Mid-Florida

Adoption Orientation & MAPP Classes

All children deserve the love, nurturing and security only a family can provide. Through adoption, CHS helps bring together loving families and children.

MAPP Training

Model Approach to Partnership and Parenting (MAPP) is a 30-hour training course required to become an adoptive parent. If you are married, both you and your spouse must attend. MAPP will provide you with information on the special needs of children in our care and equip you with tools to assess your family's strengths and needs to help you decide if adoption is right for your family. MAPP classes are three hours a week for 10 weeks or five hours a week for six weeks.

We'd be happy to speak with you about our adoption services and the children available for adoption. If you’re interested in opening your heart and home to a child longing for your love, please contact Partnership for Strong Families at (352) 244-1500 to sign up for MAPP classes. The adoption orientation will be held the first day of class.

Frequently Asked Questions about Adoption

How much does it cost?
It does not cost families anything to attend MAPP classes or to complete the home study. Expenses associated with adopting a child in foster care are nominal, and medical and legal fees are generally reimbursed by the state of Florida, up to $1,000. CHS covers costs that occur at the time of finalization.

Is there an age limit for adoptive parents?
No. We take a comprehensive look at the family, including health history.

Is it possible to adopt a healthy infant?
By the time younger children's cases are transferred to the adoption unit, they typically have an identified placement (relative, foster parent or non-relative) that wants to adopt them. If infants are transferred to our unit without identified placement, they typically have moderate to severe special needs.

Gainesville
January 14 , 2012, Saturday 9 a.m.
Feb. 21, 2012, Tuesday 5:30 p.m.
June 12, 2012, Tuesday 5:30 p.m.
July 14, 2012, Saturday 9 a.m.

Lake City
February 18, 2012, Saturday 9 a.m.

May 3, 2012, Thursday 6 p.m.
August 23, 2012, Thursday 6 p.m.

Trenton
January 25, 2012, Wednesday 5 p.m.
June 6, 2012, Wednesday 5 p.m.
September 12, 2012, Wednesday 5 p.m.

For more information about Adoption Orientation, MAPP classes, or children looking for a loving home, please email AdoptFloridaChildren@chsfl.org.

No clients shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Clients needing accommodations for a disability and/or clients with special communications needs should contact their Children’s Home Society of Florida worker or make their request for accommodation at the time of admission into a Children’s Home Society of Florida program.

CHILDREN'S HOME SOCIETY OF FLORIDA, REGISTRATION #CH180, IS REGISTERED WITH THE STATE UNDER THE SOLICITATION OF CONTRIBUTIONS ACT. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.