Adoption Resources
TAPESTRY
Tapestry is a wonderful support system for adoptive families. To find out about all of Tapestry’s upcoming events and activities please visit them at www.tapestryministry.org
Or contact them at tapestry@irvingbible.org. Their Conference is coming up in October ..here is their link! http://tapestryconference.org or here to find out more about their different support groups: Tapestry Ministries
Book – Refuel your Wait – Find Hope and Overcome Fear While Adopting – written by Laci Richter
In a world full of waiting, we could all use a little faith. “Refuel Your Wait” speaks to the hearts of waiting adoptive parents, but could also encourage anyone who finds themselves waiting for that next life goal. The text was originally a journal written by the author while she and her husband struggled to start a family. The journal entries including scripture that personally encouraged her in this challenging time is now a book filled with devotions of hope and courage. “Refuel Your Wait” includes heartbreaking and joyful personal stories of infertility, the adoption process, relationships with birth parents, and a medical miracle. This book will ask the reader to turn their wait from a passage of time into an intentional time of prayer, relationship building, and unexpected joy.
Organizations that may be able to help Adoptive Families with the costs of adopting…
Texas Christian Adoptions works hard to keep the adoption placement fee as low as possible for our adoptive families, we realize adoptions can be expensive. For this reason many grant foundations help bear the costs of adoption. Adoptive families residing in Texas may be eligible to receive aid from the state. Texas residents are also eligible to apply for many nationwide adoption grants. If you are thinking about financing your adoption, here are some helpful links that may be instrumental in finding financial assistance. PLEASE NOTE: Texas Christian Adoptions is a “for profit” agency. We have to be in order to operate within the parameters of our Statement of Faith. Make sure the resources that you work with are aware of this.
STATE ASSISTANCE
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services offers an adoption assistance program to help bear the costs associated with adopting a child with special needs. The program provides Medicaid health care coverage for the adopted child, which includes medical and dental care, eye care, medical equipment and psychiatric health care. Particular one-time expenses are eligible for reimbursement, up to $1,200 per adoption. Monthly payments are also provided to assist families with the child’s needs. Payments are determined based upon the adoptive family’s financial circumstances and the child’s special needs.
ADOPTION GRANTS, CROWDFUNDING, LOANS, FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Pathways to Little Feet
Pathways for Little Feet was founded because we believe God called us to help bridge the financial gap that was keeping families from adopting. Helping a family overcome the financial ‘mountain’ to adopt a child brings our organization so much joy! Visit their site to learn more about their loan program! www.pathwaysforlittlefeet.org
ABBA Fund
Provides adoption assistance for Christian families with adoption grants through their Christian Family Adoption Grant Fund. Apply at http://www.abbafund.org/how-we-help/ if you desire to become a part of ABBA Fund’s growing community of families.
Adoptable is a non-profit organization specializing in fundraising and event planning for families who are actively pursuing adoption. In the United States, the cost of adoption can range from $0 to upwards of $70,000, depending on the avenue of adoption. These numbers are often overwhelming to families that are wanting to adopt, but may not have the financial means to do so. That’s where their non-profit comes in. Their primary goal is to work alongside adoptive families by spearheading fundraising efforts and working with other charitable organizations to help lighten the financial payload of adoption. You can learn more about them at www.joinadoptable.com
Gift of Adoption
The Gift of Adoption awards grants for U.S. citizens adopting domestically and internationally. Applicants must have a completed home study from a licensed agency and submit a completed application, a copy of their most recent tax return and check stubs for all reported income earners, two letters of reference and a $50 application fee. Awarded grants range from $1,000 to $7,500. Apply at http: http://www.giftofadoption.org
Help Us Adopt
Help Us Adopt awards grants in June and December, ranging from $500 to $15,000. Applicants must be U.S. citizens demonstrating that they can provide a stable home environment but are facing significant financial difficulties and need help with adoption expenses. Those applying must turn in a completed home study and cannot be pursuing infertility treatments. Priority is given to those who do not yet have children. Apply at http://www.helpusadopt.org/application.html.
God’s Grace Adoption Ministry
Uses matching grants to help eligible families meet adoption expenses. For more information, visit their website at https://ggam.org.
National Adoption Foundation The National Adoption Foundation has helped over six thousand adoptive parents since 1993 to successfully grow their families with financial assistance from grants, loans and various other programs. Apply at http://fundyouradoption.org.
