Paying for your Adoption

1--Adoption Tax CreditA federal income tax credit up to $10,000 (per child adopted) is allowable in the tax year in which an adoption is completed for families who meet income guidelines. For detailed information, order Publication 968 from the IRS at 800-829-3676 or download it from the Internet at
http://%20www.irs.gov/

Many employers will help with costs by reimbursing adoption expenses with a cash benefit of up to several thousand dollars. If your employer does not offer this benefit, call Adoption and the Workplace at the National Adoption Center (800-862-3678) for materials to guide you in requesting adoption assistance from your employer.

Also, ask for the complete listing of employers who do offer adoption benefits

2--Subsidies for Military Families Assistance to active members of the military who are adopting a child. See your base information officer. Also, the I.N.S. standard for "income guidelines" are more relaxed for military families. (civilian familes meeting a criteria of 125% above poverty guidelines and military families - 100%).

3--A Child Waits Foundation
A resource for international adoption financing for those seeking adoption loans and adoption grants http://www.achildwaits.org/index.html
866 999-2445 (866 999-child)
FAX: 518 794-6243
1136 Barker Rd, Pittsfield, MA 01201
cnelson@achildwaits.org

4--ABBA Fund
http:http://www.abbafund.org/
PO Box 78800
Charlotte, NC 28271-7042

The ABBA Fund provides interest-free covenant loans to Christian couples who are called by God to expand their families through adoption and who need help with the "cash flow crunch" posed by adoption expenses

5--NATIONAL ADOPTION FOUNDATION (NAF)
http://www.nafadopt.org/
100 Mill Plain Road
Danbury, CJ 06811
203-791-3811

Loan programs are open for any expense an adoptive family may have before, during or after their adoption is finalized. The NAF offers the Adoption Assistance Loan through American General Financial Services. This is actually a general credit-based loan that can be used for any purpose once the funds are dispersed to you. You can apply online at http://www.nafadopt.org/loanprograms.htm

6--OXFORD ADOPTION FOUNDATION
Telephone:
239/430-6240
Fax:
239/430-4663
Address:
4309 Crayton Rd. Naples, FL 34103
E-mail:
info@oxfordadopt.com

Oxford offers no interest or low interest loans for international adoptions, based upon financial need. Oxford will generally lend up to $5,000 per child, up to a maximum of $10,000.

7--LIFE INTERNATIONAL
http://www.lifeintl.org/
PO Box 40
202 N. Ford St
Gridley, IL 61744
309-747-3556
info@lifeintl.org

Life International encourages Christian couples to adopt a child by relieving some of the financial burden of international and domestic adoption. They offer Interest-Free Loans.


Disclaimer: All of the following information is verified as accurate as of March 4, 2009. We are not responsible for any inaccurate information and posting this does not guarantee you any financial assistance into any particular program.

Georgia Adoption Registry

Georgia's Adoption Reunion Registry was created as a result of a state law effective on July 1, 1990. The purpose of the Registry is to offer services to birth parents, adopted persons, adoptive parents and siblings who are affected by adoptions finalized in Georgia.
For more information or to register, contact:

Georgia Adoption Reunion Registry
Families First/ Office of Adoptions
2 Peachtree St N.W. Suite 8-407
Atlanta, GA 30303-3143
(404) 657-3555
1-888-328-0055

Positive Adoption Language

Many times, people are uninformed, insensitive, or even just rude when commenting on "real" families. Words do hurt and it's important to know and educate others about the appropriate words and phrases to use (and not to use) when discussing adoption.

Avoid using: "real" or "natural" when referring to mother, father, or sibling, because: this implies that the adoptive relationships are artificial, tentative, or not real. Use Instead: "Birth" or "biological mother, father, or sibling"

Avoid using: "own child", because this suggests that the adoptive relationships are less important than biological relationships. Use instead: "birth child", "child by birth"

Avoid using: "taken away", "given up", because this implies that children are stolen or forgotten, rather than adopted legally and with forethought. Use instead: "Termination of parental rights".

Avoid using: "Surrendered", "relinquished", "gave away", "put up", because this is a poor description of a birth parent's decision making process and choice. Instead use "chose adoption", "created an adoption plan"

Avoid using: "to keep", as this indicates that children are possessions. Use instead: "To parent"

Avoid using: "adoptive child", or "adoptive parent", as no qualifiers are needed. Use instead: son, daughter, mom, dad, grandparent

Avoid using: "foreign adoption", has despite all advances, this still has a negative connotation. Use instead: "International adoption".

Avoid using: "is adopted" because it is a one-time event. Use instead: "Was adopted"

Adapted from information obtained by NACAC