Family Services of Metro Orlando (FSMO) is the lead agency for Community-Based Care in Orange and Osceola counties. Contracted by the Department of Children & Families (DCF), FSMO is dedicated to improving the lives of children and families by ensuring every child has a safe and nurturing home in Central Florida.

FSMO and its partners launched the Heart Gallery to rally community support around local children awaiting adoption.

Overarching Objectives

  • To elevate awareness and recruit additional foster and adoptive parents.
  • To provide maximum exposure for children needing homes and ultimately result in more placements of children in safe, nurturing environments.
  • To tell the story of children in the child welfare system and overcome stereotypes that might be associated with children in foster care.
  • To provide an outlet for fund development.

Why Central Florida?

  • As of March 1, 2007, there were 136 children in Orange and Osceola counties available for adoption. Of these children, 76 percent were between the ages of 11 and 17.
  • The average length of stay in foster care for a child whose parents have terminated their parental rights is 63 months (from removal to adoption finalization).
  • Children with special medical needs are more difficult to place, as are older children (ages 8 - 17), sibling groups and minorities.

Facts and Figures

  • Other Heart Galleries are featured in more than 70 cities nationwide. Each gallery is created unique to its community and needs.
  • In 2005, 41 percent of children featured in the Heart Gallery Tampa Bay resulted in successful matches with families. Tampa was able to finalize 265 adoptions in fiscal year 2005.

Our Success

The Heart Gallery of Metro Orlando has brought the following positive results to the system:

  • Raised more than $130,000 in cash and in-kind donations from local corporate and individual sponsors.
  • Displayed at five community locations throughout Orange and Osceola counties and has confirmed venue hosts through the remainder of 2007.
  • Generated more than 25 positive inclusions in local media stories including television, the Orlando Sentinel and community magazines and publications.
  • Increased attendance at free community awareness seminars regarding adoption.
  • Brought in additional financial assistance for adoption recruitment through a rarely issued, second grant from Wendy's Wonderful Kids.

© 2008 Heart Gallery of Metro Orlando