Since 1991, Americans have adopted about 68,000 children from China. In the aftermath of the recent devastating earthquake there, many adoptees and their parents feel moved to help victims in the country that brought their families together.

"Half the Sky Foundation, established by adoptive mom Jenny Bowen of Berkeley, Calif., has created an emergency fund to funnel shelter, food, clothing, and other necessities to children in the earthquake zone... Together will larger donations, the foundation's earthquake fund totals about $600,000, with about half already spent."

Other organizations have initiated similar fundraising campaigns, and many individuals have raised money on their own. One mom and her adopted daughter raised $2,400 by making and selling gourmet fortune cookies. Source: Northwest Herald - McHenry County, Illinois

Labels: China, foreign_adoption, money

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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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New laws passed in Florida this week will increase the amount of money parents will receive for adoption. An amendment to one of the laws extends one-time payments to employees of schools, colleges and universities.

"'I see this as a very good thing,' said Naderah Salim, CEO of the Children's Network... 'Anything we can do that shows the families and the children that you are valued. This is a big step for families... The more resources we can put into the hands of a family, the better they can take care of the children.'"

Children's Family Network contracts with the Florida Department of Children and Families to care for foster children and facilitate adoptions in several counties. Though the new law has been signed by Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, the bill is pending approval of special funding.

Read more at News-Press.com.

Labels: support, financial_assistance, money

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Steve and Stephanie Johnson need about $19,000 to fulfill their dream of adopting a little girl from China. Because they don't have the money on hand, they've had to get creative in thinking of ways to raise the money. This Saturday, they're having a garage sale.

"For the last three weeks, the garage and basement of their Ellis Street home have been stocked with clothing, bicycles, exercise equipment, appliances, toys and other items donated by friends from throughout Wisconsin and from as far away as Minneapolis and Kansas."

The Johnsons expect to have their adoption file sent to China by late June or early July. Twelve to eighteen months after that, they hope to be matched with a little girl. Read more at StevensPointJournal.com.

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Labels: China, adoption_costs, money

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