Adoption for Military Families
Overview
Ways for military families to adopt a child.
Adoption is a dream come true for thousands of families each year. But military families often face extra challenges in the adoption process because of their frequent moves. In recent years, adoption agencies have come to realize the benefits that military families can offer adoptive children -- and they are helping make the process easier. Although challenges still exist, many military families are finding ways to make their adoption dreams a reality.
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Adoption options
If you're considering adoption, start by thinking about what kind will work best with your family. Think about your options and your family's wishes carefully before you make the decision.
- Domestic adoption. Domestic adoption refers to adoption of a child within the U.S. There are several ways to do this:
- Public agencies. State-run agencies often handle the adoption of children placed in their care. Many are school-age children who have spent several years in foster care.
- Private agencies. Private agencies help prospective adoptive parents locate a child and guide them through the adoption process. Choosing an agency is an important step in the adoption process -- look for a licensed agency with experience working with military families.
- Independent. Some families choose independent adoption -- adoption without the use of an agency. Prospective parents need an intermediary, such as an attorney who specializes in adoption, to help them meet the legal requirements in their state. But the prospective parents use their own resources and networking skills to locate a child -- often by advertising in newspapers, magazines, and Web sites.
- Kinship. Adopting a stepchild, niece, nephew, grandchild, or cousin is considered kinship adoption. Although you probably won't need an agency, you will need an attorney who specializes in adoption to help facilitate the paperwork in your state.
- International adoption. Most international adoptions are completed with the help of an agency specializing in international adoption. Although international adoption has been around since the 1950s, its popularity has increased dramatically in the last few years. If you're thinking about international adoption, be sure to keep the following in mind:
- In 2008 the U.S. signed the Hague Convention, which regulates adoptions between participating countries. If you are adopting from a Hague Convention country, you must use an accredited adoption agency and attend an adoption education class. For more information, including a listing of Hague Convention countries, visit the Department of State's Web site at www.adoption.state.gov.
- Each foreign country offering children for adoption has regulations that spell out the conditions the adoptive parents must meet. As you research the countries, make sure you understand and can meet these requirements.
- Many international adoptions are transracial. Be sure to take this into consideration as you research your options.
- Children with special needs. Children with special needs are available both domestically and internationally. Before you begin the process of adopting a child with special needs, it's important to take time to consider the special need carefully, including your ability to raise a child who will need additional care. Some states offer subsidies for families who adopt children with special needs. The military's Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) may be able to provide you with more information on raising a child with special needs.
- Older children. There are many older children available for adoption both domestically and abroad. Before pursuing the adoption of an older child, it's important to consider how an older child might fit into your family.
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Steps to adoption
As you begin the adoption process, you'll want to make sure you can meet the necessary legal requirements. An adoption agency can guide you through the legalities and paperwork, so finding the right agency is an important step.
- Legal requirements. The legal requirements for adopting a child vary from state to state. If you're adopting internationally, you'll also have to meet the requirements of the foreign country. Requirements can relate to factors such as age, marital status, health, and criminal history. Your agency can guide you through these requirements, as well as offer options to help you adopt if you don't meet all the requirements for one particular type of adoption.
- Choosing an agency. Some agencies shy away from working with military families, while others embrace the opportunity. You'll want an agency that can work with your needs and guide you through the process. Adoptive Families magazine ( www.adoptivefamilies.com) maintains a comprehensive list of both domestic and international agencies. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing an agency:
- Agency requirements. Some agencies have requirements that go beyond the legal requirements of your state (or country, for international adoptions). For example, some may require that you have a particular religious affiliation or meet certain financial conditions. When talking with an agency, make sure you understand the difference between the agency's requirements and the legal requirements. If you don't meet the agency's requirements, you may be able to find an agency that can fit your needs more easily.
- Accreditation. Using an accredited agency is mandatory if you're adopting internationally from a Hague Convention country.
- Experience. Does the agency have experience working with military families? Ask for references and call them to discuss their experiences with the agency.
- Costs. Fees can vary widely from agency to agency. Make sure you understand what is covered -- and what is not -- when you compare agencies.
- Nonprofit. The military adoption subsidy, a $2,000 reimbursement per child, is available if you use a qualifying agency. If you're planning on applying for the adoption subsidy, you'll want to make sure the agency meets the requirements for reimbursement, including nonprofit status. (See "Adoption costs and financing options" below.)
- Travel schedule. If you will need to travel to complete your adoption, you'll want to find an agency that can be flexible with your travel schedule. Military duty sometimes dictates when a military member can or can't travel.
- Your home study. The home study is a requirement for all adoptions -- domestic or international. Normally, it is your first step after choosing an adoption agency. The home study is completed by a licensed social worker -- either through your agency or privately. If you're adopting internationally, you may find that your home study must be completed by a social worker affiliated with a licensed adoption agency. The home-study process includes several interviews and at least one visit to your home.
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Challenges military families face
Although adopting a child has become easier for military families, there are still challenges. With planning, however, the process can move smoothly.
- Moving. Because rules and regulations differ from state to state, you may find yourself having to duplicate certain expensive requirements -- such as a home study -- when you move. If possible, try to complete the adoption process at one duty station. You may want to research your state's laws and choose an agency before you move so you can begin the process quickly at your new duty station.
- Living overseas. Many military families believe it will be too difficult to adopt while stationed overseas. However, you can adopt if you live outside the U.S. First, you'll want to find an agency experienced in working with U.S. citizens living abroad. Adoption support groups in overseas locations can help you find the resources you'll need to complete your adoption.
