Adopting a Family Member vs. Private Infant Adoption in Florida

By Erin Jones

With so many options regarding adoption in Florida, it can be difficult for anyone involved to keep the information straight. But don’t worry — Adoption Choices of Florida is here to help and we are the best adoption agencies in Florida! To help you learn more about the adoption process, we’ve differentiated between relative adoption and private adoption. 

Each adoption journey is unique, with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Hopefully, by learning more about these two types of adoption, you can determine what’s best for you and your child!

The Difference between Family Member Adoption and Private Adoption

What is Family Member or Relative Adoption?

Family member adoption, or relative adoption, is just how it sounds. When a family member or members of a child — not the birth mother or birth father — adopt that child. Family member adoption is wonderful, however, it often occurs due to unfortunate circumstances. This could be the deaths of the child’s birth parents, the abandonment by their parents, or the inability of the parents to care for them. There are many reasons for family member adoptions. 

Regardless of the reason, it’s important to recognize that family member adoption is often a shorter process than others. This is because it does not take as long to determine whether the person adopting the child is a good fit. In family member adoption, the individual or family adopting the child is their birth family and knows the child. So, they’re generally deemed to be loving, responsible, and trustworthy. 

To adopt a child of a family member, your first step is to file a petition with your local court. Then, you must obtain consent from the child’s parents. Exceptions can be made if you’re unable to obtain consent for whatever reason. However, you must be able to show to a court judge that you made an effort to obtain consent. To learn more about how to adopt the child of a relative, reach out to adoption agencies or your local court. Adoption Choices of Florida, unfortunately, does not offer relative adoption services.

Keep in mind that relative adoption is most common amongst stepparents, grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, and even older siblings. The more distant the relative, the more likely they are to have a lengthier adoption process.    

What is Private Adoption?

Private adoption is one of the most common ways to place a child for adoption/to adopt a child. It occurs when a birth mother chooses to give up her baby for adoption, creates an adoption plan, and selects an adoptive family. If you opt for a private adoption as a birth mother, your first step is to select a private adoption agency. You should choose an agency within your geographical area and one you believe is the best fit for you and your child.

Private adoption agencies are all over the United States. If you live in Florida, you have over 10 different agencies to choose from! Once you’ve selected an agency, you should reach out right away to connect with an adoption professional. You’ll hear how their agency’s process works and what you have to do next. Most agencies follow a similar pattern: select a type of adoption, create an adoption plan, review adoptive families, and select one for your child.

There are, of course, many things to do between each of these steps. However, this is just an outline of what the adoption journey might look like for you. Every birth mother and child’s adoption journey is unique. Also, expect bumps in the road, the adoption journey isn’t all smooth sailing. However, your adoption team and personal support system will be by your side.  

Still Have Questions? Reach Out to Our Local Florida Adoption Agency Today!

Adoption Choices of Florida is all about helping you and your child by providing you with the information needed to make the adoption decision that is right for both of you – especially if facing an unplanned pregnancy. Hopefully, after reading this blog, you’ve gotten a better understanding of the differences between family member or relative adoption and private adoption. Perhaps you even feel like you’ve made a decision about your pregnancy or the next step in your adoption journey! Whatever the case is, don’t hesitate to reach out to our agency for more information or with any questions or concerns you may have. Again, at Adoption Choices of Florida, we’re here to help YOU! 

If you are a pregnant woman in Florida considering adoption, and have any questions or concerns about the adoption process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. For more information on adoption, visit us at Adoption Choices of Florida or call us at: (833) 352-3678