ADOPTION RESOURCES

Replies:

• 
• by
  • iamboysgirl
  on Oct. 31, 2007 at 10:38 AM

• Hey, one of the things that helped us the most was "Adoptive Families Magazine's" Annual Report... you can order it on their web site (http://www.adoptivefamilies.com/).  It is like the Consumer Reports on adoption once a year.

  
  

  We also found the following to be helpful:

  1. Bethany Christian Services www.bethany.org
  2. Families for Private Adoption www.ffpa.org
  3. The American Academy of Adoptive Attorneys http://www.adoptionattorneys.org/
  4. Child Welfare Information Gateway www.childwelfare.gov
  5. Shaohanna's Hope http://members.shaohannahshope.org/site/PageServer?pagename=homepage - especially if you are working with an agency and you need fininacial assitance.
  6. A Mother's Charm http://www.motherscharm.org/
  7. Mercy Ministries http://www.mercyministries.org/
     

  I'll get DH to give me the list of books we used to make our decision, and post them later.

  
  Andrea
  
  
  Waiting on our miracle! Visit our website at www.steveandandreaadopt.com. 

• 
• by
  • JSBadopt
  on Oct. 31, 2007 at 5:38 PM
• I can't take credit for this, but this was posted in another group and think it could be useful for this too.
  
  I (crystalbug) was just browsing a bunch of adoption sites and I found this list of a bunch of different things that will help the cost of adoption.  I know how expensive it can be so I got really excited about this.  I hope this can help someone! I copies and pasted it, I hope I don't get in trouble, but it didn't say it was copy righted. :)
  
  GRANT PROGRAMS:
  
  The Gift of Adoption Fund
  Gene Wika
  101 East Pier Street, 1st Floor
  Port Washington, WI 53074
  Phone# 1-414-268-1368 (for application)
  Phone# 1-877-905-2367
  Phone# 1-262-268-1386
  Website: www.giftofadoption.org
  The Gift of Adoption Fund is a non-profit foundation funding donations and fundraising events. Gift of Adoption Fund is established to assist poverty stricken adoptive parents by providing cash grants to subsidize a portion of the costs of adoption. Grants are awarded on a monthly basis with sums ranging from $2,000 to $5,000. The grants are available to single parents, families with previous children, and prospective adoptive parents who are adopting internationally, interpedently or through an agency. Applicants may apply up to three times.
  
  Bright Futures
  Jill Tate- Executive Director
  3209 33rd Street
  Columbus, NE 68601
  E-mail: brightfutures@alltel.net
  Website: www.homestead.com/brightfutures
  Bright Futures Foundation is a non-profit 501(c) (3) foundation that endeavors to help internationally orphaned/abandoned children find forever families. Bright Futures fundraises nationally to reduce the fees necessary to adopt. Bright Futures is constantly working to raise funds to grant to families who are endeavoring to bring home waiting children
  
  National Adoption Foundation
  100 Mill Plain Rd.
  Danbury, CT 06811
  Phone # 1-203-791-3811
  Website: www.nafadopt.org
  Families can apply to this foundation for an outright grant. The grant program is open to all legal adoptions including public or private agency adoptions, international, special needs or adoptions facilitated by an attorney. There is no income requirement. There is a simple one-page application and the only requirement to apply is a home study, or one in progress. The Foundation's board meets four times a year, during the last week of each quarter, to award grants in amounts ranging from $500 to $4000.
  
  The National Adoption Center in Philadelphia
  1500 Walnut St. Suite 701
  Philadelphia, PA 19102
  Phone # 1-215-735-9988
  Fax # 1-215-735-9410
  E-mail: nac@adopt.org
  Website: www.adopt.org
  This site consists of a list of corporations who give grants for adoption contract. Additionally, the NACIP offers material on how to get employee incentive programs related to the adoption process. For more information on this call, 1-800-TO-ADOPT
  
  The Ibsen Adoption Network
  Marilyn Brisbane
  2730 French Road. N.W.
  Olympia, WA 98502
  Phone # 1-360-866-7036
  Fax # 1-360-866-7059
  E-mail: wgbris@aol.com
  Website: www.angelfire.com/home/IBSEN
  This program is for Washington state residents only. Ibsen Adoption Network is a private non-profit organization. There soul purpose is to create a network and to generate funds that will provide financial assistance, educational and emotional support to families adopting waiting children. The Allocation Committee meets twice a year to consider assistance requests for small grants of $1,000 for waiting children.
  