Both Hands
Both Hands is a wonderful agency that helps couples afford adoption when they help widows in their community (James 1:27). Learn more about them at www.BothHands.org
AdoptTogether
AdoptTogether is a non-profit, crowdfunding platform that bridges the gap between families who want to adopt and the children who need loving homes. When registering as an adopting family, you complete a brief online profile, upload a photo and your AdoptTogether profile goes live. Once your profile is LIVE you are available to generous supporters for encouragement and designated gifts. Your donation will be made to PURE CHARITY, the crowd-funding platform partner of AdoptTogether.org — and will be designated to your selected adopting family. All non-designated donations will go towards the general fund of AdoptTogether.org to help continue our mission.
Show Hope
Show Hope has provided adoption grants to families adopting from the United States and more than 50 countries with agencies that are not for profit. Show Hope only works with non-profit agencies. They would not be able to help you with an adoption from our agency since we are a for-profit agency. Prospective families must have completed “up to date” home study and be working with a licensed adoption agency. A typical grant from Show Hope averages $4,000, taking into account the financial need of the family involved. Families must submit a completed application along with a cover letter, completed questionnaire, statement of faith, net worth worksheet, cash flow worksheet, adoption agency letter, home study, tax forms and letter of recommendation from their pastor. For more information visit http://showhope.org/.
America’s Christian Credit Union (ACCU)
Provides personal loans to Christian couples. For more information visit http://www.americaschristiancu.com.
Lifesong for Orphans
Interest-free loans of $5,000 to $10,000 help couples overcome the initial “cash flow crunch” of adoption expenses. Maximize stewardship by utilizing the Federal Adoption Tax Credit offered by the government. Couples enter a covenant agreement to repay the loan through manageable payments. Repayments are used to help the current needs of new adopting families. For more information visit http://www.lifesongfororphans.org
NEAT FUNDRAISING IDEA – Thredbed
Many families fund raise by creating shirts to sell or other fun products. One idea is through Thredbed. They help adoptive families raise money by investing in quality bed linens and other related items. Check them out by clicking the above link.
TAX BENEFITS can help cover the cost of Adoption
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If you’re adopting a child, or plan to do so in the future, you know that the process can be expensive. Although expenses are minimal for adoptions through the foster system, the cost of adopting a child through a private agency averages around $43,000 in the United States. Fortunately, there are tax benefits that can help offset some of the costs. Specifically, there are two tax benefits for adoption: a tax credit for qualified adoption expenses and an income exclusion for employer-provided adoption assistance. Both are subject to a maximum amount, and both are phased out for higher-income taxpayers. Here are the details. Qualified expenses Qualified adoption expenses for the credit and exclusion include:
An eligible child is either 1) under 18 or 2) physically or mentally incapable of self-care. However, qualified adoption expenses don’t include expenses related to adopting your spouse’s child. Income limits and maximum benefits Both the credit and exclusion are phased out once your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) reaches certain levels. (MAGI is adjusted gross income with certain additions and subtractions.) For 2023, adoption tax benefits begin to phase out at MAGI of $239,230 and are eliminated once MAGI reaches $279,230. The dollar limit on adoption benefits ($15,950 per child in 2023) applies separately to the credit and the exclusion. That means you can claim both benefits in connection with the same adoption, but you can’t claim them for the same expenses. IRS rules require you to claim any allowable income exclusion before claiming any allowable credit. Suppose, for example, that in 2023, you pay $15,950 in qualified adoption expenses in connection with an adoption that’s finalized the same year. In addition, your employer reimburses you for $5,000 of these expenses. Assuming your MAGI is less than $239,230, you can exclude the $5,000 reimbursement from your gross income. This reduces your expenses for purposes of the credit by $5,000, so your credit is limited to $10,950. If, on the other hand, your qualified adoption expenses are $20,950, you’re entitled to exclude $5,000 from income and claim the full $15,950 credit. The credit isn’t refundable. But it can be carried forward for up to five years. Timing of the credit Special rules apply to the timing of the credit. They vary depending on when you pay the expenses, whether your adoption is domestic or foreign, and when the adoption is finalized (if at all). For a domestic adoption (meaning adoption of a child who’s a U.S. citizen or resident when the adoption effort begins), qualified expenses paid before the year the adoption