ADOPTIVE FINANCIAL  ASSISTANCE

TAX CREDIT FOR ADOPTION EXPENSES

Taxpayers who adopt a child may be able to claim a tax credit of up to $5,000. for qualified adoption expenses for each eligible child and up to $6,000. for a child with special needs. Qualified adoption expenses include reasonable and necessary adoption fees, court costs, attorneys fees and other expenses directly related to the adoption. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes under   $75,000. would be eligible for the full tax credit, while those with incomes between $75,000. and $115,000. could receive a partial tax credit. An accountant will have the details.

TAX EXEMPTION FOR EMPLOYER-ADOPTION ASSISTANCE

For employers with an adoption assistance program, Legislation allows tax exemption of up to $5,000. for expenses incurred or paid in the adoption of a child for under $75,000. and less exemption for incomes between $75,000. and $115,000.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

A Child Waits
Loan eligibility is determined by financial need. Their objective is to provide loans for prospective parents who would not be able to continue with an adoption because of lack of funds.  The maximum amount of money loaned is $7,000. for a single adoption and $10,000. for families adopting two children. Loans are given only to prospective parents adopting Internationally.

The National Adoption Foundation
The mission of the National Adoption Foundation is to encourage pre-adoptive parents and children to come together, grow, and flourish. The National Adoption Foundation provides financial support, information, and services for adoptive and prospective adoptive families in order to assist them in the successful adoption of children. Programs includes grants, unsecured loans, credit cards and deposit products to aid families with the expenses associated with adopting and raising children. These programs are made available with help from MBNA America® Bank, N.A. To apply for an MBNA loan, call (888) 627-8767. For more information about any of these programs, please call or write The National Adoption Foundation, 100 Mill Plain Road, Danbury, CT 06811, (203) 791-3811.

United Way International
Provides assistance for costs of travel for children adopted with illness needing immediate medical attention.
Applications selectively considered and must be supported with a Doctor's statement. Contact:  United Way International,  Att: Melissa Guerra, 701 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) 519-0092

WACAP
World Association for Children and Parents is a well-established adoption agency offering financial assistance to perspective parents that adopt through their organization

Credit Unions
Credit unions may also offer a special adoption loan program.

ADOPTION AIR FARES

The Preston Group
An Adoption Air Fare program has been put together by The Preston Group, an established travel agency in Salt Lake City, Utah. They specialize in saving money for last minute travel arrangements which normally can be very costly. Just mention it is for adoption related matters. Ask for Debb, Traci, or Jill
for assistance at 1(800) FLY-4KIDS (359-4543).

FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT (FMLA)

FMLA
The federal FMLA and the California counterpart, the California Family Right Act of 1993 (CFRA) provide covered employees with the right to an unpaid leave of absence for up to 12 weeks within a 12 month period, in order to address family and medical responsibilities. This leave can be taken in the event of an adoption. Eligibility starts with employers who regularly employ 50 or more employees. One must have been employed for at least 12 months and worked at leased 1250 hours during those preceding 12 months. Specific details and individual circumstances should be addressed to an employment professional.

INSURANCE BENEFITS FOR THE ADOPTED CHILD

Laws have mandated that all insurance companies offer and provide dependent benefits to a child being adopted by the policy subscriber. This coverage usually takes place upon birth of a newborn. Check with your medical insurance representative.