You have made the life-changing decision to adopt, but the costs involved to make your dreams come true can be daunting. After factoring in private agency, adoption attorney and home study fees, a domestic, newborn adoption can cost anywhere from $25,000 to $40,000. If you choose to work with Everlasting Adoptions, your adoption could cost up to $24,000 less than with other agencies. Everlasting Adoptions strives to provide affordable adoption services, but we know the expenses involved can be overwhelming. We have compiled a list of resources to help you fund your adoption.

Tax Credit 

One of the best ways to help fund your adoption is to take advantage of the Federal Adoption Tax Credit. According to The Internal Revenue Service, the adoption credit can be used toward qualifying expenses and limited to your tax liability with a maximum amount of $13,460 per child. Parents whose adjusted gross income is under $201,920 will qualify for the entire $13,460.00 credit. Parents whose incomes are between $201,920 and $241,920 will qualify for a partial credit that is prorated. If you earn over $241,920 for the year, you do not qualify for the credit. Please consult a tax professional for more information and your eligibility.

You may also be eligible for a State Adoption Tax Credit, but every state is different so please consult a tax professional for more information on your eligibility.

Loans & Grants

A personal loan is another option to help fund some of the immediate expenses incurred during an adoption. A loan may be a beneficial short term solution, while waiting for the Adoption Tax Credit or other source of reimbursement.  For competitive interest rates and fast approval, Everlasting Adoptions has partnered with LightStream to help finance your adoption. There are many other loan options available through local banks and credit unions.

Grant programs are available to adoptive parents to selectively award funds that do not have to be repaid. Searching for and being awarded grant money is a more time consuming process and requires vetting eligible grant programs and completing applications.  Grants can be difficult to obtain, but can be worth the time and effort. Resources4Adoption is a great website for more information on grants available to adoptive parents.

Employee Benefit Programs

Many private and governmental employers offer adoption assistance and benefits. These might include financial reimbursement, paid and unpaid leave, and resource and referral services. The Dave Thomas Foundation has compiled a list of adoption friendly workplaces. Please inquire with your Human Resources or benefits department to determine what benefits are offered by your company.

Regardless if your company offers specific adoption assistance, most companies must comply with the Family Medical Leave Act. The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993 is a federal law that requires employers of more than 50 workers to give full-time employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for the birth or adoption of a child. One must have been employed for at least 12 months and worked at least 1,250 hours during the previous 12 months. Your employer may have more generous benefits, but this offers minimum protection.

Military Subsidies

If you are an active-duty military family, you are eligible for $2,000 reimbursement for adoption expenses, up to 21 days adoption leave, and health care benefits before the adoption is final. Please visit your installation Family Center for more information.

Fundraising

Private fundraising and crowdfunding platforms are other possible, yet generally less accepted methods to help fund your adoption. These options allow friends, family members, and even supportive strangers to give money to help a cause they truly believe in; the miracle of adoption. AdoptTogether and YouCaring are just two of many crowdfunding websites that allow you fundraise online for free. The sky is the limit when it comes to ideas for how to raise money toward your adoption. Bake sales, pancake breakfasts, and garage sales to name a few. Check out this great list put together by Ami at Walking By The Way.

The staff at Everlasting Adoptions are committed to making your dreams of adopting come true. Please contact us to learn more about financing your adoption.

Call us today 630-364-8361   or  visit| www.everlastingadoptions.com

 

 

Do you have good credit? If so, you might be eligible for a low-interest loan from our financing partner, LightStream.

Bringing a newborn baby into your family is a life-defining decision. It requires careful planning and preparation. Everlasting Adoptions tries to anticipate all of your needs, starting with helping you find the best financing solution for your adoption process. We give personal, supportive and responsive service in all possible ways.

We’ve chosen LightStream, a division of SunTrust Bank, and the nation’s premier, online consumer lender, as our financing partner. When you have good credit, it’s a fast and refreshingly simple process to get a LightStream loan for your adoption.

With LightStream, you can expect more than just a competitive interest rate. The LightStream loan includes these features:

• Flexible loan terms*
• Loan amounts from $5,000 to $100,000
• No fees
• A quick response during business hours
• Funds deposited directly to your account
• Joint applications accepted
• Available in all 50 states

“Wonderful! Thank you and we have already referred you to friends. Very happy with your service.”