- Deployments. Because so much adoption paperwork must include signatures from both adoptive parents, a deployment can put the adoption process on hold for several months. If possible, complete the necessary paperwork, such as the criminal background check, home study, and fingerprinting, before the deployment. Keep in mind that service members may be eligible for a deployment deferment when adopting a child. See your personnel office for specifics.
- Background checks. Most adoptions require criminal background checks. If you've lived overseas, these checks can be difficult. Your agency may be able to help you obtain the necessary paperwork, or you may be able to obtain a background check from the military law-enforcement office at your overseas duty station.
- Travel. If you're adopting from another state or a foreign country, you may need to travel to complete the adoption. Adoption from some foreign countries requires that both parents travel, which may be a problem for service members. Some countries also require multiple or extended trips. Sometimes military duty cannot accommodate such a lengthy travel schedule. If there is a possibility that your spouse can't travel with you, work with your agency to come up with an alternate plan. You may also want to ask a family member or friend to travel with you for emotional support.
- Adoption leave. Service members may be eligible for an additional 21 days of adoption leave. However, when two married service members adopt a child, only one is eligible for the leave. See your personnel office for details.
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Adoption costs and financing options
Although adoption costs can be overwhelming, there are several ways to help defray them. As you budget for your adoption expenses, be sure to look at all available resources.
- Adoption costs. Adoption costs vary widely -- from nothing to as much as $60,000. Some adoptions, such as those arranged through public agencies for children with special needs, may cost little or nothing. But most adoptions will cost somewhere between $10,000 and $30,000. You will not incur all the expenses at one time, but over several months or years. Costs for adoption can be broken down by:
- Agency fees
- Home-study costs
- Medical costs for the birth mother and baby (in some domestic adoptions)
- Court and legal fees
- Immigration fees for international adoptions (visit www.uscis.gov for current information)
- Program fee for foreign country (in international adoptions)
- Travel
- Fees to certify documents and conduct background checks
When you talk with an agency about adoption, make sure you understand what costs are included in the agency's fees before you make a commitment. Costs can vary widely, depending on the agency, state, or country. For international adoption between Hague Conventions countries, adoption fees must be itemized and disclosed up front.
- Military subsidy. A subsidy of $2,000 per child (up to $5,000 per calendar year for multiple adoptions) is available to military families who choose to adopt. The subsidy is available once the adoption is finalized and only if the adoption is arranged through a qualified adoption agency. The subsidy reimburses specific adoption costs including placement fees, legal fees, and medical expenses. However, the subsidy does not reimburse travel expenses. For more information, read the DoD Adoption Reimbursement Policy at www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/134109p.pdf.
- Adoption tax credit. Families adopting a child may qualify for a tax credit to help offset the costs of adoption. This is not a tax deduction, but rather a credit to your tax liability. If you can't use all the credit in one year, it may be carried over for up to five years. For more information, read Publication 968 "Tax Benefits for Adoption" at the Internal Revenue Service Web site ( www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc607.html).
- Other options. A few organizations offer grants and low-interest loans to qualifying families who want to adopt, including:
- Gift of Adoption Fund ( www.giftofadoption.org)
- Kingdom of Kids Adoption Ministry ( www.kingdomkidsadoption.org)
- National Adoption Foundation ( www.nafadopt.org)
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Other resources
Child Welfare Information Gateway
www.childwelfare.gov
Follow the links under "Adoption" for lists of agencies and state adoption laws.
DoD Adoption Reimbursement Policy
www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/134109p.pdf
The latest DoD policy on adoption reimbursement, including definitions and procedures for reimbursement.
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
EFMP Coordinators (Marine Corps and Navy), Special Needs Advisors (Army), and Special Needs Coordinators (Air Force) can give you more information about the military's Exceptional Family Member Program. Visit their Web sites at:
KMC Adoption Support Group (Germany)
www.usadopteurope.com
Group meets regularly and has an informative Web site, including referrals to adoption professionals. Includes information for military families living in all overseas locations.
National Military Family Association
www.nmfa.org
Information about military adoption subsidy, health care, and leave policies.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service
www.uscis.gov
Immigration information for families adopting internationally.
U.S. Department of State
www.adoption.state.gov
This Web site provides the latest news, as well as a country-by-country guide to the requirements for adopting children from more than 60 countries.
VitalChek Network, Inc.
www.vitalchek.com
Provides documentation, such as birth and marriage certificates, for a fee.
Your military support services
Each service branch sponsors information and support programs for service members and their families. You can call or visit any installation Army Community Service Center, Marine Corps Community Services, Fleet and Family Support Center, or Airman and Family Readiness Center regardless of your branch affiliation.
If you aren't near an installation, National Guard Family Assistance Centers are available in every state. The Local Community Resource Finder on the National Guard Family Program at www.guardfamily.org will identify your closest center.
Military OneSource
This free 24-hour service is available to all active duty, Guard, and Reserve members (regardless of activation status) and their families. Consultants provide information and make referrals on a wide range of issues, including adopting and parenting. Free face-to-face counseling sessions (and their equivalent by phone or online) are also available. Call 1-800-342-9647 or go to www.MilitaryOneSource.com to learn more.
Written with the assistance of Lindsay Yeakley, Public Relations Director, Great Wall China Adoption; Vincent Berger, Ph.D., Executive Director, Adoption Services, Inc.; and Christine Engel, Community Readiness Consultant, Laughlin Air Force Base.
© 2006, 2010 Ceridian Corporation, Military OneSource. All rights reserved. 022410
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