Adopting a child, regardless of what means you go through, can be one of the most fulfilling and rewarding acts of kindness a prospective parent could ever go through.
Not only can adopting a child from a foster facility be more cost effective than any other kind of adoption agency, there are also incentives in place, depending on the state, to make foster adoption more economically viable than other means. This includes free healthcare, free education and tax credits.
Though adoption should be extremely well thought out and requires a certain change of lifestyle, the end result could be mutually beneficial for the parent(s) and the child.
So what are the full benefits for the parents?
Affordability
Other than a huge sense of satisfaction, adopting from a foster program is probably the biggest advantage relative to other institutions. Whereas private adoption can cost up to $30,000, foster adoption on average costs on average little to nothing when done correctly. Parents can apply for monthly financial support to help raise the child, and a parent that adopts a child with special needs can get a$11,900 tax credit, regardless of what the expenses are. Congress has also made federal tax credits available for foster care adoptions to help offset required fees, court costs, legal and travel expenses, so true costs are relatively little.
Free Healthcare and College Tuition
Another one of the main perks involved with foster adoption is that families of foster children are eligible to receive health care through the Medicaid program until either the age of 18 or 21. Furthermore, depending on the state, children can be automatically eligible for free tuition from any state institution, as well as some private institutions.
Legally Secure
Children are not made available for adoption until a court has already terminated the parental rights of their birth parents, this form of adoption is very secure. Unlike other programs, which might not be legally binding or as safe as other means, foster programs are always completely secure.
Community Support
One of the biggest bonuses of adopting a foster child is the immediate community support you receive after adoption. Not only are there classes and meetings specifically designed for new parents, there are also adoption assistance programs and 24-hour hotlines and online groups.
Though adopting a child can be one of the biggest steps an individual can take in his or her life, it can also be the most rewarding. In order to maximize that reward, it is crucial to plan the process out to the best of your ability, ensure that the right steps have been made and understand what the future should hold.
