Randy Vosburg and Nick Santamaria are the first same-sex couple in Polk County to adopt a child from Florida’s foster-care system. Their adoption of David became official Nov. 18th, National Adoption Day.
Vosburg and Santamaria were legally married Nov. 12, 2010, in Washington, D.C. Even before the wedding ceremony, they discussed their hopes of having a family.
They checked with private adoption agencies but were discouraged by the cost. In addition, many private agencies have religious orientations and won’t consider same-sex couples as parents, said Emily Hecht-McGowan, director of public policy for the Family Equality Council, which advocates same-sex marriage and adoptions. Vosburg and Santamaria considered moving to a state with more favorable policies, but Vosburg has strong ties to Lakeland and the couple live in Vosburg’s childhood home.
Thankfully, Randy and Nick were able to stay in Florida and make a home for David. The Florida courts and Govenor Crist made it all legal.
If you have any questions about same-sex adoption, please contact the Law Office of Debra G. Simms.
