Jasmine
Adopted
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Icsis
18 years old
Adopted
Where hope finds a home.
Disciplined, kind, free-spirited: both smart and ambitious, Icsis is focused on success. Icsis recently made the principal's honor roll, and with her intelligence and hard work, maintains a nearly straight-A average in school. Icsis wants to study forensic science in college, but also counts math and world history as a favorite subject in school. Icsis hopes for "a relaxed, fun family who is open to trying new things." Icsis does well with other kids however would love to be the only child in the home with at least one female parent to support her as she grows into adulthood. Resilient and thoughtful, Icsis will often go out of her way to help anyone who needs it. Despite her experiences, Icsis keeps a friendly and positive outlook on life. As her caretakers describe, "Icsis works hard at everything she does, loves helping others, and has the best future ahead of her." In Icsis's own words, she is "funny and helpful." If she could change one thing about the world, she would ensure people are always respectful of others, their ideas and aspirations. Icsis loves music that "makes your wheels turn" but equally loves a good horror movie. Icsis may be shy on first meeting, but she opens up with reassurance and trust. With love and support, Icsis is ready to blossom as she moves into adulthood, with her kindness, her dreams, and her intelligence.
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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