  Love Knows No Borders
  500 B Monroe Turnpike, Box 4
  Monroe CT 06468
  Phone # 1-410-286-5586
  Website: www.loveknowsnoborders.com
  LKNB was founded in 2000 in an effort to assist with the costs of domestic and international adoption. LKNB is an organization that believes that financial concerns need not serve as an obstacle to individuals and couples willing to open their hearts to a child through adoption. To receive an application send a self-addressed send a self-addressed stamped envelope to the above stated address.
  
  Our Chinese Daughters Foundation Inc.
  Dr. Jane A Liedtke, Founder
  P.O. Box 1243
  Bloomington, IL 61702-1243
  E-mail: Janeliedtke@yahoo.com
  website: www.ocdf.org
  The Chinese Daughters Foundation will award two to four mini-grants for a total of $1,000 annually. The purpose of these mini-grants is to support activities and events which provide Chinese Cultural programs to adoptive families or support single persons adopting children from China in the pre- and post-adoption process.
  
  
  LOAN PROGRAMS:
  
  The National Adoption Foundation Loan Program
  100 Mill Plain Rd.
  Danburg, CT 06811
  Phone # 1-888-240-7730
  Website: www.nafadopt.org/LoanPrograms.htm
  The National Adoption Foundation (NAF) through MBNA helps adoptive parents and prospective adoptive families with costs of adopting and raising a child by providing financial support, information and services. One such program is the NAF Gold Option Loan. It's an unsecured loan that gives families an additional source of needed funds, without pledging their homes or other forms of collateral. National Adoption Foundation Gold Option Loan Combines the Best Features of an Installment Loan and a Revolving Line of Credit. Families may borrow the amount needed for now ranging from $1500-$30,000 (with no collateral required). The loan currently has an Annual Percentage Rate as low as 12.99% and your choice of fixed monthly payments.
  
  The Nation Adoption Foundation Credit Card
  Phone # 1-800-932-2775 (Mention priority code AF2R)
  Website: www.nafadopt.org/NafCreditCard.htm
  Through a special arrangement with MBNA America Bank, the National Adoption Foundation receives a contribution to the Foundation, all at no additional cost to you. These much-needed funds help support the work of the foundation and its grant for adopting parents. In fact, the National Adoption Foundation credit card may even save you money. You'll receive an introductory 3.9% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) on balance transfers and cash advance checks and No Annual Fee.
  
  The National Adoption Foundation
  Loan Program
  100 Mill Plain Road
  Danburg, CT 06811
  Phone # 1-800-841-1982 (use code AAAP)
  Home equity loans at 100 % of the value. Fixed rate MBMA. Flexible loans dependant upon credit (even poor credit will be considered), and qualifying factors.
  
  A Child Waits Foundation
  Cynthia and Randolph Nelson
  1136 Barker Road #12
  Pittsfield, MA 01201
  Phone# 866-999-2445 or 548-794-8890, Fax:  518-794-6243
  E-mail: cnelson@achildwaits.org
  Website: www.achildwaits.org
  A Child Waits Foundation is a non-profit charitable foundation with a simple goal: to reduce the number of international children who are not adopted because prospective parents do not have the savings (finances) to pay for the total cost of the international adoption. This foundation helps parents with costs by making low interests loans which cover a portion of the adoption fees. The foundation can be viewed as providing a down payment towards the adoptive process. Eligibility is based on financial need, with each case being judged individually. The maximum loans given are $10,000 with the interest rate set at 5%.
  
  
  RELIGIOUS BASED PROGRAMS:
  
  Jacob Free Loan Foundation
  Phone # 1-413-737-2601
  Website: www.jfslink.org/freeloan.html
  This foundation provides interest free loans of up to $5000 available to Jewish members of the community to assist with adoption expenses.
  
