Post-adoptive services offered by agencies in Fort Lauderdale include therapeutic services, educational support, and financial assistance. Some agencies also provide respite care and referral services, including access to support groups. Those that do not offer these resources typically help families obtain relevant information regarding state and local programs that do.

Every year, thousands of children are adopted in the United States and placed in stable, loving, and permanent homes, where they can enjoy security, well-being, and a sense of belonging. However, according to the Administration for Children and Families, about 10% of adoptees face formal post-adoption instability, leading to running away, leaving home before 18, or living with someone other than their adoptive parent, with some even experiencing periods of homelessness.

Although recent reported rates of adoption instability in Florida are currently unavailable, preventable disruptions have occurred in the past. Ongoing support is crucial for the emotional, behavioral, and financial well-being of adopted children, as well as for the stability of the family unit.

Choosing an adoption agency in Florida that offers this assistance can lower the risk of adoption breakdown and enhance long-term societal outcomes.

We provide an overview of six post-adoption services that an adoption agency in Fort Lauderdale, dedicated to ensuring successful adoption experiences, might offer.

What Happens After a Child Is Adopted Through an Adoption Agency in Florida?

After placement, an adoption agency in Florida will facilitate legal finalization of the process, which may involve home visits and a court hearing where a judge issues an adoption decree, making the adoption permanent. Most agencies will also provide post-adoption assistance, including some of the services listed below:

1. Counseling and Behavioral Therapy

Adoptive families often encounter complex emotional and psychological challenges unique to their new dynamics. Adoption counseling services can help children and parents navigate these issues.

Individual, family, and child-centered counseling tailored for adoption-related challenges is a specialized therapeutic approach also known as ‘adoption-competent therapy’ that:

• Acknowledges past trauma
• Is attachment-focused
• Takes a family systems approach
• Works on identity development

It recognizes adoption as a complex, lifelong experience and tailors counseling to help families work through any potential issues.

2. Support and Peer Groups 

Support and peer groups provide a safe, non-judgmental space for families to address the lifelong, often complex emotional and practical issues that arise after adoption. Fort Lauderdale families can join post-adoptive support groups and mentorship networks, many of which host family events to help build a sense of community among adoptive parents and children while providing mentorship and mutual assistance.

3. Educational Advocacy and Resources

Many adopted children face unique challenges that can affect their learning. Adoptive families can access educational advocacy and training from both state resources and local programs, including:

• Advocacy in schools for their children’s educational needs
• Parent training seminars
• Adoption-competency workshops

These adoptive parent resources can help families navigate school systems while addressing behavioral and educational challenges. 

4. Respite Care and Temporary Relief

Respite care and temporary relief offer essential support to prevent caregiver burnout, alleviate stress, and enhance overall family stability. Some agencies coordinate community-based or in-home therapeutic services for adoptive children and may also offer:

• Specialized events
• Camps
• Retreats

These services can help prevent post-adoption instability.

5. Case Management and Crisis Intervention

Case management and crisis intervention services address the unique dynamics that arise from the child adoption process. They provide families with the tools necessary to:

• Navigate complex challenges 
• Prevent adoption disruption
• Ensure the long-term well-being of the adopted child

Finding an adoption agency in Fort Lauderdale is essential for accessing post-adoption services tailored to the unique needs of families. Resources are also available through partners like Kids in Distress Inc. (KID) and the Heart Gallery of Broward County’s WE CARE program. 

6. Connection Services (Birth Family and Community)

Connection services can help support an adopted child’s lifelong well-being, including their sense of identity, attachment, and belonging. These services assist with:

• Birth family reunions
• Adoption registries
• Open adoption communication

Some community-building programs provide these and other Fort Lauderdale child support resources. Outreach from local organizations also offers access to information related to adoptions. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Benefits Do Adopted Children Get in Florida?

Florida adoption benefits through state adoption assistance programs include a monthly subsidy that varies based on need and situation. Families can also pursue the Federal Adoption Tax Credit. Although the amount varies depending on the year the child was born, it can significantly reduce tax liability by covering eligible adoption expenses.

Additionally, adoptive families may be eligible for employer-provided benefits such as financial aid and parental leave. 

What Is the Post-Adoption Stage?

The post-adoption stage refers to the period and experiences an adopted child and their family navigate after the adoption is legally finalized. During this time, the focus should be on building a permanent, healthy family life and addressing unique challenges through support services that promote well-being and strong bonds.

These can include counseling, support groups, and education. This stage requires ongoing adjustment and support for all family members to foster attachment and work through the complexities of adoption. 

What Is the Maximum Age for Adoption in the United States?

In the United States, there is no universal maximum age limit on who can adopt or be adopted. A child can be adopted at any age.

However, older children are less commonly placed through adoption agencies and may require different approaches, including adult adoption. The minimum age for adoptive parents is typically 21, but this can vary among different states and agencies.

Access Post-Adoption Support From a Reputable Adoption Agency in Fort Lauderdale

Adoption not only creates families, but it also provides stability, love, and a permanent home for children in need. Finding the right adoption agency in Florida can help ensure a smooth adoption process.

However, placement is only the beginning of this enriching journey, as post-adoption support can help ensure your child’s overall well-being and your family’s happiness. Heart of Adoptions, Inc., is an adoption agency in Fort Lauderdale dedicated to finding children forever homes while meeting the unique needs of each family and also providing access to support services.

We offer our clients new and identified adoption programs, home studies, and post-placement services, as well as a range of resources to facilitatea successful adoption experience. Contact any of our offices located throughout Florida to take the first step toward creating your family.