FLORIDA BAPTIST CHILDREN S HOMES ADOPTIVE CARE OPERATIONS MANUAL. Section D Page. Adoption Date 3/19/91. Revision Date 1/22/02, 1/1/09

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1 Section D Page TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Section D Adoptive Care Program... 1 Role of the Adoptive Family... 2 Role of the Adoption Social Worker... 3 Relationship of the Adoptive Family and Adoption Social Worker... 5 Recruitment, Home Study and Approval of the Adoptive Family... 6 (A) Recruitment... 6 (B) Ethical Guidelines... 6 (C) Service Inquiry... 7 (D) Eligibility and Assessment Criteria... 7 (E) Family Composition... 9 (F) Rights and Responsibilities of the Adoptive Family... 9 (G) Application (H) Adoption Home Study (I) Training (J) Services Provided to Adoptive Parents (K) Florida Adoption Exchange List (L) Subsidized Adoption Program (M) Legal Representation 15 (N) Florida Adoption Registry 16 Working with Biological Parent(s) (A) Service Inquiry (B) Affidavit of Birth Mother (C) Affidavit and Acknowledgment of Surrender, Consent and Waiver of Notice (D) Information on the Permanency of Adoption (E) Affidavit of Denial of Paternity and Waiver of Notice (F) Affidavit of Alleged Birth Father and Waiver of Notice (G) Affidavit of Birth Father (H) Affidavit and Acknowledgment of Child=s Return to Legal Parent (I) Petition for Termination of Parental Rights Cased on Voluntary Relinquishment... 19

2 Section D Page TABLE OF CONTENTS (J) Judgement of Voluntary Termination of Parental Rights (K) Florida Adoption Registry (L) Florida Putative Father Registry.. 20 Adoptive Care Procedures (1) ADMISSION PLANNING PROCESS (A) Service Inquiry (B) Eligibility (C) Types of Adoptions (D) Child Study (E) At Risk Placement Agreement (F) Selection of the Adoptive Home (G) Preparation and Timing of Adoptive Placements (H) Duration of Period Between Placement and Legal Adoption (I) Placement and Finalization (J) Placement Day (K) Post Placement Adoption Services (2) TRANSFER PLANNING PROCESS (A) Between Service Areas (3) DISCHARGE PLANNING PROCESS (A) Between Programs: Intra-Agency Discharge (B) Discharge - No Aftercare (C) Discharge - From Aftercare (4) ADOPTIVE PARENT ROUTINES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (A) Subsidy Payments (B) Behavioral Guidelines 38 (C) Open Adoption Guidelines (5) CASE MANAGEMENT DUTIES (A) Advocacy and Networking (B) Aftercare (C) Subsidy Payments (D) Consultation with Adoptive Parents... 41

3 Section D Page TABLE OF CONTENTS (E) Adoption File Coding System (F) Maintenance of Case Records (G) Post Placement Services (H) Removal of Children from Adoptive Families (I) Post-Legal Adoption (J) Post-Legal Adoption Service for Adoptive Families (K) Post-Legal Adoption Services for Adoptees (L) Interagency Adoption Directory (6) ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES (A) Fee Policy (B) Accepting Custody of Children for Adoption 49 (7) CASE REVIEWS (A) Administrative Review (B) Independent Case Record Review (C) Peer Review (D) External Reviews... 51

4 Section D Page 1, Introduction Adoption Services The Adoption services of Florida Baptist Children s Homes are designed to meet the needs of children who need a permanent home and who can benefit from family life by becoming members of a family. Florida Baptist Children s Homes considers adoption an appropriate service for children whose birth parents are unwilling or unable to provide care for them, and who are or can be legally free for adoption. Florida Baptist Children s Homes acknowledges that no child should be deprived of the opportunity to have a permanent family by reason of age, residence, handicap, religion, race, or nationality. This service is provided throughout Florida. Florida Baptist Children s Homes does not provide adoption services for children outside the state of Florida except through guidelines specified in the Interstate Compact. Families requesting these services are referred to the appropriate agency. Florida Baptist Children s Homes does provide adoption services for children birth to eighteen years of age, including a full evaluation of the child, finding a suitable adoptive home, referral for subsidy, post adoption support and other supports, and placement as soon as legally possible. In addition to the services focusing on the child, services are provided to the birth parents and the adoptive applicants/parents. For the purpose of this manual, adoptive care services are separated from the maternity care services of Florida Baptist Children s Homes. Adoptive care and maternity care are considered to be two distinct programs. This manual will focus on the work of the Adoption Social Worker with the adoptive infant or child and the adoptive parents. Services provided to the birth parents are considered the responsibility of the Maternity Care Social Worker and are described in the Maternity Care Operations Manual. In some locations one Social Worker may serve in both roles. It is imperative that the Area Administrator, Director and Adoption Social Worker be familiar with current statutes (Chapter 63) which govern adoption in the state of Florida. This Adoptive Care Operations Manual shall be reviewed and revised by the Program & Planning Committee as needed on a regular basis, at least once every three years.

5 Section D Page 2 ROLE OF THE ADOPTIVE FAMILY The role of the adoptive family is simple - make their house a home for their adopted child. This will involve working with the Adoption Social Worker to insure that all requirements specified by Florida Baptist Children s Homes and the state of Florida are met.

