The Department of Children and Families

No matter what adoption agency you choose to work with, please check with the The Department of Children and Families to ensure that they are properly licensed in their home office state. Here is a link to the Florida Department of Children and Families web site: http://www.myflorida.com/cf_web

Our Legal Team In The Adoption Process

Law Firm of Silverman and Vorhis

Joshua Silverman
Upon graduation from the University of Florida College of Law in 2001, Mr. Silverman began his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney for the Eighth Judicial Circuit of Florida. During more than five years as a prosecutor, Mr. Silverman handled thousands of cases, from minor misdemeanor offenses to serious felonies. For three years Mr. Silverman served as a prosecutor in the State Attorney’s Crimes Against Women and Families Division, focusing his practice on felony cases involving sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence. He is now in private practice as a partner in The Law Office of Silverman and Vorhis and assists with the legal aspects of the adoption process for Miracles Adoption Agency, Inc. http://www.lawgainesville.com

Adoption Information

National Adoption Information Clearinghouse (NAIC)
The National Adoption Information Clearinghouse was established by Congress in 1987 to provide free information on all aspects of adoption. The NAIC web site provides comprehensive information on domestic and intercountry adoption. Visit their web site at http://naic.acf.hhs.gov/index.cfm.

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption focuses on increasing adoption awareness while supporting model adoption service programs. The foundation publishes one of the most widely used resources in the adoption community called A Child is Waiting... A Beginner’s Guide to Adoption. It contains a step-by-step process of adoption as well as various resources to help potential adoptive parents get some basic questions answered. Visit the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption web site at:
http://www.davethomasfoundationforadoption.org/index.asp.

Family Medical Leave Act
You may wonder what happens after you adopt, will you still have job security while staying home with your new child? The Family Medical Leave Act may provide the benefits you need. The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993 is a federal law that requires employers of more than 50 workers to give full-time employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for the birth or adoption of a child. One must have been employed for at least 12 months and worked at least 1250 hours during the previous 12 months. Your employer may have more generous benefits, but this offers minimum protection. Please check you’re your Human Resources or benefits department for more information.

Adoption Funding Resources

Chase New Additions
Chase has partnered with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption to help adoptive families finance adoption. The Chase New Additions program is a home equity line of credit specifically designed to assist prospective adoptive families and offers low rates, generous credit lines, and payment flexibility. For more information visit http://www.chase.com/NewAdditions or call 1-866-345-7687.

Employee Benefit Programs and insurance
Many private and governmental employers offer adoption assistance and benefits. These might include financial reimbursement, paid and unpaid leave and resource and referral services. The child may also be covered by your health insurance at birth depending on your health coverage policy. Please inquire with your Human Resources or benefits department.