  God's Grace Adoption Ministry
  Darin Denlinger
  PO BOX 4
  Modesto California 95353
  Phone # 1-209-572-4539
  E-mail: info@ggam.org
  Website: ggam.org
  God's Grace Adoption Ministry Inc. was established as a non-profit organization to help provide needy children of the world with Christian families by helping adoptive-parents overcome the financial burden of adopting children. It is the belief of this corporation that the placement of children into Christian homes ministers to a child's physical and spiritual well being. As such this corporation prioritizes families that are a two parent home. Christian families are a must, however the income level must below 60,000. Families with previous children are welcome. Application available online.
  
  
  REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAMS:
  
  Military Adoption Reimbursement Program
  Website: www.nmfa.org/adoption.html
  Adoption exchange association - Phone# 1-303-333-0845
  Within this program, the military will reimburse active-duty personnel for most one-time adoption costs up to $2000 per child, whether adopting a healthy infant, a waiting child, or a child from abroad. Travel costs, foreign or domestic, are not covered. There is a maximum of $5000 in a given year, even if both parents are in the military. Reimbursement is made only after the adoption is finalized and only if the adoption was done through a state adoption agency or a non-profit private agency. Fees that can be reimbursed include adoption fees; placement fees, including fees for birth parent counseling: legal fees and court costs: including expenses of the biological mother and her newborn infant. Eligible personnel should complete DD form 2673 (Reimbursement for Adoption Expense). Contact your local Personnel Support Unit for more information.
  
  Employer Adoption Benefits
  Phone # 1-800-862-3678
  Website: www.adopt.org/datacenter/faces/emplist.html
  Some employers will help with costs by reimbursing expenses with a cash benefit of up to several thousand dollars. A list of employers offering benefits can be found at the website above. If your employer does not have this benefit, call Adoption and the Workplace at the National Adoption Center (1-800-862-3678) for materials to guide you in requesting adoption assistance from your employer. In addition, if you are employed by an organization with more than 50 employees, you should also qualify for parental leave under the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) program.
  
  State Non-Recurring Subsidy
  Phone # 1-800-470-6665
  Website: www.nacac.org/subsidyfactsheets/internationaladoption.HTML
  NACAC's Adoption Subsidy Resource Center. The following states will provide one-time reimbursement for non-recurring subsidy of an internationally adopted child. Amounts vary by state up to $2000 per child, and require that the child meet state criteria for subsidy: AL, AK, GA, HI, ID, IA, KS, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NH, OH, OK, SC, SD, VT. Many states (whether or not they allow for subsidy) offer a state tax credit for adoption. There is often an added benefit program for those who adopt children classified as "special needs" (often considered correctable). Sometimes these subsidies can apply to international children.
  
  
  OTHER OPTIONS:
  
  Kingdom Kids
  Michelle Gardner
  8652 N. Whitehouse Drive
  Spokane, WA 98208
  Phone# 509-465-3520
  Phone# 509-710-7876
  E-mail: kingdomkids@effectnet.com
  Website: www.kkadoption.com
  Kingdom Kids has developed a program by which prospective adoptive families raise funds for their adoption. Once you decide on which agency to hire, which program suits your family, and what your financial need is, the process of fundraising can begin. The first step is to obtain a fund raising packet. Next you will develop a support letter which explains your situation and the details of your adoption. Next you will develop a mailing list of prospective donors. This may include family, church members, friends, neighbors, and businesses in your area. All donations are written off as tax deductible. Donations are sent directly to KK to be used for adoption expenses.
  
  A Mother's Love
  Valerie Gagnon
  E-Mail: valeriegagnon@amotherslovefundraising.com
  Website: www.amotherslovefundraising.com
  Valerie is an adoptive mom who helps people all across the country through fundraising to defray the cost of their adoptions. She will supply fundraising flyers and catalogs at no charge.
  