— C. P. & N. P. from Webster, MA

*All loans are subject to credit approval by LightStream. If approved, your APR will be based on loan purpose, amount, term and your credit profile. Conditions and limitations apply. Advertised rates and terms are subject to change without notice.

© 2016 SunTrust Banks, Inc. All rights reserved.
LightStream and SunTrust are federally registered service marks of SunTrust Banks, Inc.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Lending services provided by SunTrust Bank, member FDIC.

You’ve made your adoption profile and needless to say – it looks pretty snazzy. Now the part of the adoption process that every adoptive family fears begins: the wait. A couple weeks pass and you might start to wonder, why am I not being selected by a birthmother? You may start to wonder what you could have done differently to be more “attractive” to birthparents.

Then. Out of nowhere, when you least expect it; you get “the call.” You’re thrilled. You start getting excited about the nursery. You find yourself daydreaming about your life with this child that now seems so close. You can sleep easy knowing that your dream of parenthood is within reach.

But just as quickly as the excitement came, you imagine meeting the birthmother for the first time. This can be a scary thought because, of course, you want to make a great first impression. Don’t sweat it. Meeting a potential birthmother is a rewarding experience. And remember – she is probably just as nervous as you are! Here are few tips to help you prepare for this initial meeting.

Location, location, location

If you’re meeting the birthmother in person, choose a spot that is comfortable for everyone. Pick a public place that is both inviting and convenient. Cafes, casual restaurants or a park are all suitable options.

Show Respect and Understanding

When you meet a potential birthparent, remember that you are encountering someone with a difficult problem to manage. By choosing adoption, she is confronted with many tough questions like “how do I choose the parents for my child?” or “how will I feel about my decision later in life?” or “what will people think of me for choosing adoption?” Treat the birthmother as you would any friend facing a problem. Focus less on your needs and concerns and absorb hers. There will be plenty of time to discuss the “nuts and bolts” of things. Ask her about the pregnancy, if she likes her doctor, or if there is anything you can do to make this easier for her. Establishing a human connection is key.

Show More, Tell Less

Birthmothers are interested in more than just who you are. They also want to dig deeper and get a feel for your life as a whole. Bring pictures of family, friends, childhood memories, your home, pets, vacations etc. Not only will this show more of who you are but it will also give the birthmother a glimpse into the life her child could have with you.

Invite Her Questions

She probably has many. You might feel awkward or feel like you are being intruded upon. Regardless, send a message that you welcome her interest. Answer her questions simply and honestly. Be open, be vulnerable.

Nothing can fully prepare you for the events of this first meeting. With authenticity and a little bit of love, you can get past the nerves and come together for a great conversation. Let the conversation flow without an agenda. Remember to listen. We know you can do it! Everlasting Adoptions has guided many adoptive families through the adoption process, including meeting with a potential birthmother. Contact us anytime with questions! That’s what we’re here for.

If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, it may be difficult to share the news with your family and friends. It may also be difficult to tell them you’re considering placing your baby for adoption. Your loved ones will undoubtedly have their concerns and opinions. They may want to persuade you to make a different choice. On the other hand, you may be pleasantly surprised by their love and support.

Talking to your loved ones about your decision is important. They can be your support system – but only if you talk to them about your situation, options and decision. Here are some things to keep in mind to make the conversation just a little bit easier.

Timing

There is no “best” time to tell your loved ones you are pregnant. It all depends on what you feel is right, your unique situation and how you feel the most comfortable. For some, bringing it up spontaneously is the best option. For others, planning a set time can be helpful. Whatever you decide – make sure to allow ample time for a hearty discussion. It is best to tell your family as soon as you are 100% sure of your pregnancy. That way you can receive the assistance you need for making medical appointments and receiving emotional support.

Be Honest

You’ve heard the saying “honesty is the best policy.” The same applies to speaking with your family about adoption. Not only do you need to be honest with them, but they need to be honest with you. Honesty will help them understand your reasoning for considering adoption and allow you to understand their reaction (good or bad). Keeping the line of communication open between both sides is important. Your family can only become your support system after you’ve opened up about your feelings towards the situation.

