adoptive couples
Thinking About Adopting?
Here’s What You Need to Know!
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute
Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Proverbs 31:8,9
Adopting Through Bundle of Hope:
A Path of Love and Purpose
At Bundle of Hope Adoption & Family Services, we believe that every child is a gift and that every adoption is a story of love and hope. If you feel called to grow your family through adoption, we are here to guide you through each step of the journey.
Some of the requirements below are mandated by the State of Florida, while others align with our agency’s Christian values and mission to place children in loving, faith-filled homes.
Home Study & Post-Placement Supervision
Before adopting, all prospective families must complete a Home Study conducted by a licensed social worker.
- If you live in Florida, our Bundle of Hope social worker can complete this for you.
- If you reside in another state, we can help connect you with an approved agency to conduct your Home Study.
Once a baby is placed with you, post-placement supervision begins. This ensures the child’s well-being and provides support during the transition.
- Florida families: Our agency will conduct in-home visits and submit required reports until adoption finalization.
- Out-of-state families: Your home study provider will oversee post-placement supervision and submit monthly reports in compliance with ICPC (Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children).
Adoptive Parent Requirements
To ensure stability and alignment with our faith-based mission, all prospective adoptive parents must:
– Be a Christian couple who regularly attends and is active in a local church.
– Be married for at least five years and be in a stable, heterosexual marriage.
– Be at least 25 years old.
– Submit a Statement of Faith, endorsed by your pastor, that aligns with our agency’s values.
– Complete pre-adoption training—either through our classes or by studying and summarizing at least three books on adoption.
– Agree to provide photos of your child at regular intervals:
- Every three months for the first year.
- Annually until the child turns five years old.
- Birth mothers may request photos until the child turns 18, but this is not required.
Some adoptive families may experience longer wait times based on preferences, age, or family dynamics. This includes families who:
- Are over 45 years old.
- Have specific gender or racial preferences for their adoptive child.
- Have biological children or more than three children already.
- Prefer not to adopt from a birth mother who smoked during pregnancy.
Understanding Birth Mothers & Their Journey
Adoption is a courageous decision, and most birth mothers:
– Are in their third trimester of pregnancy.
– Are often single parents with little financial support.
– Do not want their child placed in foster care.
– Want to personally choose a loving Christian family to raise their child.
– Are seeking parents who will instill strong faith and values in their child.
– May feel nervous about meeting the adoptive family and need reassurance that they are making the right choice.
At Bundle of Hope, we provide compassionate support to birth mothers throughout their journey, reminding them that choosing adoption is not giving up—it is giving love.
This belief is at the heart of our Unplanned doesn’t mean unLOVED. campaign, a movement dedicated to spreading the message that every child is wanted, cherished, and destined for love.
The Adoption Process
Adoption is a journey of faith, patience, and love. Here’s what to expect:
Submit an Application
Complete your application and send it to our agency with the non-refundable application fee. If your application is denied, we will refund your fee.
Complete a Home Study
If you haven’t already completed one, a preliminary program approval may be extended until your Home Study is finalized.
Create Your Profile
Our Adoptive Coordinator will guide you in preparing your family profile and birth mother letter, which will be presented to expectant mothers considering adoption.
Join the Waiting List
Once we receive your Home Study and profile, you will be added to our approved waiting families list.
- When a birth mother selects adoption, she completes a questionnaire about what she is looking for in an adoptive family.
- We prayerfully consider these preferences and present her with 3-4 families that match her request.
- If a birth mother prefers that we choose, we typically select a family who has had a previous failed adoption or has been waiting the longest.
Matched with a Birth Mother
Once selected, your journey truly begins!
- We facilitate all communication between you and the birth mother.
- A representative will be present for your first in-person or phone meeting.
- Some birth mothers may wish to have weekly conversations with you to build trust before placement.
Placement & Hospital Process
- You will be notified as soon as your birth mother goes into labor.
- The birth mother’s hospital plan will determine whether she wants you in the delivery room or waiting at the hospital.
- The baby may stay in the nursery or with the birth mother before placement—her wishes are honored, and we ask adoptive families to remain flexible and understanding.
The birth mother cannot sign legal consent for adoption until at least 48 hours after birth.
For Florida families, the baby will go home with you immediately after consent.
For out-of-state families, you will need ICPC approval (typically 5-10 days) before returning home.
Post-Placement Supervision & Finalization
- Your social worker will conduct monthly post-placement visits until finalization.
- Adoption finalization typically occurs 5-6 months after placement, per Florida law.
