Adoption Issues: February 2007

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Choosing the Right Adoption Professional

There are over 3,000 domestic adoption professionals in the United States. With so many options, how do you choose the person who's right for you and who will best serve your needs and interests during the adoption process?

"It's best to initially have an understanding of the types of services offered by domestic adoption professionals so you can best decide which specific professional is for you."

Some adoption agencies and professionals offer "full" service, while others don't. You may not need all the services offered by a full service professional, so review their information carefully and take time to make a wise and fully-informed choice. Read more at AmericanAdoptions.com.

Labels: adoption professionals, services

Monday, February 26, 2007

Adoption Related Tax Deductions

Tax credits of up to $10,960 are allowed for those who are trying to adopt. The amount is the same whether you're adopting internationally or from within the United States.

"If the child is a U.S. resident or citizen, you can claim the credit on the expenditures whether or not the adoption becomes final. You only receive a credit for a foreign child in the year the adoption become final."

Expenses that can be counted toward the deduction include: court costs, traveling expenses, and adoption fees. Read more at BankRate.com.

Labels: adoption costs, tax_deductions

Sunday, February 25, 2007

Adopted Babies Learning New Language Go Through Same Steps As Other Kids

A new study done at Harvard University concluded that adopted preschoolers acquire their new second language in much the same way that infants learn their first one.

Dr. Jesse Snedeker and her colleagues followed children from China adopted by American families. The children were ages 2.5 years to 6 years. The researchers found that the adopted children went through the same stages of learning their new languages as infants. However, the adopted preschoolers went through the stages more quickly, which may mean that they will eventually catch up to their peer groups.

Internationally adopted children face a unique challenge in that they begin learning one language first, and then they move to new homes where they have to acquire new languages without any help from bilingual teachers.

This study appears in the January 2007 issue of Psychological Science.

Labels: education, international, research

Friday, February 23, 2007

Non-profit Group Educates Teens about Adoption

It's not a statistic we like to hear, but we can't ignore the fact that each year about 750,000 teenagers become pregnant. The adoption support group Moms ALIVE (Adoptive Life is Very Exciting) travels to high schools and talks to teens about adoption, in an attempt to remove some of the stigmas associated with adoption.

"'They have a very 1950's image; they typically think of adoption as completely out of their hands. A social worker comes in, takes the baby, places the baby in the arms of a couple they've never met, and they don't know anything about the child or what happens to the child.'"

The organization currently makes presentations in about 35 Middle Tennessee high schools. Read more at Tennessean.com.

Labels: adoption rights, teenage pregnancy

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

New Referendum Opens Door to Adoption

The government of Ireland has proposed a new referendum addressing the rights and protection of children. The seven-point amendment includes new adoption clauses.

"The amendment will allow for the adoption of children who have been in care for a substantial period of time... It will also ensure that all children are eligible for voluntary adoption..."

The referendum also provides for strict liability in crimes against children. Read more at Ireland.com.

Labels: adoption rights, international

Monday, February 19, 2007

Correcting Common Adoption Misconceptions

Adoption plays an important part of society, however, fear and misconceptions often prevent families and communities from supporting adoptive families.

Some common adoption misconceptions include:

Adopted children have more problems than biological children and are harder to raise.
If a child does not instantly bond with the family there is something wrong with the family or the child.
Adoption is second-best.

Read the responses to these and other common misconceptions and myths about adoption and find recourses for adoptive families online.

Labels: misconceptions, myths

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Adoption Tax Guarantee Act Promotes Adoption

The Adoption Tax Credit, first passed in 2001, is set to expire in the year 2010. Under this provision, a dollar-for-dollar tax credits are offered to offset the costs of adoption.

"The Adoption Tax Credit Guarantee Act would repeal the current sunset provision and continue the tax credit past 2010. It encourages adoption by making it more affordable for families, ensuring that more children are in stable, loving permanent homes."

Though the legislation has been introduced, it has not yet been passed. Read more at SWNebr.net.

Friday, February 16, 2007

Study Says Adoptive Parents More Invested

A study that was recently published in the American Sociological Review found that couples who adopt children invest more money, and more time, with their kids.