  Adoption Tax Credit
  Phone# 1-800-829-3676 (1125)
  Website: www.irs.gov/form_pubs/pubs.html
  Tax benefits for adoption publication # 968 (Guideline Pamphlet)
  Click here to download form directly
  Allows a $10,390 per child income tax credit towards qualified adoptive expenses paid or incurred by the taxpayer. The Internal Revenue Publication #968, "Tax Benefits for Adoption", is available by calling or by checking out the IRS website. Prospective adoptive parents should check with their tax advisors regarding their eligibility for this incredible credit.
  
  
  
   Adoption Beauty Marked
  

• 
• by
  • Sonia123979
  on Jan. 10, 2008 at 7:45 PM
• I stumbled upon a great website that lists countries in alphabetical order and offers advice on how to proceed, what the time lines are, etc.  Its www.myadoptionlinks.com  It is updated periodically with up to date information, gives names or accredited agencies for all countries, a valuable resource. 

• 
• by
  • adopt4
  on Feb. 16, 2008 at 10:12 AM
• Also, WACAP is an agency that does international as well as domestic adoptions, and they have donors that give subsidies to certain children or even pay all the agency and country fees (you still pay homestudy, INS, travel).  We are working with them on a child with a subsidy and it has made a big difference to have so much of the cost knocked off by a generous donor.
  
  They also do domestic older child, where there are no adoption fees and you get your homestudy cost credited on your taxes once you've completed the adoption, so it ends up costing nothing...
  

  Wherever you go, there you are. -  Buckaroo Bonzai

• 
• by
  • Tynan7
  on Feb. 20, 2008 at 9:07 PM
• Here is something to check out for financial help. It helped us with our last adoption. www.giftofadoption.org any questions please feel free to write me. PAM

• 
• by
  • AdoptiveMom2004
  on Mar. 25, 2008 at 2:00 AM
• I am writing to you as a fellow adoptive parent - someone who went through three years (6 In Vitro cycles) and left that leg of my journey to motherhood still with empty arms. My husband and I then moved forward to adoption as a way to create our family. Though our story ended with a very happy ending - the adoption of our daughter Ariel Faith at birth in July of 2004, there were many bumps along the way. I have made it my own personal mission through a blog I have created and a book I am writing (Another Path to Motherhood) to help other adoptive couples avoid some of the pitfalls we fell into while in the waiting to be chosen by a birth mother phase of our adoption. We had an online ad for six months and did our own phone call answering and screening of the calls we received. This proved to be a heart wrenching and defeating part of our adoption path. We received call after call from women who were "working" with more than one adoptive couple in order to seek financial assistance. We did not know what questions to ask at times and to be honest we were both emotionally exhausted after so many years of unsuccessful infertility treatment. Secondly as you know - the Dear Birth Mother letter is the only real way to present yourself to birth mothers aside from any contact your agency or attorney has with birth mothers. Our Dear Birth Mother letter went through numerous changes before we finally added one more adoption professional to our team who really helped us create a document that really reflected who we were and from that - we were selected to parent our precious daughter. If you feel like you would be helped by adding some help with your outreach in the way of having a professional adoptive coach answering calls for you and also someone very well versed in what birth mothers seek in a profile/birthmother letter, please go to Cindy's website - www.infantadoptioncoach.com or my blog - www.adoptivemom.wordpress.com. I have referred many couples to this wonderful woman who assisted us over the years that I now act as a more active source of referrals as I feel so strongly about her value and resources. Sincerely, Kelli Suchy adoptivemom@sbcglobal.net

• 
• by
  • IncMoms.com
  on Aug. 12, 2008 at 8:51 AM

• Hi Everyone!