6 Section D Page 3 ROLE OF THE ADOPTION SOCIAL WORKER Role of the Adoption Social Worker Florida Baptist Children s Homes has two services to approach the issues of pregnancy, parenting and adoption. The Adoption Social Worker's primary focus is on the child and the adoptive parents. The Maternity Care Social Worker focuses on the birth parents, extended family, and the child. Where appropriate, the Maternity Care Social Worker and the Adoption Social Worker coordinate their efforts to serve the adoption triad of birth parents, child and adoptive parents. It is expected that Adoption Social Workers employed by Florida Baptist Children s Homes have graduate degrees in social work or a related field. The Directors/Administrators who supervise the adoption and maternity care staff are also expected to hold a graduate degree in social work or related field and have sufficient adoption experience. The adoption worker is responsible to provide the following services to children, adoptive applicants, and adoptive parents: (A) To communicate with Florida Baptist Children s Homes maternity care worker regarding the legal status of the termination of parental rights of the birth parents. (B) To obtain and provide temporary care for the child as needed before the adoptive placement. (C) To obtain as early a placement for the adoptive child as is appropriate and possible. (D) To provide individual, family, and group counseling as well as group work service to help adoptive applicants evaluate and develop their abilities to meet the needs of a child placed in their family. (E) To evaluate the interest, abilities, and needs of adoptive parents regarding the degree of

7 Section D Page 4 ROLE OF THE ADOPTION SOCIAL WORKER openness desired in their adoption plan. (F) To select adoptive parents who have the capacity to meet the needs of the child. (G) To prepare the child for placement as appropriate by age, and support him/her during the placement process. (H) To coordinate services with other agencies including referrals if the child cannot be placed for adoption. (I) (J) To provide post-placement services to the child and adoptive parents. To assist the adoptive parents child in the completion of the legal adoption process. (K) To provide protection for the interests of the adoptive parents. (L) To make available post-legal adoption services to the adoptive parents and to the child. (M) To provide or coordinate training for adoptive couples as appropriate to their needs. (N) To serve as liaison between legal services and the adoptive parents. (O) To complete a through adoptive home study assessment in accordance with Florida state statues and FBCH policy. (P) To recruit and retain adoptive parents.

8 Section D Page 5 RELATIONSHIP OF THE ADOPTIVE FAMILY AND ADOPTION WORKER The relationship between the adoptive family and the Adoption Social Worker is critical to the successful finalization of the adoption. During the application, screening and approval process the Adoption Social Worker will assist the adoptive family in completing all necessary paperwork and explaining the process. After placement the Adoption Social Worker will supervise the adoptive family for a minimum of three months, or until finalization of the adoption to guarantee a successful transition for the child.

9 Section D Page 6 RECRUITMENT, HOME STUDY AND APPROVAL OF THE ADOPTIVE FAMILY (A) Recruitment Florida Baptist Children s Homes uses a variety of efforts for the recruitment of adoptive applicants. Florida Baptist Children s Homes serves as a referral source for other child placement agencies statewide, as well as producing publicity. This may include printed brochures, public speaking, public service announcements, and a slide presentation. In each area of the state, associational representatives have been appointed to speak to Southern Baptist Churches in their area about the services of Florida Baptist Children s Homes. (B) Ethical Guidelines 1. Florida Baptist Children s Homes policy prohibits actual or promised payment or other consideration to any party directly or indirectly involved in the administration of an adoption service, whether acting as an employee or independent contractor, except for the performance of routine professional duties necessary to successfully complete the adoption process, and the acceptance of payment or other consideration provided or promised for referral of applicants to or from the organization. (See Disclosure form.) 2. The Florida Baptist Children s Homes, is a non-profit Child-caring and Child-Placing agency in the State of Florida. This agency is licensed by the State to provide adoption services within the State of Florida only. The Florida Baptist Children s Homes works through the Office of the Interstate Compact when receiving or when sending children to adoptive homes out of this state. The Florida Baptist Children s Homes works only with agencies that facilitate International Adoptions upon the completion of a Cooperating Agency Agreement which verifies their ethical practices on the treatment and placement of children. Florida Baptist Children s Homes is committed to act in such a way to ensure the prohibition of child buying and child trafficking. Florida Baptist Children s Homes does not participate in giving money to any parent, individual, or entity as payment for the child or as an inducement to release the child. Permitted or required contributions will not be remitted as payment for the child or as an inducement to release the child under any circumstances. The Florida Baptist Children s Homes has a schedule of adoption fees which are given to adoptive families. These fees are within statutory guidelines and filed with the court. Reasonable payments may be remitted for activities related to the adoption legal proceedings, pre-birth and birth medical cost, the