becomes final are allowable as a credit (subject to the dollar limit) for the year following the year they’re paid (even if the adoption is never finalized). For a foreign adoption, qualified expenses are allowable as a credit (subject to the dollar limit) for the year in which it becomes final (whether they’re paid in that year or earlier). Once an adoption becomes final (whether it’s domestic or foreign), qualified expenses paid during or after that year are allowable as a credit (subject to the dollar limit) for the year of payment. Be aware that the credit limit for a particular year must be reduced for expenses paid and claimed as credits in previous years in connection with the same adoption effort. For example, if you claimed a $5,000 credit in 2022 (for expenses paid in 2021) in connection with a domestic adoption and pay another $15,950 in qualified expenses in 2023, when the adoption is finalized, your maximum credit in 2023 is $10,950 ($15,950 minus $5,000). Also, in determining the dollar limit, qualified expenses paid and claimed as a credit in connection with an unsuccessful domestic adoption must be combined with expenses paid in connection with a subsequent domestic adoption attempt (successful or not). Joint filing requirement for married couples Although individuals can claim adoption tax benefits, married couples who wish to claim the credit or exclusion must file a joint return. However, there’s an exception for couples who are separated and meet certain other requirements. Couples who filed as married filing separately in a year when qualified expenses were paid may need to amend those returns to change their filing status to married filing jointly to claim the credit or exclusion. Keep in mind, though, that changing your filing status may affect your eligibility for other tax benefits. Know the costs…If you’re contemplating adoption, familiarize yourself with the various expenses involved. Consult your tax professional to help calculate the potential tax benefits for an accurate picture of the total cost. |
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If you adopt a child with special needs, you may be eligible for tax benefits, regardless of whether you or your employer actually pay any qualified adoption expenses. Note, however, that “special needs” has a specific meaning. For purposes of the credit and exclusion, a child has special needs if:
If you adopt a child who meets this definition, you may be eligible for the maximum credit, even if you pay no qualified adoption expenses. You may also be eligible for the maximum exclusion, regardless of whether your employer pays any expenses, if your employer has a written qualified adoption assistance program. |
Employer Adoption Benefits
Many companies and government agencies are offering adoption benefits to their employees. Check with your employer to find out your company’s policies. Benefits may include:
- Adoption information and referral services
- Legal expenses
- Agency fees
- Medical expenses
- Post adoption counseling
- Paid or unpaid leave time for the adoptive parent
- Financial reimbursement
Military Reimbursements
The Department of Defense Adoption Reimbursement Program reimburses military adoptive parents up to $2,000 per child. The maximum amount available in a given year is $5,000, even if both parents are in the military. Reimbursement is made after the adoption is finalized and if the adoption is completed through a licensed agency. Qualifying expenses include agency fees, home study fees, medical fees, legal fees and more.
A child with disabilities may also be eligible for up to $1,000 a month in assistance under the military’s program for persons with disabilities. In addition, the military’s Exceptional Family Member Program is designed to ensure that families of children with special needs are assigned to duty stations where the child’s needs can be met. For more information visit http://militaryadoption.org/.
A Recommended Adoption Attorney in the Dallas/Fort Worth area…
I have had the pleasure of working with Eric Freeby from Brown Pruitt Wambsganss Ferrill & Dean P.C. for several years now. Mr. Freeby’s practice is devoted almost exclusively to adoption law, which includes independent domestic adoption, agency domestic adoption, international adoption, interstate (ICPC) adoption, special needs adoption, contested adoption, grandparent, stepparent and other family adoptions, as well as Texas Department of Family and Protective Services/Foster care adoptions, mediation, cases involving the Indian Welfare Act and adoption agency representation. Mr. Freeby also practices in the field of assisted reproduction. His contact information is as follows: 201 Main Street, Suite 801, Fort Worth, Texas 76102. His phone number is (817) 338-4888. Or toll free at (866) 433-6952. His email address is efreeby@brownpruitt.com. You can learn more by going to http://adoptionbp.com
Private Investigator in the DFW area
Sometimes Adoptees who were a part of an adoption that took place many years ago may be in need of learning more about their medical history. If you are looking for your birth family for medical reasons, I recommend Licensed Investigator Kim Deras. Her number is (817) 756-1708 and her email is Kim@hestiainvestigations.com.