Have Trust

Once you have opened up to your family and friends about your pregnancy and option of adoption, you have placed a level of trust in them. More important than trusting your loved ones, it is time to trust yourself. Trust that you will make the decision that is best for you. Trust that you will become educated on your options. Trust that you will seek help, support and guidance whenever it is needed. You can do this – but you are not alone.

Listen & Have an Open Mind

A conversation is a two-way street. Say your part but also listen. You may be set in your decision (whatever it may be) but that doesn’t mean your loved ones should not be heard. Pregnancy and adoption are serious circumstances. You have questions. Your family has questions. Together, you can weigh the pros and cons of each scenario and come to a decision that is truly best for you and your baby.

Not everyone has the support of family and friends when facing an unplanned pregnancy or placing a baby for adoption. Should you be one of the lucky ones who does – take advantage of it. Embrace your loved ones. Their love and support is more valuable than ever.

At the end of the day the choosing adoption is your choice and yours alone. If additional guidance is needed, Everlasting Adoptions is always here to offer a helping hand. Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Adopting a baby is a joyous and life changing miracle. Not only are you opening your heart and home to a beautiful child, you are allowing a young woman a second chance to fulfill her life goals. With that said, adopting a baby comes with a financial commitment. As adoptive parents, it’s important to know what you need to budget for and how it fits into your current and future lifestyle.

Advertising:

There are a variety of marketing and advertising avenues available in the adoption world should you choose to further your birthmother outreach. Google ads, newspaper ads or independent adoptive parent profile websites all charge varying amounts. If you’re planning to use different marketing techniques, make sure to set aside some extra funds in your adoption budget.

Homestudy:

Every adoptive family needs to complete an adoption homestudy. Costs vary between social workers, but typically run anywhere from $700 and $3,000. Everlasting Adoptions will connect you with social workers in our network to complete this process.

Attorney:

Like adoption social workers, Everlasting Adoptions will put you in touch with adoption attorneys in your area. Ask for an estimate of fees and factor this in to your adoption budget. Some lawyers charge by the hour while others will offer a flat fee. While a flat fee may seem appealing, you may actually end up paying more than you would at an hourly rate – depending on how quickly your adoption is complete.

Birthmother Expenses:

Many of our adoptive families assist the birthmother with a variety of expenses. These include but are not limited to living expenses, medical expenses, maternity clothes, food, transportation and rent. It is difficult to budget for birthmother expenses because no situation is alike. Find out what your birthmother needs financial assistance with and create a payment schedule to include in your birthmother expenses budget.

Travel:

Travel and hotel costs often accompany domestic infant adoptions. Your birthmother may be in a different state that requires traveling for the birth of your baby. Likewise, you could also be traveling during her pregnancy to accompany her to doctor’s visits or just to get to know her better. Factor in extended stays. Once the baby is born there is a waiting period while the birthparents sign consent forms.

Meeting Your Child:

Priceless.

It’s no secret that adoption requires a financial investment. But there are ways to budget properly to make this life changing experience possible. Everlasting Adoptions looks forward to helping you reach your goal of growing your family through infant adoption.

Deciding to adopt a child is a major life decision. Any family considering adoption undoubtedly has many questions about where to start and how the whole process works. As a domestic infant adoption facilitator, Everlasting Adoptions receives many questions regarding the differences between domestic adoption and international adoption.

When comparing these two adoption paths, families have multiple factors to consider; costs, wait times, medical history, social history, legal matters, etc. For families just beginning the adoption process or for those just wishing to learn more, we’d like to help you discover the biggest differences between domestic and international adoption.

Cost

Many families considering adoption share the misconception that international adoption costs far less than domestic adoption. However, this is not true. The cost of any infant adoption is dependent on a variety of factors – but both domestic and international adoption have similar total costs.

The differences lie in what families will have to budget for. For example, a family adopting internationally will have to factor in visa costs. Additionally, international adoption will involve a great degree of traveling to and from the country they are adopting from. On the other hand, a family adopting domestically may be contributing to birthmother expenses such as her rent and medical bills. Families adopting domestically may also need to prepare for traveling to the birthmother’s home state for the birth of the child.

Adoptable Children

It’s a common belief among adoptive families that more children are available for adoption internationally than domestically. This assumption is untrue. In fact, rules and regulations regarding international adoption have gotten more restrictive over the years, making it harder to adopt children from different countries.

There are children who need homes both within the United States and outside of the country. If your passion for adopting is unbreakable, you can find the child that was meant for your using either path.

Wait Times

The time it takes for a family to adopt a baby internationally or domestically relies on many factors. While we cannot speak for other adoption facilitators, over 95% of our adoptive families adopt within 24 months. There are several variables that play into this, including race of the child, whether the family chose open or closed adoption and budget. The more specific the family’s requests are (for example only being open to one race or gender), the longer that family may wait.

Adopting internationally also poses waiting factors based on the family’s adoption plan. The time it takes to adopt internationally will also differ from country to country. For example, adopting a child from China typically takes much longer than adopting from other countries such as Russia.

Weighing the Options

We have just scratched the surface of this big decision. Because a family who adopts a child from Russia will have a much different experience than a family who adopts a child from South Africa, it’s difficult to explain what to expect when adopting internationally.

We recommend carefully researching all avenues of adoption before committing to a plan. This goes beyond just domestic adoption or international adoption, but also weighing the options of closed adoption vs open adoption plus much more.

The staff at Everlasting Adoptions is committed to guiding our adoptive families through every step of the adoption process. Contact us any time for questions about domestic adoption vs international adoption or any other topics you’d like to discuss.

Choosing adoption for your child is a huge decision. Similar to accepting a job, choosing a school or purchasing a car, there are many questions you will want to ask about adoption. Knowing what questions to ask your adoption coordinator will help you understand the process and ultimately decide if adoption is right for you.

So, what questions should birthmothers ask? Everlasting Adoptions has compiled 10 important adoption questions to get you started.

• What do I get to decide about the adoption?
• What are the differences between closed, semi-open and open adoption?
• Can I choose the adoptive parents?
• Can I meet the adoptive family?
• Will my child know about his or her adoption?
• Can I receive help with medical expenses?
• Will my child understand my decision?
• How will I feel after the adoption?
• Are there birthmother support groups?
• What if I change my mind and decide to parent?

The top priority of Everlasting Adoptions is educating birthmothers about adoption and guiding them through the process. We’re more than just adoption professionals; we’re an around the clock support group for any birthmother in need. For additional adoption questions (and answers) refer to our Birthmother FAQs page.

Of course, you may contact us any time to with questions, concerns or just to chat. 630-364-8361

In the excitement of adopting a newborn, obtaining their medical history might not seem like a top priority. After all, you’re adopting a newborn – how much medical information could there be? More than you think – and mainly the medical histories of the birthparents.

Foreseeing Possible Conditions

Having some sort of medical record from the birthmother or birthfather (or both) will help tremendously in foreseeing possible physiological or developmental issues. Of course we hope there are none – but examining the medical histories of the biological parents can let us know of anything to look out for. Should anything be present in the birthparents’ history that suggests your child needs evaluation or testing, it’s best to do it sooner than later.

It Helps to Spot Symptoms

Once you know what types of conditions (if any) your child is at risk for, you can start educating yourself on what to look for. Allergies are a great example. They can often be genetic, so if your child gets sick after consumption of foods, you will know to take him/her to the doctor instead of waiting it out.

Extended Relative Info is Valuable

In most infant adoptions, the birthparents are young and may not have encountered certain medical conditions that could effect your child. For example, conditions like diabetes, MS, types of cancer, genetic disorders, mental illnesses or heart conditions. These types of ailments may have occurred in the extended family of birthparents, and thus, important knowledge for your child’s health. Obtaining this information is not always easy, but beneficial if available.

It Helps Your Kid’s Kids

We know it’s hard to believe, but one day your child is going to grow up and may want children of their own. Having knowledge of any markers for certain genetic disorders will help determine what could be passed along to their future children.

Now is the time to gather any medical history you can for your child. Waiting can make it more difficult to locate relatives that can help. Ask your adoption social worker to speak with the birthmother about her medical history. Chances are she will also want to contribute to the health of her child!

Adoption is a beautiful and amazing way to grow a family. Unfortunately, the process does have its fair share of misconceptions. If you are hoping to adopt a newborn – do your research. More importantly, kick these adoption myths to the curb!

Myth:

Adoption is outrageously expensive and out of reach for most families.

Reality:

Contrary to popular belief, a family does not need to be ‘rolling in the dough’ to adopt a baby. Adoption is often no more expensive than giving birth. Furthermore, affordable adoption services are out there – such as the ones provided to adoptive families here at Everlasting Adoptions.

Myth:

It takes years to complete a newborn adoption.

Reality:

A typical adoption takes between 1-2 years. At Everlasting Adoptions, many of our infant adoptions are completed in less time than that – some taking just months.

Myth:

A biological parent can reclaim their child any time after placement.

Reality:

This is a fear that we believe every adoptive parent has had at one point or another. Once an adoption is complete, the adoptive family is then recognized as the child’s family by law. A birthparent, under no circumstances, can reclaim the child after relinquishing parental rights. Your attorney, adoption facilitator and adoption caseworker will take all necessary precautions to ensure this fear be put to rest for good.

Myth:

Adoptive parents cannot love an adopted child as much as they would a biological child.

Reality:

Any adoptive parent who hears this would surely protest. Love and attachment is not guaranteed by biology. The intensity of bonding, depth of emotion and the development of unconditional love are the same regardless of how a child joined the family.

Myth:

All birthmothers/birthfathers are troubled teenagers.

Reality:

While most relinquishing mothers are in their early 20s, some are older and some are younger. Most birthmothers are over 18 years old, and choose adoption for a multitude of reasons – the biggest being love.

Myth:

Children who are adopted are more likely to have developmental issues.

Reality:

We believe this is a harsh accusation. In reality, research shows that adopted children are no more prone to psychological or emotional issues than their non-adopted counterparts. There is virtually no difference in psychological function between the two.

Your adoption journey means the world to us. Whether you are thinking about adoption or are already committed to the process, Everlasting Adoptions is here to support you through the entire way through. Call us or email us any time.

As the most commonly practiced form of adoption in the United States, it is no secret that open adoption has its benefits both for the birthmother and adoptive parents. At Everlasting Adoptions, we believe that open relationships between birth and adoptive parents are a beautiful way to carry out any adoption, and strive to keep both parties educated on its benefits.

Open Adoption Gives You Options

Whether you are 9 days pregnant or 9 months pregnant, we can help you create an adoption plan that is right for you. In an open adoption, the choices are completely yours. This includes:

• Choosing an adoptive family for your baby
• Choosing who you want with you in the delivery room
• Choosing the amount of contact you’d like with the adoptive family after placement

Your Child Knows His/Her Roots

In an open adoption, a child grows up knowing where he/she came from, his/her medical history, and that the decision to place him or her for adoption was one made out of love. An open adoption can provide answers to a child’s questions such as “who do I look like?” and “why was I adopted?” If an adopted child knows his/her birthmother, it will be much easier for them to develop an identity and make peace with the reason(s) for being adopted.

Open Adoption Helps Develop Trust and Understanding

Meeting you and getting to you better before the birth helps adoptive parents develop a trust and understanding with you. Being selected by a birthmother to parent her child is an honor and an incredible feeling that adoptive parents spend months – and sometimes years waiting for. Meeting the adoptive parents is also beneficial to the you, the birthmother, as you will have the chance of getting to know their personalities and lifestyle before placement. Additionally, having ongoing contact after placement increases the opportunity to build on trust and establish a deep and open relationship.

There are no “Goodbyes”

In an open adoption, your relationship with the adoptive family and your child doesn’t stop after placement. Instead, you have the extraordinary opportunity to maintain a long lasting relationship with them. Moving forward, it is this ongoing, open relationship that enables you to heal as you see that your child is loved and cared for.

Every birthmother and adoptive family is different and no situation is alike. That is why the adoption coordinators at Everlasting Adoptions listen carefully and work with you to create a plan that works for your needs. Whether you are considering open adoption or closed adoption, at no point in time will we ever persuade you to make a decision – we will only offer guidance and support and let you make the decision that you feel is best.