10 Section D Page 7 RECRUITMENT, HOME STUDY AND APPROVAL OF THE ADOPTIVE FAMILY care of the child, the care of the birth mother while pregnant and immediately following the birth of the child, or the provision of child welfare and child protection services generally. In addition to being opposed to this practice both ethically and morally, there are securities in place in the State of Florida to ensure that this practice is not allowed to occur without sanctions to the adoption agency as well as punishment to the adoptive parent or birth parent. (FL Statute 63,097). Both remitting funds in exchange for a child and the acceptance of those funds are criminal felonies in the state of Florida. In every domestic adoption, both the adoptive parent(s) and the birth parent (s) sign an Adoption Disclosure acknowledging their rights and responsibilities in all adoption proceedings. (C) Service Inquiry 1. Inquiry a. Designated staff receives inquiry about becoming an adoptive parent. b. Designated staff informs inquirer briefly about the nature and requirements of adoption. c. Designated staff records information on the Adoption Inquiry Form. d. Designated staff completes Homes/Families inquiry form to be entered into the database. Each adoptive family inquiry should be classified as either an Adoptive Home or Adoptive Home Study in the database. e. Designated staff makes referral to another community service or mails a Services to Adoptive Applicants and Adoptive Parents with an application to the inquirer. f. Adoption worker discusses the inquiry with the appropriate Director/Administrator during supervision or regular scheduled meetings with social service staff. (D) Eligibility and Assessment Criteria It is Florida Baptist Children s Homes preference and practice to first consider eligible childless couples as the most appropriate placement for a child. To file an application, the following criteria must be met: 1. Each applicant must be a professing Christian. 2. Each applicant must be an active participant in a local church.

11 Section D Page 8 RECRUITMENT, HOME STUDY AND APPROVAL OF THE ADOPTIVE FAMILY 3. Each applicant must reflect a disciplined Christian lifestyle. 4. Each applicant must be at least 23 years of age. 5. At least one of a married couple, or a single person, should not be more than 40 years older than the child being considered for adoption. 6. A married couple must verify their marriage and have been married for at least two years. 7. Applicants must be Florida residents and United States Citizens. 8. Florida law states that no person eligible to adopt under the adoption statute may adopt if that person is a homosexual. Florida Baptist Children s Homes foster parents, staff, and former staff members are able to file an application if they meet eligibility criteria. Due to possible conflicts of interest or shows of favoritism, current staff may not pursue adoption of a current client from their area location. When a staff member or relative of a staff member applies to adopt, the Home Study will be conducted by a licensed third party at the applicant s expense. Adoptive parents who have previously adopted through Florida Baptist Children s Homes may apply for an additional child following finalization. Preference for newborns will be given to childless couples. Assessment Criteria A sufficient number of approved adoptive families and a diversity of homes will be available to allow a reasonable choice for each child for whom Florida Baptist Children s Homes has responsibility to place in an adoptive home. In assessing the adoptive applicants, the adoption worker should consider the following: 1. Florida Baptist Children s Homes responsibility is to secure a Christian adoptive home for each child. 2. Adoptive parents will be mature, responsible persons of good moral character, and reflect a disciplined Christian lifestyle. 3. Adoptive parents and children and family members in the home will be in good physical and mental health. 4. Adoptive parents should be able to provide the continuity of a caring relationship to permit conditions and opportunities favorable to healthy personality growth and development of the child's potential. 5. The adoptive parent's acceptance to provide non-identifying or open linkages to the

12 Section D Page 9 RECRUITMENT, HOME STUDY AND APPROVAL OF THE ADOPTIVE FAMILY child's birth family, if and when appropriate. 6. Adoptive parents should demonstrate an interest and an ability to understand the needs of a child at various developmental stages. 7. Adoptive parents should show ability to function in a healthy manner in all areas of personality adjustment such as previous life situations, family members, work adjustments, relationships with friends, community activities, and the capacity to meet the needs of an adopted child. 8. Adoptive parent's spousal relationship should demonstrate respect for each other and an emotional climate that is satisfying for the parent as well as the child. 9. Adoptive parents should demonstrate a realistic understanding of the needs of children in adoption and of the adoption relationship's impact on these children. 10. Adoptive parents will demonstrate financial stability and the ability to meet the needs of the child they are wanting to adopt. 11. Adoptive parents will fully accept the importance of and are encouraged to tell the child he/she is adopted. Further, they must demonstrate an ability to understand the child's uniqueness without making the child feel separate or different. (E) Family Composition The family composition section of the home study is used to describe the family unit and all household members to include date/place of birth, occupation, annual income, height, weight, eye/hair color, complexion, race/ethnicity, parenting experience and other identifying information. (F) Rights and Responsibilities of the Adoptive Family In accordance with Florida Baptist Children s Homes high standards for service delivery, it also responds with respect and dignity to the persons who provide services. The rights and responsibilities of the adoptive parents are: 1. To participate in the decision to become an adoptive family and/or to continue in the adoptive care program. 2. To evaluate one's own capacity to work with a particular child and the problems involved in a child's situation. 3. To prepare one's own children, if applicable, for potential challenges that may be

