Close The Pet Shop: Protecting the Safety and Privacy of Children in Foster Care
Diamond W. recalls the initial discussions about adoption photo listings as powerful. As a youth advocate, Diamond helped to facilitate a round-table discussion in 2022 with fellow youth impacted by foster care. The young adults shared their experiences of being bullied about their photos being on adoption sites, worries about the potential dangers of the public having access to their private information, and feeling like animals on display in a shelter. The rally cry of the meeting became, “close the pet shop!”
“The youth in our network had a very strong response to the idea of advocating for changes to adoption photo listings,” Diamond said. “It was something that everyone instantly agreed was a priority. This law will also make the adoption process more equitable as youth will be chosen based [on] who they are versus what their pictures look like.”
Diamond and the rest of Selfless Love Foundation’s (SLF) Advocacy Team worked tirelessly to present these concerns to legislators. Their efforts culminated in a law championed by Rep. Dana Trabulsy (FL-84), which passed unanimously in both the Florida House and Senate. “Ultimately, it was a great priority to advocate for because it will allow youth to have some autonomy in something that will change the trajectory of their life,” Diamond said.
Florida’s Groundbreaking Legislation
On May 10, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis signed the groundbreaking bill into law. The Permanency for Children law requires security credentials to access the statewide adoption portal. It is the strongest step to safeguarding children in the country.
This new law, which took effect on July 1, 2024, is a testament to collaboration, advocacy, and elevating the voices of youth who are directly affected by policies within the foster care system.
So, What’s the Law About?
Whether an online predator or classroom bully, it’s no secret that individuals with ill intentions utilize the internet to access valuable information. This law addresses safety concerns by mandating the creation of a secure statewide adoption site, requiring security credentials to access images and information about children available for adoption.
In addition to the added security, children now have a say in what is shared. Agencies now must develop processes to ensure youth aged 12 and older are engaged in the creation of their descriptions and choose what images are shared.
How Has Adoption Information Evolved?
In order to understand the significance of these changes, it’s helpful to look back at the evolution of adoption information policies. The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), originally enacted in 1974, has seen numerous amendments aimed at improving adoption processes. Amendments to the act in 1997 and 2010 introduced the need for a national exchange for adoption information and for internet-based systems to connect children with prospective adoptive parents.
Florida’s adoption photo listings began in 1983. While federal regulations have continued to shape how adoption information is shared, they never required the sharing of children’s images with the general public. The new Florida law represents a crucial step in ensuring that these listings prioritize the safety and privacy of children.
National Trend – A Shift Towards Security and Privacy
SLF is not now, and has never been, against sharing photos of children legally freed for adoption. A photograph can be an impactful thing, however SLF believes the safety and security of the most vulnerable children in the United States is paramount. Individuals and families looking to adopt must be committed to the process and vetted for safety. SLF is excited to collaborate with partners to find more creative ways to connect children with families and walk alongside them in their journey.
Although Florida is the first state in the nation to enact legislation focused on photolisting security, the new law is part of a broader trend towards enhancing the security of adoption processes across the United States. Virginia and New Mexico have also taken steps to address privacy concerns. Virginia has removed all online photos used for adoption recruitment, while New Mexico now requires interested parties to call in order to view photos of children.
Looking Ahead – Amplifying Youth Voice
This legislative win is a celebration of youth voice in action. Amplifying youth voices, and advocating for best practices and policies that ensure the safety and dignity of every child in the foster care system continue to be SLF priorities. We invite you to join Selfless Love Foundation and more than 30 states this October as we elevate youth voice during Foster Youth Voice Month.