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Adopting FAQ
What is fost-adopt?
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.
I just want to adopt. Why do I have to do fost-adopt?
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.
Is adoption right for me?
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.
How old do I have to be to adopt?
Koinonia works with adults who are at least 24 years of age and demonstrate
the maturity and responsibility necessary to adopt a child.
Is there any financial support available?
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.
Are there any tax credits for adoption?
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.
Are there other important questions that I should consider in adopting?
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:
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