13 Section D Page 10 RECRUITMENT, HOME STUDY AND APPROVAL OF THE ADOPTIVE FAMILY associated with adopting other children. 4. To accept a child as a real part of one's family and, to the extent possible, help a child fit into the normal routine. 5. To understand a child's problems and help to find solutions. 6. To discuss needs, questions, and problems with the adoptive care worker as they occur and not allow minor issues to develop into unmanageable situations. 7. To recognize and discuss with the adoptive care worker any challenges that adopting causes in their own family life. 8. To receive honest, clear, direct communication from Florida Baptist Children s Homes. 9. To have their thoughts and opinions considered objectively. 10. To refuse to take a child into their home. 11. To be provided information about all appropriate community resources. 12. To be provided training and educational opportunities arranged by Florida Baptist Children s Homes. 13. To be informed of Florida Adoption Disclosure statutes through use of the Adoption Disclosure - Acknowledgment of Receipt form before and after the birth of the child to be adopted. (G) Application 1. Adoption worker receives application back from the applicant. 2. Adoption worker has conference with appropriate Director/Administrator. 3. Adoption worker refers the applicant to the appropriate community service, indicates in writing Florida Baptist Children s Homes will not proceed with the application, or sets up applicant's file. 4. Adoption worker notifies applicant by letter of receipt of the application with information about any scheduled orientation for adoptive applicants. 5. The applicant receives a copy of the fee schedule. (Moved from H#13) 6. Adoption worker updates database to appropriate status. (H) Adoption Home Study (shall follow Adoptive Home Study Outline) 1. The adoptive applicants receive a copy of the Adoptive Family Self-Study and/or MAPP (Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting) Family Profile Packet. The applicants attend MAPP training. The adoption self-study and/or the MAPP Family Profile Packet is

14 Section D Page 11 RECRUITMENT, HOME STUDY AND APPROVAL OF THE ADOPTIVE FAMILY completed and returned to the worker. 2. The Adoption Social Worker conducts three to five interviews with the adoptive applicants. At least one individual interview will occur with each applicant, others living in the home, and any adult children. Two to four home visits are required to accomplish these interviews. 3. The fee schedule is set and agreed to in writing at the time of the first interview. 4. An Affidavit of Good Moral Character is completed. 5. The applicant's status is processed through an Abuse Registry. 6. A Law Enforcement Background Check is completed through the Florida Department The Adoption Social Worker, Director and/or Area Administrator determine that the adoptive applicant is appropriate for a home study and contacts the applicant. 7. The adoptive applicant attends and completes the Model Approach to Partnership and Parenting (MAPP) training. 8. of Law Enforcement and the local Sheriff's Department. 9. The Adoption Social Worker guides the adoptive applicants in preparing a family profile including a generic letter to a prospective birth mother, withholding any identifying information. 10. Proof of income and verification of stability is recived. 11. At least six character references are mailed (one Pastoral Reference, one Employment, one relative, three personal). 12. The Adoption Social Worker guides the adoptive applicants in preparing a family profile including a generic letter to a prospective birth mother, withholding any identifying information. 13. Upon completion of the home study, applicants are notified by letter regarding the outcome of the study. The decision to approve or decline an applicant is made by the adoption worker and the Director/Administrator. Both sign the completed study. Other professional staff may also be involved. The applicant reviews and signs the home study. 14. A non identifying family profile is obtained by the Adoption Social Worker. 15. Information on the approved applicant will be placed on the Intra-Agency Adoption Registry to be circulated and updated periodically. 16. Adoption Social Worker places the applicants in the Approved Adoptive Applicant's file and registers those who are willing to accept special needs children with the Adoption Exchange. 17. Adoption Social Worker may share the availability of the approved applicants with other adoption agencies as approved by adoptive applicant.

15 Section D Page 12 RECRUITMENT, HOME STUDY AND APPROVAL OF THE ADOPTIVE FAMILY 18. Adoption Social Worker sends to the applicants pamphlets or notices of classes/support groups on adoption issues that hospitals and community resources are providing. 19. At a quarterly orientation meeting, adoptive applicants have an opportunity to meet with other applicants and the adoption worker for information and support. 20. An application remains in an alphabetized file. Quarterly contact is maintained by the adoption worker to provide updates and to verify continued interest and current status of applicants. (I) Training Training for Adoptive Parents should include at least the following: CPR/First Aid Cultural diversity (if adopting a child of a different race) Medical issues Water safety (if home includes a pool) MAPP Training Other issues specific to the child being adopted. (J) Services Provided to Adoptive Parents 1. At the time of the initial inquiry, the eligibility criteria for adoptive applicants are discussed. Should applicants be unsuitable for adoption with Florida Baptist Children s Homes, referrals may be made to other child placing agencies, if appropriate. 2. Florida Baptist Children s Homes will provide potential applicants with an initial orientation at an agency quarterly meeting, if available, with other adoptive applicants. This time gives an opportunity for the exchange of information concerning the adoption process and the procedures of Florida Baptist Children s Homes. It is important to inform applicants early in the process of the reasons for Florida Baptist Children s Homes procedures and the approximate time it may take to complete an assessment and placement of a child.