A Recommended Adoption Consultant in the Houston area…
Kathie Otte has been involved in the infertility and adoption field since 1980. As a result of her own personal experience with infertility and adoption, Kathie started her business as an Adoption Consultant in 1995, educating, guiding and supporting adoptive couples on their road to adoption. At the request of the Houston Organization for Parent Education, Kathie wrote and developed the curriculum for an Adoptive Parenting Class. She has taught that class for over 15 years, helping families get ready for their long awaited child. Her website is: http://www.adoptionlady.com
You Can Adopt Without Debt – by Julie Gumm
The cost of adopting a child can be expensive, on average, ranging between $20,000 to $50,000, but there are creative and innovative ways for prospective parents to raise funds that will help them cover the costs without creating an unnecessary financial burden or a skyrocketing debt. As a well-respected expert, adoptive parent and author, Julie Gumm’s latest book, You Can Adopt Without Debt: Creative Ways to Cover the Cost of Adoption, (Abingdon Press) offers trusted advice and practical insight on how to pay for adoption.
The Whole Brain Child – 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Childs Developing Mind – Dan Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
Dan Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson have an ability to translate complex scientific things into words that the rest of us can understand. This is an easy read, especially considering that it is a book about neuroscience. Almost all of us can explain the difference between the left brain and right brain, but fewer can explain the differences between the downstairs brain and upstairs brain; the emotional brain and the logical brain. This book helped me learn about the upstairs brain and downstairs brain. A game changer at our house. In my opinion, there are only three types of people who should read this book; people who have kids, people who work with others who were once kids, and people who were once kids themselves.
I wished for you: An Adoption Story Personalized Book- by Marianne Richmond.
This touching story, available to personalize for your very special boy or girl, is the perfect gesture to show your little one how hard you wished for them and how unconditionally you love them. From award-winning illustrator and bestselling author Marianne Richmond comes a comforting story for adoptive parents and children. Customize this book to tell your family’s unique story and express to your child how blessed you are to have them to love and adore forever. About the book: With sincerity and affection, I Wished for You is a beautiful story about a mother’s unconditional love for her child. Adorable, accessible prose paired with serene watercolor illustrations, this book overflows with love. The story features an inquisitive little bear (your child) who learns from Mama Bear how families come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, but are brought together by caring and devotion. A perfect gift or treasure for all adoptive families, this narrative explores the many questions adopted children have. In a loving and honest way, the story confronts tough questions like Is it okay that we don’t look alike? and Why didn’t the mama that grew me in her tummy wish for me? The story also encourages heartwarming questions like Did you wish for me all day?, Did you wish for me by name?, and What did you do when you first held me?
Personalize this special book and document the story behind your wish that came true, and have it to share for always and forever. It is on sale for $24.99.
I found it on this link: http://www.putmeinthestory.com/personalized-books/i-wished-for-you.html
Known by her clients as the therapist who wastes no time “getting to the point”, Catherine Word Burton is an experienced therapist who has helped countless couples and singles through her private practice for over twenty-three years. She is the author of SALT (Single Again Life Training Divorce Recovery Program). She is also the author of two new books, “Don’t Give Up! You Can Be Your Own Therapist” and accompanying Workbook. Her therapy is solution focused and fast track
“Catherine really helped me process my feelings…she gave me the tools I needed to work through the issue. That, in turn, improved my relationships with those around me.” Claire – Adoptive Parent
You can reach Catherine at 214-793-6306.
Her office is located at 1500 Corporate Circle, Southlake, Texas 76092
This class covers CPR for all age groups, choke-saving, and AED use. The first aid portion of this class covers asthma, allergic reactions, seizures, bleeding control, burns, bee stings, broken bones and other life threatening emergencies. The course is for renewing, recertification, or initial certification.
Course Length: 2.5 hours
Class Price: Regular price $55 per person,
Certification: American Heart Association
Card: Valid for 2 years, receive card on same day
Location: I can teach this class at your location, anytime, anywhere
Journey2Unity – Marriage Coaching
Vision: For every marriage to experience healing, intimacy, and joy as they regain unity with God and each other.
Mission: To help couples around the world gain hope and encouragement, within a safe environment, so they can be restored to wholeness, experience true unity, and fulfill God’s purpose through their marriage
Marriage Transformation Experience – Their two-day, private, one-on-one marriage mediation is designed for couples who are struggling with multiple issues or stuck with the same repeated conflict. It’s also designed for couples in crisis who are feeling hopeless. This intensive approach allows couples the extended time needed to fully process their primary issues without the interruption of time, or hassle of scheduling multiple weekly sessions. These sessions are offered in person or virtually.
Couples will:
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- Fulfill God’s purpose for their marriage
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