Frequently Asked Questions by Adoptive Families
Below are answers to the most frequently asked adoption questions by adoptive families. We encourage you to reach out to A New Beginning with any additional questions or consider attending an Adoption Information Seminar.
Am I eligible to adopt?
Each adoption program has a specific set of general eligibility requirements. A New Beginning offers an Infant Adoption Program, Foster-Adopt Program and provides necessary services for International Adoptions. Between the three programs, the basic requirements are:
- Marital Status: married couples, singles and same-sex partnership families.
- Age requirements: 25 years or older, note international programs may differ
- Residence: For Infant program, must be a US Citizen; For Foster-Adopt and International, must be an Idaho resident.
Please visit each of the program pages for the specific program requirements.
Who are the children available for adoption?
There are many children available for adoption, domestically and worldwide. A New Beginning Adoption Agency works with birth families who select an adoption plan for their babies, network with Child Welfare Departments across the nation to help find homes for older children and sibling groups currently in foster care, and partner with various International Adoption Agencies who help place children. Each of A New Beginning’s adoption programs are unique. Please visit the program pages for more specific information.
Tips when considering your program:
- Infant Adoption – There are far more families who wish to adopt, than infants who are adoptable. It is very likely that when your family begins their adoption process, your baby is likely not born yet.
- Foster-Adoption – Over 114,000 children are in foster-care right now, waiting to be adopted. They are living in foster-homes, but the rights of their biological family have been terminated and the reunification process has been exhausted. These children are waiting for a forever family.
- International Adoption – there are millions of children worldwide who need permanent families. The individual country’s requirements, restrictions and culture determine which children are available for international adoption, at what age they are adoptable and the the health status.
Infant Adoption Program
Foster-Adopt Program
International Adoption Program
Individual Adoption Services
Is there financial help for adoption expenses?
Adoption Tax Credit
There is a federal adoption tax credit available to eligible adoptive families at $14,890 per adopted child (the amount changes each year). Please connect with your accountant to verify your eligibility and to maximize the credit. For more information, visit here.
Adoption Benefits through employer
Several companies provide adoption assistance. The Adoption Benefit is often considered a non-traditional benefit and may not be published in the regular human resources documents. Contact your employer’s Human Resources department for more information.
Fundraising
Families have creatively raised funds through various self-hosted events or through crowd-funding.
Grants
Grants are available through various resources and could include your place of employment, associations in which you are part of, bank etc. We encourage you to research and locate potential grants specific to your situation. Google “Adoption Grants” and determine which of the grants may work for you.
Home Equity Loans/Retirement Plans
Many adoptive families have been very successful when borrowing against their home and/or other assets to pay for their adoption. It’s often a lower interest rate than other convential/personal loans.
How long do we have to wait to adopt a child?
Can the birth family change their mind?
How much information will I receive about the birth family?
Your adoption specialist will provide all necessary medical and social history available. Note the information provided will be the history provided by the birth family. Each adoption situation is different. Our goal is to alert adoptive families to any additional risks that may be involved, including additional financial risks.
Is a Home Study required?
State, National and International adoption programs require a Home Study. Many programs specifically require home studies to be completed by an adoption agency.
Is training provided to help adoptive families with the adoption?
Yes. A New Beginning requires adoptive families in the Infant Program, Foster-Adopt program and International program to complete 12-27 hours of specific parent training. International Adoption agencies also have program specific requirements that are provided by the International agency. Each of the trainings address program specific issues or potential issues and drastically impacts the success of your adoption. A New Beginning provides training four times per year. Visit our schedule for the next training date.
What is open adoption?
My home study was completed by another agency or a certified adoption professional. Can I still enter A New Beginning's program or utilize other services?
This is determined on a case-by-case basis. A New Beginning has specific home study requirements to prepare families for searching for children and placement. The home study is more than a document; it includes extensive preparation, ongoing education, and identifying barriers to success. A New Beginning’s home studies are highly regarded by caseworkers around the nation.
International Adoption agencies will not accept certified adoption professional’s home studies and some states are “agency only”states, which means they will only accept home studies and post placement supervision from a private agency.