"'One of the reasons adoptive parents invest more is that they really want children, and they go to extraordinary means to have them,' Indiana University sociologist Brian Powell, one of the study's co-authors, said..."

Data from 13,000 households was examined for the study, and 161 of those households were headed by adoptive parents. The adoptive parents rated better overall in variety of area - including helping with homework and parental involvement. Read more at MSNBC.com.

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Foundation Helps with Adoption Costs

When Nina Ottinger wanted to adopt a child, the high costs of adoption almost stopped her. She managed to scrape together the nearly $20,000 needed and now, two years later, has a beautiful daughter whom she adopted from China. Nina's adoption experience inspired her to start the Founding Family Charitable Foundation in Nashville.

"The foundation helps families who are ready to travel to the country where their adoption is occurring. The grants help with travel expenses and in-country adoption contributions."

In 2006, the foundation distributed more than $250,000 in adoption grants. Though most of the grants have assisted with international adoptions, the Foundation is willing to help with domestic adoptions as well. Read more at Tennessean.com.

Monday, February 12, 2007

COPPER CANYON ACADEMY

COPPER CANYON ACADEMY helps teenage girls who are experiencing behavioral and emotional programs due to grief and loss and abandonment and adoption issues. COPPER CANYON ACADMEY offers a comprehensive therapeutic program, a fully accredited academic program, and a nurturing residential environment. While at COPPER CANYON ACADEMY, girls have opportunities to develop leadership skills, self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-management.

Labels: Copper_Canyon_Academy

Friday, February 09, 2007

Washington, D.C. Foster Children Focus of New Adoption Program

The Freddie Mac Foundation and the Washington Capitals are teaming up to help raise awareness about the more than 6,000 children currently available for adoption and living in foster homes.

"Every weekend home game at Verizon Center... will be a 'Freddie Mac Foundation's Wednesday's Child Game', when fans will have a chance to learn more about the plight of foster kids and find out what they can do to make a difference in a foster child's life."

The games will expand on the Wednesday's Child program which airs in several cities nationwide and has helped find homes for more than 1,000 children. Read more at EarthTimes.org.

Is there a link between adopted teens, foster kids, and teen drug use? Learn more about the connection "Between Adoption and Drug Addiction" and more about adolescent drug treatment.

Thursday, February 08, 2007

Consider Creating a Lifebook

A Lifebook tells the story of your adopted child's life, including his or her history. It's a great way to honor your child, and help put the missing pieces together so your child understands where he or she came from.

"A Lifebook is a record of an adoptee's life that uses words, photos, your child's artwork, computer graphics, and memorabilia."

If you have information or pictures from an orphanage, or hospital (when your child was born) those are great items to include. Read more at ParentingIdeas.com.

Labels: support

Monday, February 05, 2007

Books Help Dispel Myths and Mysteries of Adoption

In years past, most books about adoption focused on the actual process - what to expect, how much it might cost, etc. Today, more and more adoptive parents and adoptees are telling their stories of life after adoption, and they can help potential adoptive parents set realistic expectations for life with their new little ones.

"Three recent books examine different aspects of adoption from the adoptive parent's point of view. One is a review of the social culture and economic factors at play in adoption from China... The second... an adoption memoir... The third, a book of wise advice..."

All three books are reviewed by Jane Greer, who offers additional recommendations as well. Read more at UUWorld.org.

Labels: misconceptions, myths, support

Friday, February 02, 2007

Trans-racial Adoptions More Popular

Though international adoptions get the most attention and "press", trans-racial adoptions - adopting an American child of a different race - are becoming increasingly popular as well. Trans-racial adoptions pose unique challenges, as mom and dad try to effectively blend cultures and deal with residual stereotyped about "blended families".

"It's important for the parents to be able to do everything from 'talk about racism to put cornrows in their children's hair,' [Adam] Pertman said."

Liz and Dan Grudus have adopted two African-American children. Liz says she is frequently asked questions about her family, and she takes the opportunity to dispel myths about trans-racial adoptions. Read more at App.com.

Do you have an adopted teen who may benefit from experiential learning? Aspen Ranch boarding schools for troubled teens offer experiential learning programs and equine assisted psychotherapy.

Labels: international, support, trans-racial