Foster adoptions, or adoptions through the foster care system, usually involve children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or other concerns for their safety. The children may range in age from infants to teens, although most are toddlers and older. Many may have physical, emotional or other special needs. Children who have special needs may qualify for government-funded adoption subsidies to help families manage the costs of care and maintenance.

Families who wish to adopt through Koinonia have the opportunity to adopt foster children that are placed with the agency. The agency only works within the foster care system to assist foster children in finding permanent homes. Families wishing to adopt with Koinonia are certified under regulations as both foster and adoption-ready families in order to qualify to adopt the children that are placed with us.

Adoption is forever. It is a permanent proposition that requires a lifelong commitment by everyone involved. It is extremely important that you adopt for the right reasons. Anyone who plans to adopt must be prepared to properly deal with the financial, time and other significant lifestyle commitments that will be necessary in order for parenting to be a success. Your commitment will be tested during the process and during parenting years. Before you decide to adopt, be certain you are ready and able to give this child all the love and attention that he or she needs and deserves. In the end, adoption can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.

Koinonia works with adults who are at least 24 years of age and demonstrate the maturity and responsibility necessary to adopt a child.

Families who adopt foster children qualify for the Adoption Assistance Program (AAP). It is a federally funded, state administered, subsidy program for the adoption of special-needs children who might otherwise remain in long-term foster care.

The Reimbursement of Nonrecurring Adoption Expenses form provides information regarding court costs, adoption fees, attorney fees and "other" expenses that may be reimbursed by states through their federally aided and state funded adoption assistance programs. It is left to the state to determine the nature or type of "other" expenses that would be appropriate for reimbursement. These documents are provided by the county for reimbursement once the adoption is finalized. Usually, expenses run no more than $400 to $500 and may include the Live Scan for Adoption fee of approximately $90.

The Adoption Tax Credit is applied to federal taxes and allows adopting and adoptive parents to deduct certain adoption-related expenses from their federal tax bill. In 2004, the upper limit of the tax credit was increased to $10,390 per child, and it applies to private agency and attorney adoptions, international adoption, and the adoption of children from the U.S. foster care system. If you are interested, please visit: www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p968.pdf for additional tax information.

Adopting parents have found that exploring the following questions has helped them to feel more prepared for the joys and challenges of raising their children: