White Happy Weekend Greeting Facebook Post
7Sep

The United States is a party to The Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-Operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption. We receive questions routinely from families that reside overseas asking if they can adopt domestically from the United States.

If a United States citizen resides overseas, either because they are ex-pats or in the military, can they adopt domestically in the United States? The United States Department of State has issued guidance on this matter.

FAQs: Identifying an Outgoing Case

 

What if a State court has a question about the status of an outgoing case for the
Central Authority of the receiving country?

The Department can work directly with the Central Authorities of receiving countries to try to resolve any questions about whether or not an outgoing case may be treated as a domestic adoption or a Convention adoption as well as to resolve other case-specific questions. However, State authorities are encouraged to contact the Central Authority of the Convention-receiving country directly. The Central Authority contact information is on the Hague Conference- Private International Law website Authorities page.

How do you determine whether the Convention applies in a case involving U.S. citizen prospective adoptive parent(s) residing abroad who seek to adopt a child resident in the United States?

U.S. citizen prospective adoptive parents should consult the Central Authority in the convention country where they live for a determination of habitual residence. The Convention country in which a U.S. citizen’s prospective adoptive parent is living may determine the U.S.citizen to be habitually resident in that country such that the citizen should follow a Convention process in order for a U.S. resident child to legally enter and reside in that country. As noted, the State court should defer to any such determination by a foreign Central Authority.

Would the U.S. Convention process apply in adoption cases where a U.S. citizen living in a Convention country is considered not to be resident in that country and is seeking to adopt a child resident in the United States?

If the Central Authority in the Convention country in which a U.S. citizen’s prospective adoptive parent is living determines they are not habitually resident in that country, the U.S. citizen may be able to process a domestic adoption in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations of the U.S. State where the adoption takes place. The prospective adoptive parent should ensure the child will be able to enter and reside with the prospective adoptive parent in the country in which they reside.

What about military and other U.S. government employees stationed abroad?

In determining the application of the Convention, absent specific provisions of foreign law, the habitual residence of military or other U.S. government employees stationed overseas is addressed in the same way as that of other U.S. citizens.

More about Daneille:

Daneille joined Heart of Adoptions Alliance, Inc. in 2003 and works in the Naples office, handling the social work and legal needs of our clients in Southwest Florida.   She has been providing support and guidance to adoptive families since 1997 prior to joining the agency.   She was instrumental in opening a Guatemalan incoming program and assisted in creating many families before the country closed to international adoptions.   Daneille is experienced in domestic and international adoptions.  She is responsible for assisting in educating and screening new applicants, supervising birth parent counselors, home studies, post placements, and matches between birth and adoptive families. Daneille is also a licensed private investigator in the State of Florida.

Daneille has been working in the legal system since 1983 and received her paralegal certificate of completion from Florida International University in 1986.  She received her Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) status in 1987 from the National Association of Legal Assistants and in 1988 from the Florida Association of Legal Assistants.  Daneille is also a Florida Registered Paralegal.   Daneille received an Associate in Arts Degree in Criminology from Edison Community College in 1996 and received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Criminology from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2006.

Boy in gray hoodie looking at camera and sitting between two other teens
23Aug

Traditional foster care programs protect a child until they are 18 years of age. The Administration for Children and Families estimates around 20,000 youth are exiting foster care or “aging out” annually without a permanent home. Heart of Adoptions Alliance can ensure they are aware of the tools and resources available to help them gain adult independence.  

Although 18 years old is considered an adult, a person leaving foster care at that age can still be quite vulnerable. When they lose access to the support system they had in place, they are at higher risk to experience: 

  • Housing instability or homelessness 
  • Behavioral and physical health problems 
  • Criminal activity 
  • Minimal opportunity for higher education 

Fortunately, most states have an extension program in place for aging out foster youth. These resources positively impact youth who are still at a critical development stage of their life. There are many ways these programs assist young adults. 

Education Assistance 

Higher levels of education are linked to job stability and increased earnings in adulthood. Programs can walk the teen through how to apply to college, securing financial aid, and finding a mentor or a tutor. Tuition waivers are available in many states for current and former foster children. Grants and scholarships are also available.  

Health Care 

If the youth aging out of foster care is on Medicaid, many are eligible to remain on it for health care coverage. If they do not meet Medicaid requirements, the Affordable Care Act allows them to purchase coverage on the marketplace where premiums are reduced based on income levels. Resources can also help the youth select a healthcare power of attorney, which is critical if there is no legal guardian to make emergency decisions. 

Managing Finances 

Starting adulthood with basic financial knowledge is vital. A curriculum has been developed to help aging out foster youth learn financial skills. They are educated about credit, paying bills, budgeting, banking, saving, investing, and identity protection.  

Employment Assistance 

Gaining employment can be a critical step for foster youth. American Job Centers are located throughout the United States. They are a resource to help foster youth identify training programs, write a resume, learn interview skills, find a job, and more. The centers can also help the individual understand their employee rights, which is critical at any age or circumstance. 

Housing Assistance 

Youth aging out of the foster system are at greater risk of experiencing homelessness. There are both state and federal programs to offer housing assistance for youth exiting foster care. It can come in the form of subsidized housing, vouchers, stipends, or shelters. 

Once a youth ages out of foster care, extension programs have proven to offer enormous benefits. The individual is more likely to be enrolled in school, receive educational aid, and be more connected to school and work. The likelihood they will earn a high school diploma and enroll in post-secondary school increases as well. Longer-term benefits include housing stability and higher chances of employment. 

A wealth of resources exists to support aging out foster youth in many areas. Check with your state to see what programs are in place to help. Teens without a permanent home need support to ensure a solid foundation as they launch into adulthood. If you or someone you know is aging out of the foster system, Heart of Adoptions Alliance can connect you with the appropriate organizations, gather information for applications, and make the most of the extension program resources. Call 866-432-7860 or email us at [email protected] to talk with a foster care professional and create a plan for your future. 

foster kids with foster mom
13Aug

If you have opened your heart to the idea of adoption, consider giving a foster child a forever home. Foster care is a temporary arrangement for the care of a child when their birth parent is unable to do so. It can be done informally or formally through a court. While the goal is reunification with the birth family, that is only accomplished with half of the foster cases. Consequently, there are many foster children up for adoption. 

Children can be placed into foster care due to abuse, neglect, or other reasons that are no fault of their own. According to recent data from the Administration for Children and Families, there are currently over 423,000 foster children in the United States. 

The system has many loving, wonderful foster children available for adoption. If you long to grow your family while providing a child with a permanent home, there are two ways to adopt a foster child.  

Foster to Adopt 

You may choose to be licensed as a foster parent with the intent of adopting. When you foster a child, the first goal is always to reunite them with their biological family. When this is not possible, adoption becomes an option. Around 25% of children in foster care will be adopted, and typically by their foster family. There are many benefits to fostering before adopting:  

  • Children have more stability since they are not moving from home to home.  
  • Potential parents can begin bonding with the child and parenting right away.  
  • Foster and adoption agencies can easily assess the suitability of the home for the child.  
  • Adoptive parents can begin nurturing a valuable relationship with their child’s biological family for a healthy transition for everyone.  

Direct Foster Care Adoption 

There are over 120,000 foster children up for adoption and awaiting their forever home. You can work with an agency, like Heart of Adoptions Alliance, to assist you with the process of adopting a foster child. It is vital to realize that a child in foster care has undergone some level of trauma. To provide them with the specific care they require, you will attend special training to understand how to cope with their physical and emotional history. The median age of foster children waiting to be adopted is between seven and eight, but ages can range from infant to 21. 

Adopting a foster child can be inexpensive with the federal Adoption Tax Credit. Most children receive a monthly subsidy, Medicaid benefits, and tuition assistance. In many cases, parental rights have already been terminated by a judge. You will be providing a stable, loving home to a child in a temporary situation.  

Choosing to adopt a foster child can be life-changing for both of you. These children did not choose to be placed in an unstable environment. Opening your heart and home can completely change their path in life. Without your willingness to adopt, eventually, they age out of the foster care system to face many difficult challenges as an adult. 

There are many programs to support you before, during, and after the adoption is complete. Reach out for more information about foster adoption or ask questions about your current situation by calling 866-432-7860 or emailing us at [email protected]. 

mom and adopted teens
21May

National Foster Care Month is in full bloom, and at Heart of Adoptions we love every adoption story. Each foster-to-adopt journey is as unique as the families who make the decision to venture down this path. As a Florida adoption agency, we get asked many questions about our foster-to-adopt program, Hearts to Home. This program is designed to give children ages 3 and older a chance at a loving forever home.  Sometimes we have prospective parents that call us and are hesitant about the process because of the many myths that are commonly believed as truths.

Myth One: Adoption from Foster Care is expensive.

man weighing expenses

This is simply not true. Adopting from foster care is typically less expensive than domestic infant adoption. There is also an abundance of resources and grants available to families looking to adopt from the child welfare system, especially for those interested in adopting children with special needs.

Myth Two: I’m a single man or woman, and I won’t be able to adopt on my own.

Love comes in all forms. Whether you’re single person, an LBGTQIA couple, an older couple, an ethnically diverse couple, a family with children of their own, etc you are able to adopt from foster care. These children are searching for loving homes and there is no secret formula or ‘look’ for the perfect family. All families are unique and beautiful, and we wouldn’t have it any other way!

Myth Three: If I adopt from foster care, I’m afraid the child’s birth parents will take them back.

contemplating man

This is simply not true. There are children in the foster care system who are available for adoption. In many of these cases, the birth parents or a judge has terminated the parental rights, allowing the child to become available for adoption. Once you sign the adoption papers, that child is your family forever.

Myth Four: I don’t know anyone who has been through the foster to adopt process. I won’t have any support or friends who understand.

woman on stairs

With our Hearts to Home program, you are never alone. Our caseworkers are here for you every step of the way. There are many support groups and organizations that they can get you in touch with for help and resources. There is also required training where you can meet other potential adoptive parents

Myth Five: I don’t have any training for managing older children. I won’t know what to do if I foster to adopt.

teens on phones

Before you can adopt from foster care, each intended parent is required to go through training. Our trauma-linked Caregiving Course is a 6-week long program that helps each prospective adoptive parent understand and learn about the child welfare system and some of the challenges and struggles the children are facing in the system. These classes give you resources and tools to use as a parent and help you understand different ways children might cope with their hardships.

We hope we have dispelled some common myths about fostering to adopt. Those who have adopted from foster care describe what a fulfilling and love-filled experience it has been in their lives. We urge you to research every prospective foster to adopt program thoroughly so that you are prepared and can make an informed decision.

If you are interested in adoption from foster care, you can sign up for our free information classes here. You can also contact us with any questions at 1-800-GO-ADOPT.

 

 

Adoption tax credit refundability act
13May

What is the vision for the Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act?

Our vision is a world in which every child has the love and security of a permanent family.

 

What does this legislation do?

This legislation will make the current adoption tax credit fully refundable to help make adoption a supported option for more families! This legislation will make the current adoption tax credit fully refundable, removing income barriers to adoption for low and middle-income families, which represent the majority of families who adopt from the foster care system. Every year, more than 20,000 youth age out of the foster care system. We believe this bill can help to change that, bringing more vulnerable children and youth into permanent, loving families.

 

Who supports this legislation?

Thank you, Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL), Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN), Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA), and Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), and Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) for sponsoring H.R. 3031 to reintroduce the Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act.

 

How can I help support this legislation?

According to the Adoption Tax Credit Working Group:
“Here is what you and your organization can do to turn this bill into a reality for children and families:
  • Encourage your lawmakers to support the Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act of 2021. Find your Member of Congress by clicking here.
  • Spread the word and share the press release however you can (social media, newsletters, etc.). Encourage every to contact their members of Congress today to ask them to cosponsor the bill. Check out the ATCWG social media posts here and here.
  • Tweet your own messages and retweet the ones we will be providing (@AdoptTaxCredit). Tag your Members of Congress.
  • It’s particularly important to reach out to Members of the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways & Means Committee.”

 

Are there other resources regarding the Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act?

You can find out more information here:
https://adoptiontaxcredit.org
https://walorski.house.gov/adoption-tax-credit-2021/?fbclid=IwAR1y-PnbL96y41pM8eqjIgX0IY55_dm2kPXN7fcd4Fj4EU8Yi2I3wTFf1cQ
https://davis.house.gov/statements/reps-davis-walorski-bass-and-bacon-honor-national-foster-care-month-with-bipartisan
*All information provided by the Adoption Tax Credit Working Group*
National Infertility Awareness Month
19Apr

The statistics are heartbreaking.

1 in 8 in the U.S.
1 in 6 in Canada
1 in 7 in the U.K.
1 in 4 worldwide.

These statistics reflect the number of people affected by infertility according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And while not uncommon throughout the world, many people endure this pain in silence.

You are not Alone.

The purpose of National Infertility Awareness Week is to shed light on the subject. It’s allowing real people to have open, honest, and informed discussions regarding infertility.

Why is this important?

Speaking out about your own experiences is widely known to have many benefits. Talking about your frustrations and your fears allows others to know what you are feeling and how this may be affecting your everyday life. This gives the people who love you an opportunity to step forward and support you every step of the way.

Sharing your story with others can help those who are suffering silently. You could be the reason someone else doesn’t feel alone and isolated. Infertility infiltrates the heart and can have a devastating impact on the mind. Spreading awareness and speaking openly about infertility has the ability to extend a helping hand to those in need.

If you or someone you know needs someone to speak to regarding infertility, the RESOLVE helpline has trained volunteers who have experience with infertility and can help to navigate available resources.

There are many ways to build a family.
IVF Treatments.

In Vitro Fertilization is often a method used to help assist with fertility. Learn more about IVF treatments here.

Adoption.

Adoption is a powerful and amazing journey. Interested in adopting a baby or seeking to adopt a child from foster care? There are so many options and resources that are available to you and your family. Call 1-800-GO-ADOPT for more information.

Gestational Surrogacy.

With Gestational Surrogacy, an embryo created through IVF is transferred into the uterus of the Gestational Surrogate.  The egg and sperm used to create the embryo may come from both intended parents or it may come from intended parents and donors. Click here to learn more about growing your family through Gestational Surrogacy.

Additional Articles surrounding infertility

Infertility warriors gather for support

Infertility Awareness Week: Author Amy Klein shares her heartfelt journey to have a baby

Why Americans lack adequate access to fertility treatments