16 Section D Page 13 RECRUITMENT, HOME STUDY AND APPROVAL OF THE ADOPTIVE FAMILY 3. The decision as to the choice of a family is made by considering the best interests of a particular child and the selection by the birth mother, not by position on the waiting list of available homes. Other considered factors may be preferences of the birth parents. A match staffing will be held, when appropriate, with all parties involved where these decisions are made. 4. The protection of the rights of the adoptive family will be discussed. 5. Parent training will be made available to adoptive parents and training which will be beneficial to addressing the special needs of the child. If eligible, information on available medical and maintenance subsidies will be shared. Other resources in the area are also made known to the Adoptive Parents. 6. Disclosure of all available non identifying information about the child, birth parents, and circumstances of the adoption decision will be shared through the Child Study. For an older child, this would include placement history. 7. Counseling services to assist in the process of adjusting to an adoptive home are available to the adoptive family and adoptee prior to and subsequent to finalization. There is no fee for these services. 8. Florida Baptist Children s Homes, with the assistance of legal representation, is responsible for seeing that all legal work involving the surrender and consent to adoption has been done to properly insure a valid adoption under the laws of the state of Florida. 9. Post placement supervision is provided by Florida Baptist Children s Homes to assist the family and child in the adjustment process. For school-age children, this may involve coordination in conferences with school personnel to insure a smooth transition for the child and support during the adjustment period. Referral to other resources may be appropriate. 10. Florida Baptist Children s Homes agrees to provide the adoptive family, subsequent to finalization, any additional non identifying medical, family or heredity information when not prohibited by law. 11. Waiting adoptive applicants with whom a child has not been placed are contacted quarterly to demonstrate Florida Baptist Children s Homes continuing interest and to ascertain the applicant's status. 12. Prior to placing a child for adoption, information/services about the Florida Adoption Registry are given to each adoptive family, adoptee, and birth family. Florida Adoption Law requires that the adoptive parents and birth parents acknowledge in writing the

17 Section D Page 14 RECRUITMENT, HOME STUDY AND APPROVAL OF THE ADOPTIVE FAMILY existence and purpose of the registry. 13. Birth mothers who place their infants for adoption and who have not been tested, sign permission for the infant to be tested for Human Immune Deficiency Virus. The Agency encourages birth mothers who are placing their infant for adoption, to also be tested. She may sign a consent form for the test results to be made known to the adoptive parents. Current HIV testing on infants may produce inconclusive results and for this reason, adoptive parents sign a statement that they understand and have been informed of the medical history of the infant, and that there is no test currently available that ensures an infant is or is not infected with HIV virus. The following infants will be tested prior to adoptive placement: Infants whose birth mothers have tested positive. Infants whose birth mothers have not been tested. The adoptive parents will be informed of the testing results, and any known risk factors. Older children placed for adoption will be considered at risk for contracting HIV if they have been sexually abused by an individual considered to be high risk for carrying the virus. The decision to test older children will be decided on a case-by-case basis. These children need counseling, as is age appropriate, prior to and following tests results. When Florida Baptist Children s Homes does not have legal custody of a child, written consent is obtained from parents or guardians prior to testing. (K) Adoption Lists Florida Baptist Children s Homes utilizes the Florida Adoption Exchange List to identify waiting children for homes which have been approved. In order to further recruit families and place special needs children, Florida Baptist Children s Homes cooperates with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) and Community Based Care Agencies (CBC). Florida Baptist Children s Homes will provide: (1) Assessment of identified special needs children, (2) Recruitment of adoptive families for special needs children, and (3) Adoptive placement and supervision of such children until the adoption is finalized.

18 Section D Page 15 RECRUITMENT, HOME STUDY AND APPROVAL OF THE ADOPTIVE FAMILY All approved adoptive homes who are willing to receive children who are available through DCF/CBC must be registered on the Adoption Exchange List in order to be approved by DCF/CBC for placement. The Adoption Exchange Registry Form should be completed and sent to the DCF/CBC staff who has this responsibility. This must be accompanied with the cover letter, the home study and amended home study, if applicable. (See Adoption Exchange form in the Adoptive Forms section of the Forms Manual). Enrollment is also available through the Adoption Exchange Registry website. The Adoption Reunion Registry is used by Adoptive families and adoptees to share information about their adoptions. This site is used to assist these individuals in reuniting with biological family members. Registration is purely voluntary. Florida Baptist Children s Homes also refers Adoptive families to the Southeastern Exchange and Adopt US Kids ( as sources for adoptable children. (L) Subsidized Adoption Program Florida Baptist Children s Homes also cooperates with DCF/CBC in the subsidized adoption program. These maintenance and medical subsidies are available for state custody children placed by Florida Baptist Children s Homes and those children in the custody of Florida Baptist Children s Homes who have unique on going needs. (M) Legal Representation Adoptive Parent(s) must secure the services of their own attorney who will represent them at the time of finalization. Florida Baptist Children s Homes attorney may not represent both Florida Baptist Children s Homes and the adoptive parent(s).

19 Section D Page 16 RECRUITMENT, HOME STUDY AND APPROVAL OF THE ADOPTIVE FAMILY (N) Florida Adoption Registry Currently, DCF/CBC maintains a statewide registry, established by the Legislature in The DCF/CBC registry is only required to maintain records of placed children, biological parents and adoptive parents in the adoption proceedings conducted by DCF/CBC or adoption agencies under Ch. 63, F.S. The registry contains the names of adoptees, birth parents and adoptive parents, as well as any information those persons wish to include. Registration of information is strictly voluntary and paid for through statutorily authorized fees charged to user of the service. Participants in the adoption process shall acknowledge they were informed of the registry by signing the Acknowledgment of Receipt of Application for Adoption Registry Services and Information form.