  My husband and I are also in the longest wait.....this is a link to a helpful list of articles on adoption (and infertility) (and a few other things, that can be skipped over if not interested)

  Best of luck to everyone!

  http://parentingsquad.com/lori-kerrigan

• 
• by
  • LoriSam7879
  on Sep. 23, 2008 at 10:24 AM

• Hi Everyone,

   

        I’m new here and was really excited to read some of the great information posted. I thought I’d post a little of my experience as it may help someone out there. My husband and I had been trying to have a baby for over 10 years. He has an 11 year old daughter whom I absolutely adore. I am the only mom she knows and legally adopting her is something I have been considering for a long time. We’ve tried pretty much any and everything to have a baby of our own, until we thought, there are so many babies in the world without parents, let’s look into finding our little boy or girl else where. One day, my best friend Cindy who was also trying for years told me she thought she found the answer to our prayers. Cindy is a night owl, lol she stays up all night searching for something or someone that would help us with this search of adopting a child.  It has been extremely expensive and exhausting as I’m sure many of you know.  Well, I was at my wits end one day when she sent me a link to a free e-booklet. I wasn’t really sure what it was but honestly, I think it changed our lives the day we began reading of the possibilities of adopting a baby right here in the US and legally adopting my step- daughter even though we don’t know where her mom is. I couldn’t believe this was at all possible but I did my own research and found the company to be legit and very informative. We are now on the last stages of the adoption for my stepdaughter to legally become my daughter. I had no idea we could actually do this for more than half the price of a normal adoption and in less time. Those of you out there that have given up hope, please believe me when I say, All things are possible if you believe. Take a look at the link to the free e-booklet. Grab a cup of café and sit down and read of the possibilities. I truly hope this has helped someone. Not only are we almost complete with the adoption of my step daughter, we think we’ve found a baby we’d like to adopt and it’s a very true possibility because the biological mother is ready and willing. We are sooo excited. Let me know what you guys think. http://www.myadoptionforms.com/booklet.html#Signup.

  Lori
  

• 
• by
  • Spicymomma72
  on Oct. 3, 2008 at 9:36 AM

• 
  

       Hello,

            I'd like to start by saying thank you very much for your post. I have been searching and searching for legit information on doing an adoption independently. Up until I found your post I didn't think it was possible. I did my own little research on the company you suggested and was very impressed. I called and spoke with a live customer service rep. which blew me away. All the other places, I got no response.  I have 2 children and looking into adopting my 14 year old sisters newborn baby.  I am very close to making a decision on that company and I think its unanimous. lol. Thanks again and God Bless.

  
  

    Andrea
  

• 
• by
  • MrsBonsai
  on Oct. 3, 2008 at 1:32 PM

• Here are some great resources for Embryo Adoption
  

  None of the following are in any particular order of importance (just alphabetical (except the news/info!) ;) ).  They're all great information and should be looked into before choosing a personal direction:
  
  Education/online chats with placers, adoptors, social workers, lawyers, doctors, etc:
  CEDA Education: http://www.cedaeducation.org/home.html
  
  Embryo Adoption Awareness Campaign: http://www.embryoadoption.org/
  
  Agencies/Services:
  The Abraham Center of Life, LLC (not full service.  They help locate services.) http://www.theabrahamcenteroflife.com/embryodonation.html
  
  Bethany Christian Services Embryo Adoption In House Program: http://www.bethany.org/A55798/bethanyWWW.nsf/0/1CA188422535A9E8852572750070B241
  
  Cooper Center Donor Embryo Program: http://www.ccivf.com/embryo_program.html
  
  Embryos Alive: http://www.embryosalive.com/
  
  Jacksonville Center for Reproductive Medicine: http://jcrm.org/page.php?page=Services%20Info&id=3
  
  Miracles Waiting: http://miracleswaiting.org/membersonly3/modules/tinycontent/?id=1
  
  National Embryo Donation Center (NEDC) (aka National Embryo Adoption Center) http://www.embryodonation.org/index.html
  
  Nightlight Christian Adoptions (Snowflakes): http://www.nightlight.org/snowflakeadoption.htm
  
  Prenatal Adoption: http://prenataladoption.com/
  
  Reprotech: http://www.reprot.com/PApages/donor.html
  
  You can also find out if your local reproductive endocrinologist has a program (SEVERAL DO!). 
  
