Jasmine
Adopted
Kaila
19 years old
Adopted
Eager and hopeful for a forever family with siblings to look up to and love..
"Destined for greatness!"
Kaila is a typical 14-year-old girl. She is actively involved in her school's JROTC and color guard program, loves to read and loves spending time with her friends. She is the perfect combination of girly girl and tomboy and is described by those who know her best as thoughtful, selfless, passionate, and intelligent. She enjoys seeing others happy and tends to put other people's happiness and emotions above her own. She is currently enrolled in all honors and AP classes at her school and has quite the collection of books as reading has become an outlet and way for her to escape from the struggles and stressors in her life. If Kaila could change one thing in this world, it would be sexism and racism as she feels equal to everyone and doesn't like to see others mistreated simply because they are different. Kaila feels her friends are her biggest support system and are the only people who truly understand her. It is extremely important to Kaila that she is able to remain in her same high school not only to maintain these relationships but to continue to grow in her JROTC program. For this reason, only local families will be considered at this time. Kaila does not have much of a preference when it comes to the type of family she wants. She would do well in a family of any race, gender or family dynamic. She just wants a family who will allow her some independence, support her hobbies and interests in school, and one who will provide the attention and unconditional love and support she has yet to have from a family.
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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