20 Section D Page 16 WORKING WITH BIOLOGICAL PARENT(S) (A) Service Inquiry 1. Adoption Social Worker receives inquiry about Adoptive Care Services. 2. Adoption Social Worker informs inquirer of services available and the cost of providing those services. 3. Adoption Social Worker records information on Inquiry Form. 4. Adoption Social Worker determines which service is appropriate for client's needs. 5. Adoption Social Worker discusses inquiry with Director/Administrator during supervision or regularly scheduled meetings with social service staff. 6. Adoption Social Worker or secretary mails application or application is given to client/legal guardian at interview. 7. Adoption Social Worker makes appropriate referral to another community service or sets up an interview with inquirer. 8. Adoption Social Worker completes and gives designated staff member the Inquiry/Referral Form to be entered into the KIDS Client Database. 9. Adoption Social Worker schedules appointment for client. 10. Adoption Social Worker begins application process. (B) Affidavit of Birth Mother The affidavit of birth mother is needed to get a written record that the birth mother is who she says she is. Signature by the birth mother is admissible as a legal document. Both the prebirth and post-birth forms should be included. (See form in Adoptive Care Forms of Forms Manual.) (C) Affidavit and Acknowledgment of Surrender, Consent and Waiver of Notice It is necessary for both the birth mother and the birth father to sign this form in order to be legally binding in court by adoption proceedings. The birth mother may not sign this form until 48 hours after the birth of the child or upon her release from the hospital, whichever is earliest. Upon execution, the consent may only be withdrawn upon a judicial finding of fraud or duress. If the minor is not placed upon release following birth from a licensed hospital or birth center, the waiting period does not apply. Instead, consent may be withdrawn for any reason within three business days or until placement of the minor with the prospective adoptive parents, whichever is later. Birth parent(s) cannot serve as witnesses on each other s forms.

21 Section D Page 17 WORKING WITH BIOLOGICAL PARENT(S) It may be appropriate to hire a court reporter to be present at the time of signing by the birth parent(s) to legitimize the process. (See form in Adoptive Care Forms of Forms Manual.) Florida Baptist Children s Homes also requires that the parent(s)/guardian(s) of a birth parent under the age of 18 to sign an Affidavit of Acknowledgment stating they are aware that their minor child is surrendering custody of their child for adoption. It is recommended that all signatures be in the presence of a notary and two witnesses unrelated to Florida Baptist Children s Homes. (D) Information on the Permanency of Adoption Disclosure to the birth parent(s) of Florida Baptist Children s Homes policies and procedures for adoption and state guidelines for adoption is required by law (Ch F.S.) Florida Baptist Children s Homes is required to provide a written disclosure statement no later than fourteen (14) days after a birth parent contacts us about placing a child for adoption. This form discloses to the birth parent(s) the legal issues surrounding their surrender of the child for adoption. (See form in Adoptive Care Forms of Forms Manual.) (E) Affidavit of Denial of Paternity and Waiver of Notice If an alleged birth father denies paternity of the named child and has been named by the birth mother as a possible father of the child, he must sign this form to be relieved of any legal requirements for the child (i.e., child support payments, medical bills). This form, once signed, also allows Florida Baptist Children s Homes to discontinue notifying him of any further legal hearings. This form will also serve as consent for adoption by the legal birth father. This form may not be signed until after the birth of the child. (F) Affidavit of Alleged Birth Father and Waiver of Notice This form, once signed by the alleged birth father, allows Florida Baptist Children s Homes to discontinue notifying him of any further legal hearings.

22 Section D Page 18 WORKING WITH BIOLOGICAL PARENT(S) (G) Affidavit of Birth Father The affidavit of birth father is needed to get a written record that the birth father is who he says he is. Signature by the birth father is admissible as a legal document. This is obtained from the legal father, if known. If the legal father is not known or his address is unknown, a diligent search is necessary. Refer to the Putative Father Registry (L). (See form in Adoptive Care Forms of Forms Manual). (H) Affidavit and Acknowledgment of Child s Return to Legal Parent If a child, who was originally placed in Foster Care awaiting the decision of the birth mother on whether to place for adoption, is to be returned to the birth parent(s), the birth parent(s) have to sign this form to release Florida Baptist Children s Homes from any further legal, financial and medical liability for the child. (I) Petition for Termination of Parental Rights Based on Voluntary Relinquishment According to Ch there are specific guidelines for filing this petition. The Adoption Social Worker should be very familiar with the requirements of the law and ensure that all steps are taken to reduce the risk of legal challenges. This petition must precede the finalization of adoption by at least 30 days. All exhibits to the petition should be stated in ways that reflect the statuary requirements. (J) Judgment of Voluntary Termination of Parental Rights Chapter gives explicit detail on the time lines for this judgment by the court. At least 30 days must elapse since the first date of publication of constructive service and an affidavit of service has been filed with the court. This gives any alleged or unnamed birth fathers time to respond and make arrangements to attend the hearing. Failure to hold to these time lines could result in legal challenges to the adoption.

