Posted by leslie in tx on 1:53 Dec 29
In Reply to: wondering posted by Jenileigh
Well, it will cost you time and energy, OF COURSE! ;-) But it cost us nothing money-wise. We adopted a 'special needs' child, and for that there are tax credits - a new federal program. For the costs of home study, training, licensing, etc., the agency will bear those costs and will be reimbursed by the state when a child is placed with you. Special needs is defined by each state, even though the tax credit is federal - the feds allow each state to define those children that are hard to place. In TX, it is any child over 6.
Search on the internet for the CPS phone number for your state. It will likely be an 800 number, and likely they will also have a website with all the preliminary info - information meetings, agencies licensed with them, etc. They may have a child search also - a web page with available children.
So start there. Once you have poked around online to educate yourself, call CPS and go to an information meeting. Call agencies and find out how/where the training is and any other questions you have.
Understand that while domestic adoptions are very affordable - and we really had almost no expenses at all - you do have to play by CPS's rules. It doesn't matter how stupid or capricious a policy may seem, their rule is law, period. Agencies just make the best of it, and help you navigate all the complexities and frustrations. I don't think you'll want to tackle it without an agency you feel comfortable with.
We had some out of pocket expenses for the court costs and gas mileage but were reimbursed for both. Again, the agency will guide you in all this.
I think there are around 200,000 kids ready for adoption in the US at any given time. You WILL need to educate yourself; there is a lot online - spend some time learning. But if you are called to do it, it is a worthwhile investment that can change a child's life. But you MUST go into it with your eyes open.
Blessings,
Leslie