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More than ten thousand children have been adopted in Florida over the last three years. At the same time, the state has decreased the number of kids in Foster care by 34%. As Mike Vasilinda tells us, every month in Florida, 200 families adopt.

Denise Mozee and her soon-to-be-son Rashad stepped before a judge to finalize a love that began seven years ago when Rashad was placed in foster care.

With the judge’s approval, Rashad became one of almost 4 thousand children adopted this year.

“This is going to be his home forever,” Mozee said.

Thanks in part to a campaign from this one, Florida has been setting records for adoptions over the last three years.

There are also benefits. Teachers and state employees can be paid a subsidy. All children adopted from foster care receive free tuition at a state university. At this ceremony, the Lt. Governor noted adopting is not easy.

“It’s been a long road,” Kottkamp said.

Would-be parents must undergo 10 weeks of training, background checks and a home assessment. Once in court, friends and family attest to a parent’s fitness.

Laurie and Dave Gussak are adopting Joseph, a Peruvian child abandoned at birth.

“I couldn’t be any happier,” Laurie Gussak said. “This is the best thing I’ve done in my entire life.”

Teenagers remain the most difficult age group to place in adoptive homes. 19 thousand children remain in Florida’s foster care system.

For more information on adopting, including eligibility and what is required, go to www.adoptflorida.org <http://www.adoptflorida.org>.