  News/Stories/Informational:
  Embryo Adoption or Embryo Donation?: The Distinction and Its Implications: http://www.cbhd.org/resources/reproductive/cunningham_2003-04-17.htm
  
  EMBRYO ADOPTION: Saving lives and building families: http://www.christianexaminer.com/Articles/Articles%20Jun06/Art_Jun06_20.html
  
  Seeing Them for What They Are: http://www2.focusonthefamily.com/focusmagazine/sohl/a000000155.cfm
  
  Adoption, not Donation: http://www.preconception.com/articles/alternative-family-building/adoption-not-donation-1321/
  
  For the Least of These: http://www2.focusonthefamily.com/focusmagazine/sohl/a000000110.cfm
  
  Embryo Adoption I-II: http://resources.family.org/product/cd265.do?code=ol03xrdrc
  
  Should Fertilized Eggs Have Rights? http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1686729,00.html
  
  Snowflake Kids: What Should We Do With Frozen Embryos? http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1428794/posts
  
  Frozen Embryo's are a Human Life http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Vp7NAsS02Y
  
  Choosing Embryo Adoption http://www.perspectivespress.com/carembryo.html
  
  Resolve: Embryo Donation - A Family Building Option
  An Online Guide for Potential Recipients of Donated Embryos http://www.resolve.org/site/PageServer?pagename=lrn_wamo_pr
  
  Resolve: Embryo Donation - A Family Building Option
  An Online Guide for Potential Embryo Donors http://www.resolve.org/site/PageServer?pagename=lrn_wamo_pd
  
  
  Books
  A Blessing from Above (Little Golden Book) by Patti Henderson (Author), Elizabeth Edge (Illustrator)

  
  Before You Were Born...Our Wish For A Baby (The Story of Embryo Donation)  - by Janice Grimes
  
  Embryo Donation and Embryo Adoption: Loving Choices for Christians - by John D. Van Regenmorter, Slyvia A. Van Regenmorter
  
  Hope & Will Have a Baby: The Gift of Embryo Donation - by Iréné Celcer
  
  
  Personal Stories!
  Lancaster embryo adoption story http://www.truveo.com/Lancaster-embryo-adoption-story/id/1451788909
  
  Twins adopted as embryos  http://www.baptistpress.org/bpnews.asp?id=25943
  
  EMBRYO ADOPTION: Saving lives and building families http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=23365
  
  EMBRYO ADOPTION: Unique process was answer to three years of infertility for Houston, Texas couple  http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=23366
  
  EMBRYO ADOPTION: Birth of twins, formerly frozen embryos, gives young couple unique outlook on stem cell debate  http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=23372
  
  EMBRYO ADOPTION: 'It's the cure for infertility,' mother says after giving birth to 2 children through embryo adoption  http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=23384
  
  For This Child I Prayed http://www.bethany.org/A55798/bethanyWWW.nsf/c79edbd86c517a1d852569c800702556/98d1255a5f22fdbe85257289006fa5f7?OpenDocument
  
  Goodness of God http://www.bethany.org/A55798/bethanyWWW.nsf/c79edbd86c517a1d852569c800702556/b3743aca1e62933d85257289006f62cf?OpenDocument
  
  
  Other Embryo Adoption Message Boards/Support:
  Bethany Christian Services: http://discussion.bethany.org/index.php
  
  Cafe Mom: http://www.cafemom.com/
  
  Child of My Heart: http://s1.zetaboards.com/Child_Of_My_Heart/index/
  
  Hannah's Prayer: http://hannahsprayer.org/board/index.php?act=idx
  Note: Hannah's Prayer is a private forum.  Joining is free.  You have to post an intro, and then a total of 10 posts before you see all the forums, including the very active Embryo Adoption forum.
  
  Stepping Stones: http://stepforums.bethany.org/index.php?sid=def9240254aa88e57ca0c50f2bccc435
  
  
  Canada
  Frozen dreams http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2003/nov/16/health.genetics
  
  Embryo adoption solves dilemma for Cdn couple http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20020831/embryo_adoption_020831/
  
  Embryo-adoption program to offer couples last chance: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/RTGAMArticleHTMLTemplate?tf=tgam/realtime/fullstory_print.html&cf=tgam/realtime/config-neutral&articleDate=20020304&slug=wxembry&date=20020304&archive=RTGAM&site=Front
  

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