Colton
Adopted
Ethan
14 years old
Adopted
He’s got dreams, jokes, and big potential—Ethan just needs one thing: you.
Ethan is a bright, funny, and resilient 13-year-old who dreams of being part of a forever family where he feels seen, safe, and valued. Now in the 7th grade, Ethan enjoys playing basketball, video games like Fortnite, and watching movies. Ethan loves to go out to eat--especially if shrimp Alfredo is on the menu! He’s naturally outgoing and loves a good game of hide-and-seek, though it may take him a little time to warm up. Ethan thrives in relationships where adults are consistent, patient, and fun-loving, and he’s hoping for a family who is active, young at heart, and either a single dad or a mom-and-dad duo. Ethan is open to being adopted anywhere in Florida and hopes to join a Hispanic or White family that understands his need for occasional space when he’s upset. Though he’s experienced significant hardship, including early parentification and loss, Ethan’s enormous heart still shines through—he shows empathy, uses polite manners, and seeks to protect those he trusts. He would do best as an only child or with an older sibling (either a teenage sister or older brother) and must stay connected to his younger siblings and grandmother, who remain an important part of his life. Ethan is hopeful, and with the right family cheering him on, he’s ready to thrive!
FAQs
If a child in foster care is in the Heart Gallery, reunification with their biological family was not possible so an adoptive family is needed. Most Heart Gallery children are at least 9 years old, part of a sibling group, and/or have special needs. All children in foster care have experienced abuse, abandonment, and/or neglect; therefore, need support to heal from the trauma they have experienced.
All children are different, with a variety of unique strengths and needs so all types of families are needed. In Florida, you must be at least 21 to adopt a child from foster care. There are no restrictions based on age, race, marital status, or sexual orientation. You may live in a home or apartment that you own or rent. Adoptive parents must have a stable income sufficient to support their family.
In Florida, there is no cost to adopt a child from foster care. In fact, families who adopt may qualify for a monthly adoption subsidy. Health care for children adopted from foster care is covered by Medicaid until age 18. They also receive free tuition at any Florida state college, university, or vocational school.Federal tax credits and exemptions may also be available. Visit the IRS website to learn more.
Prospective adoptive parents must complete Adoption Orientation, a 36-hour Professional Parenting course, have an approved home study, and approved background screenings. Most importantly, you must be willing to make a lifelong commitment to a child in need.
Yes. One of the benefits of adopting from Florida is having access to a comprehensive case history. You will be given information on the child’s background, medical history, and personality. This information helps you determine if your family is the right fit for the child.
This can vary greatly depending on the situation. However, as a general rule, it usually takes about 12 months from the time a family begins training to the time when a child is placed with the family.
Yes! Your approved home study should be accepted by any child welfare agency. Each circumstance will be assessed to determine if it is appropriate for a child to move out of state. Keep in mind these adoptions can be more complex and take longer, depending on the case.
Adoptions appear to be more stable when parents have flexible and realistic expectations for their children and when they use post-adoption supports to help with challenges.
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