The global economic downturn has affected families in myriad ways -- including, according to a Jan. 8 article on thevisitor.co.uk, making it more difficult for parents to adopt:

According to Adoption Matter Northwest, potential adopters, including some who have already signed up for preparation groups, are having second thoughts, with some withdrawing their interest altogether.

The agency reports that 10 percent of those enquiring about becoming adoptive parents over the last six months subsequently pulled out. ...

Agency chief executive Norman Goodwin said: "We completely understand people's concerns and reasons but it's still bad news for the 4,000 children across the UK who are waiting for the opportunity of a fresh start with a new family."

Labels: UK, economy, adoption costs

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Adoption proceedings in Michigan, which are typically closed to the public, were opened for one week in honor of National Adoption Day. Across Michigan, more than thirty counties took unique steps to mark this important day.

According to a Nov. 25 article by Kathryn Prater of the Lansing State Journal, this year's Adoption Day events were a time to celebrate successes as well as re-focus on the challenges that remain:

More than 2,700 children were adopted through the Michigan Department of Human Services and private adoption agencies during the fiscal year 2009, which ended Sept. 30, according to the department. That's up almost 10 percent from 2003, when about 2,470 children were adopted, it said.

More than 16,600 Michigan children and teenagers are in foster care for various reasons and lengths of time, [said Gisgie Davila Gendreau of the Michigan Department of Human Services]. About 3,800 of those children are able to be adopted, she said.

"We're building awareness and reminding people that they don't have to be perfect to be a perfect parent - you just have to be willing to open your home to a child," she said. "There are children waiting for a 'forever family,' and we hope that they will consider fostering or adopting a child."

Labels: foster care, adoption costs, milestones, michigan

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As part of Colorado State University's Oct. 10 homecoming celebration, HighCraft Builders and Alpine Lumber will host a tailgate fundraising party for the nonprofit organization Adoption Dreams Come True.

According to the Ft. Collins Coloradoan, tickets to the fundraiser are $25 and include a barbecue lunch and admission to the game.

The tailgate will begin at 1 p.m. and last until the 4 p.m. kickoff. For more information visit www.highcraft.net.

Labels: adoption costs, funding

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An Oklahoma attorney has filed with the Oklahoma Supreme Court that questions the constitutionality of court fees assessed during adoption proceedings. The suit, filed by attorney Jerry Fent, calls for the fees to be halted until a ruling is reached on the case.

Fent's lawsuit states that ... DHS [Department of Human Services] receives $20 for its adoption registry and confidential intermediary program as part of adoption fees charged by district court clerks. ... DHS has been receiving the fees for about 10 years and the Attorney General's Office for about two years, Fent said. (Source: The Tulsa World News)

Charlie Price, spokesman for the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office, said it is too early to comment on the case.

Labels: laws, adoption costs

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Last week, Missouri's Task Force on Adoption released a 26-page booklet about adoption. It's called a "step-by-step guide" for potential adoptive parents.

"[Attorney General Jay] Nixon said today the pamphlet was created to answer lingering questions that parents have about what can be a complicated process."

The booklet answers questions about adoption costs, time frames, options and more. Read more at ColumbiaTribune.com.

Labels: adoption costs, adoptive_parents, options

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When many people begin to entertain the idea of adoption, the question that plagues them the most is, "Is adoption right for me?" There is ample information pertaining to adoption costs, processes and waiting times, but how do people determine whether they should even begin the process?

"Locate living resources. You don't need to wear a button saying 'I'm considering adopting: tell me your story.' Just bring up the subject in conversation and you'll be surprised at how many experiences will pop out of people you barely know."

Consider your ability to be patient with a child who will act out for seemingly no reason, and may be very emotionally needy. Don't be overly pessimistic, but be realistic about the emotional energy you'll have to invest. Evaluate both the pros and cons of the situation and your personal needs and desires. Source: Monterey County Herald

Labels: adoption costs, prospective_parents, adoption_process

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The city of Carmel, Indiana has become one of only a handful of cities to provide its employees monetary assistance with adoptions. Beginning January 1st, the city will cover adoption costs of up to $5,000 for city employees.

"Adoptions of Indiana Executive Director Meg Sterchi said Carmel is the first government employer she's heard of that helps employees pay for adoption."

Some critics argue that taxpayer money shouldn't be spent to help government employees adopt children. Money for the adoption assistance will come from the cities health program, which is administered by a third party.

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Labels: adoption costs, assistance, money

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The news is filled lately with celebrity adoption stories. The stories can make "average" families feel as though adoption is out of reach for them. But adoption is a viable option for nearly anyone.

"Often people say that they do not think they can afford to adopt. Initially the cost seems a bit overwhelming to many folks, but once it is broken down into manageable parts, it is doable for most working families..."

Income requirements are "liberal" for adoptive families, and substantial tax credits are also available. In addition, adoption is no longer limited to the traditional two-parent family but has opened up to single parents and - in some cases - gay and lesbian couples. Read more at Times-Standard.com.

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Labels: adoption costs, options, tax_deductions

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Katrina and Tom Rusin waited over two years to finalize their adoption of a little girl from China. Stricter adoption regulations and bureaucracy in foreign governments has consistently increased the amount of time necessary to complete international adoptions.

"The world of international adoption is evolving, said Mary Kate Schneider, director of adoption for the Family and Children's Agency in Norwalk [Connecticut]. 'We try and tell families from Day 1 and on that... time frames can change,' Schneider said. 'I think in the end, each country is trying to have these regulations in place so we can secure the best possible adoption for their children.'"

Potential adoptive parents may be required to travel more than once to the country from which they want to adopt, adding to the overall expense of the adoption. Despite the costs and the long wait, adoptive parents say it's worth it.

Read more at NorwalkAdvocate.com.

Labels: international, adoption costs, adoption_procedures

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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

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