Preparation: - it is not just about money

As you begin the journey to adoption or foster care, consider preparing your hearts as you wait:

Pre-adoption

Ask your agency for resources available to prepare your family.

• Eight Steps to Adoption

Group studies

Consider reading and/or leading a Created to Connect study along with reading The Connected Child book.

Books

Consider reading the following books:

• The Connected Child – Karyn Purvis
• Adopted for Life – Russell Moore
• Thriving as an Adoptive Family – David & Renee Sanford
• Parenting your Internationally Adopted Child – Patty Cogen
• Orphanology – Tony Merida & Rick Morton
• Parenting the Hurt Child – Keck & Kupecky
• Toddler Adoption: The Weaver’s Craft – Mary Hopkins-Best
• Beyond Consequences, Logic, and Control – Heather T. Forbes
• Attaching in Adoption — Deborah Gray

DVD's and videos

• Trust-Based Parenting DVD
• Empowered to Connect videos
• ‘If You Were Mine’ DVD series

Conferences and training opportunities

• Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit
• Together for Adoption
• Adopting for Life
• Empowered to Connect conferences
• and many more!

Waiting

Consider starting groups – for couples / mom’s / dad’s – for prayer, fellowship, fund raising

Tax Credit Info

Research information on the Federal Adoption Tax Credit & State Tax Credits. Click here for a free, downloadable tax credit resource.

Course: Adoption Tax Credit
Latest Update: The IRS released form 8839 with instructions you will need to claim the credit.

The adoption tax credit is one way the U.S. government promotes and supports adoption. Though the adoption tax credit provides a very valuable benefit to adoptive families, it is also among one of the most complicated tax law provisions.

Learn more about this credit by visiting the IRS website at IRS.gov. The Adoption Tax Credit Course will help adoptive families:

• Determine their eligibility for the adoption tax credit.
• See how the adoption tax credit works with different types of adoptions and financial situations.
• Create a system for tracking and documenting expenses.
• Prepare for year-end tax planning and work with a tax professional.
  
  Credit hours: 1.0
  Course fee: FREE
  Certificates of Completion are available for a fee of $25
  
  Click Here to Register
  
  To learn about other courses available through Adoption Learning Partners, visit their website at www.adoptionlearningpartners.org.

Mentoring

Try to find older adoptive parents/older parents to mentor and encourage

Orphan Sunday

Consider taking part in the National Orphan Sunday movement!

As you progress through your journey and bring your children home, consider post-adoption resource groups and how you can help with training , equipping, and supporting other adoptive families.

The Financial Barrier

• Be intentional about Fund Raising – Both Hands, Events, Sales, Community – schools, libraries etc

Helpful web links

Show Hope

Empowered to Connect

Tapestry

Loving Shepherd Ministries

Hope for Orphans

Please also consider the following:

• Children need time to heal and adjust after adoption – change is necessary on many levels
• Parents must be the primary agents of that change and therefore must be trained adequately both before and after the adoption is completed
• Leading / serving in an adoption ministry will be demanding on many levels. We strongly recommend that couples work together in the ministry for the wellbeing of the couple, family and ministry  

Additional Resources

Free Post Adoption Phone Line — NEW, FREE post-adoption phone line for adoptive families provided by Focus on the Family! The phone number is 800-A-FAMILY (232-6459) and is staffed Mon - Fri from 8am - 10pm EST by counselors who have been trained by Dr. Karyn Purvis.

Journey To Me — Free online journal where pictures and messages can be captured on CD to treasure as a keepsake.

iCareAboutOrphans.org