“Since day one, Esen has responded more to others’ sadness and pain than his own. His compassion for others is far beyond his years…
Perhaps it’s just his nature, but I can’t help but think that the sadness and loneliness he suffered early on in some way contributed to his unbelievable sensitivity. It could have hardened him, but instead it made him even more loving and trusting.
It takes a lot of guts for a post-institutionalized child… to open himself up like that and we are so proud of him.
”
Shannon & Kevin (adopted Esen in 2007)
Other Financial Assistance Programs
- A Child Waits Foundation: Offers loans and grants to parents adopting internationally. www.achildwaits.org
- National Adoption Foundation: Offers grants to adoptive parents on a quarterly basis, as well as low interest unsecured loans. www.nafadopt.org
- Waiting Child Loan Fund: No interest loans of up to $5,000 for children adopted with special needs through WACAP. www.wacap.org
General Adoptions Information
- Adoption Tax Credit: The tax credit grants adoptive families an income tax break of $10,000 for adoption expenses, as well as for expenses incurred in domestic adoptions of children with special needs.
Adopting families should get tax advice from a legal or tax professional for specific information on how to claim the Adoption Tax Credit.
Learn more about how your family may be eligible for the tax credit: Review the IRS publication 968 "Tax Benefits for Adoption." You can get it through the Internal Revenue Service at (800) 829-3676 or go to www.irs.gov
- Adopting.com: Everything you need to help you choose the right path to adopting for you. www.adopting.com
- Adoption Today: Explores the lifelong issues that profoundly affect families and children who come together through adoption. The articles and stories are both heartwarming and insightful. www.adoptinfo.net
- Chicago Area Families for Adoption: Chicago Area Families for Adoption (CAFFA) is dedicated to providing information, education and support to adoptive and pre-adoptive families.
CAFFA also serves as an adoption advocate by promoting awareness to the media and community at large. www.caffa.org
- Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption: Educates the public about adoption through foster care. www.davethomasfoundationforadoption.org
- AdoptUsKids.org: Raises awareness about the need for foster and adoptive families for children in the public child welfare system.www.adoptuskids.org/
- Adoptive Families: Providing trusted adoption information and inspiration to families. www.adoptivefamilies.com
- North American Council on Adoptable Children: Advocate for adoption through foster care. www.nacac.org
- National Adoption Information Clearinghouse: The National Adoption Information Clearinghouse provides comprehensive information on domestic and intercountry adoption. www.casanet.org/Library/adoption/naic.htm
- Project H.O.P.E.F.U.L.: The mission of Project HOPEFUL is to encourage, educate, and enable parents adopting children with HIV/AIDS. www.projecthopeful.org
- AdoptNet: Offers on-line adoption information and support services.
www.adoptnet.org
- The Adoption Guide: Advocacy group for adoption families.
www.theadoptionguide.com
Policies and Practices
Related Information
- American Academy of Adoption Attorneys: Organization of adoption attorneys who have distinguished themselves in the practice of adoption law.
www.adoptionattorneys.org
Other Resources
- www.TheCouponClippers.com: A full service coupon clipping service. Our goal is to help you save money at the store. You choose the coupons you want us to clip and ship and pay a small h/f. A few days later, they show up in the mail. No worries. No fretting. No mess.
