
“Adoption is not a birth mothers rejection but an unconditional love that inspires her to put herself last and do all she can for her baby.”
Claude Greenfield grew up with four adopted siblings, two brothers and two sister and a biological sister. He always said “we didn’t think we were adopted, we were just family.” He knows adoptions are an important and critical step in the life of child and in the life of the family. That’s why it’s important to have the right attorney to guide you through the process. Whether you are the birth mother or the adoptive parents, you need someone who understands the situation from the heart. Claude Greenfield is just such a person.
Self Study Information for Home Study
The home study is to qualify the couple for being prospective adoptive parents. A home study is required in all states. It is done by a licensed social worker who is qualified to do such a study. We have one who works with us and can refer you to her whenever you are ready to start the process. This sheet just gives you an idea of what information will be needed for the home study.
Full information on your family, age, physical description, etc. Also a short description of each residents likes and hobbies, and a synopsis of how you met and married, etc. Are there other children and if so their descriptions also. Copies of marriage licenses and children birth certificates. Descriptions of your parents and are they active with your children. If parents are deceased, date and cause of death. A listing of your family history growing up with your parents. Full data on any siblings for either one of the couple. Were either of you married prior and a reason for divorce. Social and religious background information. Has anyone been arrested and if so what was the charge. Fingerprints and a full FBI background check will be done before approval.
A description of your home will be needed in depth: size, # of bedrooms, back yard fenced or not, pool etc. Also further details about safety devices, i.e. smoke detectors. How long have you resided there and the neighborhood. Do you have any pets in the home. Are their immunizations up to date.
What are your reasons for wanting to adopt: infertility (describe), other reasons. A short description of what you want from the adoption process. Your parenting and child care plans.
As you can see from the above this is an extensive study and requires some time to complete. The licensed social worker qualified for home studies will meet with you and take you through the process. Gathering all the information above is the most time consuming part of the process.
Please call our office to get started and we will put you in touch with our home study person. 904-900-2717 .
How can adoption be good for my baby and me?
Adoption is a very loving and unselfish decision. There are many women, of all ages, who have an unplanned pregnancy, and do not feel they are ready to parent. They know there are countless couples who cannot conceive a child, and who have a loving home ready for a child. The greatest dream of these couples is to be parents and make a child the center of their lives, as every child deserves.
If you are not ready to be a parent, you can still give your baby the gift of life by choosing adoption. We will work with you to select a stable, loving family to care for your baby. After birth, you can see your baby, name your baby, and spend time with your baby, if you choose an open adoption. You can get updates on your child’s progress or have ongoing visits throughout your child’s life while you continue your education or career goals. Finally, you can be proud that you chose life for your baby.
Does the birth mother have to pay legal fees or expenses?
No. All fees and expenses, including medical expenses, are paid by the prospective adoptive parents. The birth mother is not required to pay anything.
Where do birthmothers come from?
We work with birthmothers locally and all over Florida.
What is an open, semi open or closed adoption?
The birth mother decides when she comes to us if she wants an open, semi-open, or fully open adoption. We then show her information on prospective adoptive parents who also want the same type of adoption. Closed means little information is shared. Semi-open is usually pictures of the baby provided on special occasions. Fully open can be anything from pictures and phone calls, Facebook, to actual visits after the baby is placed.
Can birth mothers receive living expenses?
Yes. Florida law permits adoptive parents to pay the actual and reasonable living expenses during the pregnancy and up to a maximum of six weeks following delivery. This includes OB and hospital care, prescription medications, counseling, living expenses (rent, food, phone, utilities, toiletries), insurance, clothing and transportation.
This is all determined during the visit with the birth mother and the adoptive parents at the first visit they have together with Mr. Greenfield.Can my child find me if he or she wants to search someday?
Florida has an adoption registry that will allow your child to locate you if you so choose. We will give you detailed information about the registry.