23 Section D Page 19 WORKING WITH BIOLOGICAL PARENT(S) (K) Florida Adoption Registry Currently, DCF maintains a statewide registry, established by the Legislature in The DCF registry is only required to maintain records of placed children, biological parents and adoptive parents in the adoption proceedings conducted by DCF or adoption agencies under Ch. 63, F.S. The registry contains the names of adoptees, birth parents and adoptive parents, as well as any information those persons wish to include. Registration of information is strictly voluntary and paid for through statutorily authorized fees charged to user of the service. Participants in the adoption process shall acknowledge they were informed of the registry by signing the Acknowledgment of Receipt of Application for Adoption Registry Services and Information form. (L) Florida Putative Father Registry In each proceeding for termination of parental rights or each adoption involving an unknown father, the Adoption Social Worker must contact the Office of Vital Statistics of the Department of Health by submitting an application for a search of the Florida Putative Father Registry. For complete details of the requirements for this search, refer to Ch F.S.

24 Section D Page 20 This section describes procedures related to the role of the Adoption Social Worker and his/her work with adoptive children, adoptive applicants, and adoptive parents. These procedures are arranged in seven categories: (1) Admission Process, (2) Transfer Planning Process, (3) Discharge Planning Process, (4) Adoptive Parent Routines and Responsibilities, (5) Case Management Duties, (6) Administrative Procedures and (7) Case Reviews.

25 Section D Page 21 (1) ADMISSION PLANNING PROCESS (A) Service Inquiry 1. Adoption Social Worker receives inquiry about Adoptive Care Services. 2. Adoption Social Worker informs inquirer of services available and the cost of providing those services. 3. Adoption Social Worker records information on the Inquiry Form. 4. Adoption Social Worker determines which service is appropriate for client s needs. 5. Adoption Social Worker discusses inquiry with Director/Administrator during supervision or regularly scheduled meetings with social service staff. 6. Adoption Social Worker or secretary mails application or application is given to the client/legal guardian at interview. 7. Adoption Social Worker makes appropriate referral to another community service or sets up an interview with inquirer. 8. Adoption Social Worker completes and gives designated staff member the Inquiry/Referral Form to be entered into the KIDS Client Database. 9. Adoption Social Worker schedules appointment for client. 10. Adoption Social Worker begins application process. (B) Eligibility Florida Baptist Children s Homes considers adoption an appropriate option for children and initiates services in the following situations: 1. A child(ren) whose parents are deceased and has no other family able or willing to provide care; 2. A child(ren) whose parents(s) for sufficient reasons, with knowledge of its implications and other available resources, have surrendered their parental rights voluntarily; 3. A child who is legally free for adoption, after determining that even with other available resources, the parent(s) are unable or incapable of providing the necessary protection, or fulfilling their parental responsibilities. 4. A child is referred by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) or a Community Based Agency (CBC), having been permanently committed to the department for

26 Section D Page 22 subsequent adoption. (C) Types of Adoptions 1. Department of Children and Families (DCF) or Community Based Care Agency (CBC) Placement Florida Baptist Children s Homes may contract/cooperate with DCF/CBC to assist them in placing eligible children for adoption. These placements usually occur in one of our foster or adoptive homes who are licensed through DCF for Florida Baptist Children s Homes. In order for any DCF/CBC child to be placed in any adoptive home that adoptive home must be registered on the Adoption Exchange Registry and have an approved home study. There are three types of DCF/CBC adoptive placements : a. Special Needs Child - a child whose permanent custody has been awarded to the department, and: (1) who has established significant emotional ties with his foster parents, (2) is not likely to be adopted because he is eight years of age or older; mentally retarded; physically or emotionally disabled; of black or racially mixed parentage; or a member of a sibling group of any age, provided two or more of the group remains together for purposes of adoption. b. Developmentally Disabled Child - a child determined to have a disorder of the syndrome that is attributed to retardation, cerebral palsy, autism, spina bifida, or prader-willi syndrome, and that constitutes a substantial disability that can reasonably be expected to continue indefinitely. c. Level II Child - a Special Need Child who has been registered on the Adoption Exchange System, is legally freed for adoption, has had an adoption status on the Adoption Exchange of available for six months or longer, and for whom a suitable adoptive family has not been located.

27 Section D Page Private/Intermediary (attorney) Placement Occasionally, Florida Baptist Children s Homes is requested to render a professional service in completing an adoption home study for another agency or for an intermediary/attorney who is handling an adoption. These studies may be done if the adoption worker's schedule and caseload responsibilities permit and if Florida Baptist Children s Homes guidelines and comprehensiveness of the study are not compromised. Florida Baptist Children s Homes may also be asked to provide post placement supervision of an adoptive placement. This, too, is agreed upon only as time allows. Appropriate fees are charged for each of these services in accordance with FBCH fee policy. 3. Interstate Compact (ICPC) Placement Definition - A procedure enacted verbatim into statutory law in all fifty states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It establishes a contract between the states and jurisdictions to ensure orderly procedures and licensing requirements for the interstate placement and post placement supervision of children and defines responsibilities for those involved in placing children. a. Out of Florida - Occasionally, Florida Baptist Children s Homes may have a child who is eligible for adoption and the adoptive family, who has already been approved by Florida Baptist Children s Homes, has moved out of state. Florida Baptist Children s Homes is not licensed to place children outside of the state of Florida and therefore, must get the assistance of another agency or intermediary (the receiving agency/intermediary) in the other state to handle the placement in that state. Florida Baptist Children s Homes will be considered the sending agency for the purposes of this adoption. The Adoption Social Worker will file a 100-A form to the ICPC office of Tallahassee notifying them of the adoption. It is the responsibility of the adoptive family in that state and the receiving agency/intermediary to contact the local department of children s services and begin the interstate process. They, in turn, will contact the ICPC office in Tallahassee who will contact Florida Baptist Children s Homes through a 100-B form for verification of the adoptive placement.

