Teegan
Adopted
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Katlynn
Adopted
Those who know Katlynn describe her as caring, loyal, and protective over those she loves.
What’s life without the PERFECT 24/7 sidekick? Katlynn is everything one could want in a daughter, and she isn’t in any hurry to grow up anytime soon! Despite going through a lot of heartbreak, Katlynn highly values family, and she wants so badly someone who enjoys laughing at life as much as her. A giant goofball, Katlynn loves to sing in the church choir and has a lot of experience in cosmetology. She even cuts her own hair and helps with braiding in her foster home. Katlynn is looking to graduate from school early, so she can start working on her cosmetology license and eventually graduate college, no matter how long it takes to finish. Her foster mom helps her navigate her special educational needs, and with a parental figure to advocate, she cherishes each small victory and is known by all as an eager learner. She has an interest in law and likes to shadow in the courthouse. If Katlynn could be captured in a short sentence, it would be an interest in working! She would love a family business that she could pour herself into where she could work with her family, even long after she turns 18. Anything to be out and busy with a loved one - although make sure you bring some Takis and pickles for snacking on later. Maybe a family vacation in between. Katlynn has never been to Disney and has always wanted to see other places, like Hollywood. Katlynn loves all animals, music, boxing/self-defense classes, and family video games night. Katlynn said her ideal home would be with a single mom who would like to do everything with her, as “we could be best friends”, but she also wants it known she would be happy with an LGBTQ+ or a home with one mom and one dad too - “anyone who will love me for who I am.” Katlynn has zero preference for race and has many important caregivers who are of different races. She has no strong preferences on siblings and is a famous people-person, although wants parents who have enough time for her. She would be happy as an only child, youngest child, or a child with a couple of siblings that are not near her age. Katlynn comes with an incredible older sister who she is powerfully bonded to who aged out of care; she also wants to keep in contact with a younger sister who is very important to her. Any family interested in Katlynn must be supportive of her sister bonds.
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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