National Adoption Month
Did you know that November is National Adoption Month? One often overlooked avenue of adoption is adopting children from foster care. If you’re thinking about adopting children, you might want to check out these facts about foster care adoptions.
Adopting a child from foster care is virtually free, while private adoptions can cost up to $30,000 or more. Many employers and government agencies now offer adoption assistance in their employee benefit packages. That might include time off for maternity or paternity leave, financial incentives and other benefits. Congress has also made federal tax credits for foster care adoptions to help offset the required fees, court costs, legal and travel expenses.
The Adoption Assistance Program (AAP) is a federally funded program that offers financial assistance for eligible adoptive children who have special needs. “Special needs” means children over 8 years old, those of minority or ethnic groups, children with cognitive, emotional or physical disabilities and children with a past that puts them at risk for having special needs.
While prospective adoptive parents often want to adopt an infant, they may be unaware that there are older children in need of families. Couples who learn about an older child available for adoption, may fall in love and discover the life-changing impact they can have on that child’s life.
As many as four in 10 American adults have considered adoption. If only one out of 500 Americans adopted from the foster care system, all foster children would have homes and families.
Furthermore, prospective adoptive parents don’t need to be rich, married, homeowners, or a certain age to become an adoptive parent. What kids really need from their adoptive parents is humor, love, and commitment.
If you make the choice to become an adoptive parent, Bella is there to help capture every milestone. Visit our website today to learn more about our Bella Life Photography packages!