28 Section D Page 24 b. Into Florida - Conversely, Florida Baptist Children s Homes may be asked to receive a child being placed by another agency or intermediary from another state. In this case Florida Baptist Children s Homes would be considered the receiving agency and the other agency or intermediary would be considered the Asending agency/intermediary.@ The responsibility to initiate the first contact with ICPC in Tallahassee should be Florida Baptist Children=s Homes=. ICPC in Tallahassee would, in turn, contact the ICPC office of the sending state who would verify with the sending agency or intermediary. In both scenarios, appropriate fees should be charged according to services which are rendered. Time involved in the ICPC process should also be considered. 4. Inter Country Placement Inter Country placements would involve Florida Baptist Children=s Homes agreeing to conduct an adoptive home study for a potential adoptive family. International adoptions require additional screening and information for the home study, many of which involve more time to obtain. Florida Baptist Children=s Homes may also be asked to provide, post placement supervision for this placement. Appropriate fees are charged for either of these services. (in accordance with FBCH fee policy) 5. Closed Adoptions In the state of Florida, all adoptions are legally considered closed. The decision on whether to share information can be decided jointly by the birth parent(s) and the adoptive parents. If either desire to keep the information confidential, they can request that the record be sealed and remained closed. By doing this, the information contained in the record can only be released at a later date with their written permission. 6. Legally At Risk Placements Under most conditions, infants may be placed with their adoptive families directly upon discharge from the hospital in these instances, birth parents have signed surrender forms and have requested an immediate placement.

29 Section D Page 25 Direct placements are called Legally at Risk Placements and should be considered under the following conditions: a. The birth parents have had social work support for a sufficient period of time before the child's birth to consider alternative plans, to decide whether adoption is the best plan for them and their child, and to understand what the termination of parental rights and direct placement would mean to them and to their child. b. The birth parents have had ample opportunity to reconsider their plan after the child has been born and to make a final decision. c. Florida Baptist Children s Homes is prepared to accept custody after the birth of the child, and the parental rights can be terminated in accordance with legal requirements. d. Florida Baptist Children s Homes has foster homes available to permit a delay or change in plans if the birth parents require more time before making a final decision. e. The prenatal, birth, and family health histories reveal no information that may adversely affect development. f. The infant has been observed in the hospital by a pediatrician and deemed ready for discharge. g. The examination by a qualified physician reveals no observable indications that the child will not develop within the normal range. Further, that the implications of any medical problems are fully understood. h. A family is prepared and willing to accept a child if identified with handicaps. i. The birth parents and the adoptive parents have been advised to seek legal advice to protect them against acting under duress. j. In the absence of birth father, the birth mother has provided an affidavit concerning the legal father. k. There are no unexpected events in the lives of the adoptive parents (such as serious illness or death in the extended family, last-minute business trips, unplanned house guests, and the like) that in the opinion of the Agency contraindicate the direct placement. l. Prior to placement, the legally at risk conditions are explained to the adoptive parents, who sign a statement of agreement as to the legally at risk placement.

30 Section D Page Open Adoptions As stated earlier, all adoptions in Florida are legally considered closed. Florida Baptist Children s Homes recognizes that in working with children in adoptive placements, it may be appropriate to consider an open adoption. This involves the option of continuing some type of open contact between the adopted child the birth family, and adoptive family. Florida Baptist Children s Homes considers the feasibility of an open adoption based on the individual needs of the child. The child's age and relationship with birth family members weigh heavily in the decision to make such a placement. For the older child, the child's own wishes are of great importance. Another criterion which is essential in determining whether an open adoption would be advantageous is the willingness and commitment of both the birth family and the adoptive family to this plan. If an open adoption is agreed upon by all parties, a mutually agreeable plan is developed prior to placement and finalization. Additionally, the worker must oversee and contribute to the plan in an effort to protect all parties involved. This placement may pose risks, and due consideration and caution will be used. 8. Alternatives to Open Adoptions: With infants and young children, an alternative to open adoption may involve a mutual verbal agreement between birth parents and adoptive parents to have planned contacts, with Florida Baptist Children s Homes making the arrangements. In the event there is an actual meeting, identifying information will not be revealed. If mutually agreeable, birth parents and adoptive parents plan at the time of placement for an exchange of information at specified times in the future, with Florida Baptist Children s Homes as the intermediary.