen is trained to provide supportive counseling and guidance. During post-placement visits, she regularly supports families navigating the adjustment period. For ongoing therapeutic services, she may provide referrals to appropriate mental health professionals. If you have a specific need, reach out and she will let you know how she can best help.
Yes. We frequently work alongside adoption agencies and attorneys as the home study and post-placement provider. Christen coordinates directly with your existing agency so the process is seamless. Having an independent LCSW and licensed agency handle your home study separately from your placement agency can actually give you more flexibility. As one family noted, it made switching agencies mid-process much simpler.