The agency will contact:

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children 800-843-5678

and the Florida Missing Children Clearinghouse 850-410-8585

This is required to be sure that the child has not been reported missing.

After the court has granted the adoption agency legal custody of the baby, the agency will apply for

a copy of the birth certificate from the Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics. The Safe Haven baby's birth certificate should indicate: (See Birth Certificate Documentation, previously covered in this course).

Depending on the agency and on a case by case situation, the baby could be placed in the adoptive home or placed temporarily in another home the agency chooses until the 30 days from the surrender date or until the court enters a judgment terminating parental rights. This time frame only applies to "safe Haven" babies , not an adoption where a mother voluntarily signs consent.
Note: The adoptive family should be informed of the potential risks involved if the newborn is placed with them before the termination of parental rights.

    .

After the 30 day reclaim waiting period has passed, the adoption process can continue. The Petition

for Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) will be filed with the court.

After termination; a petition for adoption will be filed with the court by the attorney in order to finalize the adoption. The child is required to be in the home of the adoptive parents for a minimum of 90 days before the adoption may be finalized. During that time there is post placement supervision visits to ensure that the adoptive parents and the baby are adjusting to the placement, and it is in the best interest of the child.