An Open Door Adoption Agency



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“Adoption is a loving choice”

Dear Inquirers:

We at An Open Door Adoption Agency, Inc. are very pleased that you have contacted us concerning adoption of a child. An Open Door is a private, non-profit, Christian agency founded in 1987. We are among the largest private agencies in Georgia, having placed over 1,500 children. Please be assured that there is also a child for you. The agency now offers a number of domestic and international adoption alternatives.

Domestic programs include: Caucasian infants

Bi-Racial Infants

Hispanic and Asian infants

African-American infants

International programs (Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe):

Infants

Special Needs and Older children

Sibling Groups

Applications will be accepted immediately to begin the search for your birthmother or child. Families wishing to adopt a domestic infant can expect an average wait of six to twelve months. Those of you interested in international adoption can expect to have your child (or children) in as little as four months after all your documents are received, or as much as two years depending upon the country. Expected waiting times for all countries appear in the Exhibits of our Information Packet. Please indicate your program preference on the enclosed application, and feel free to call with any questions.

Our domestic adoption programs hold informational and Preparation for Parenthood meetings every two to three months. Adoptive parents pursuing international adoption are required to complete international adoption training – either through Open Door, your home study agency or on-line.

An Open Door staff looks forward to working with you as you plan for your future in adoption. We believe that your lives will be enriched by adoption as God answers your prayers and fulfills your dreams with a child waiting especially for your love and care. It is our desire to help you fulfill this dream and bless the life of a child.

Sincerely,

Walter E. Gilbert

Chief Executive Officer

DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION PROGRAMS

An Open Door has reached out in many directions to offer life and nurturing families to children around the world. We are seeking Christian families for precious domestic infants as well as orphan children from foreign countries. Your love, nurture and Christian example would transform the lives of these children. The following briefly outlines An Open Door’s domestic and international programs.

If you are considering the possibility of adding to your family through adoption, An Open Door Agency can help you fulfill that dream.

Many families are now expectantly waiting to adopt domestic Caucasian, Hispanic, Asian and Minority children.

Through our network of caseworkers across the state of Georgia, An Open Door finds, nurtures and counsels birthmothers who want to place their children for adoption. Families also network to find birthmothers themselves in order to speed their adoption process. Ultimately, each family is blessed with a precious child of their own.

Adoptive parents may enter the domestic program by first calling Jane Gilbert to discuss the adoption of the Caucasian, Hispanic, or Biracial children, or Tracy Hatcher to discuss adoption through the African American program. An application is then submitted by downloading the application online. In the Caucasian program a meeting is held every three to four months and is required in order to adopt through this program. A meeting is not necessary for the Minority Program. Once a family enters the program, a home study is begun along with a family profile. If the family is out of state, then a licensed adoption agency or when all documentation and training are completed, families enter the active ʻpoolʼ of adoptive parents from which agency-matched birthparents select the family for their child. The average waiting time for the domestic program is six months to one year.

An Open Door is one of the largest and most reputable agencies in Georgia, placing over seventy-five domestic infants each year. We have offices or caseworkers conveniently located to service you anywhere in the state of Georgia. We welcome the opportunity to help you find your child. A meeting is not necessary for the African American Program, since most families are from other states and can train through your home study agencies.

The Open Door Adoption Agency is among only 200 U.S. agencies which are Hague Accredited to conduct international adoptions. We are among the few agencies accredited for the maximum of five years, through 2016, reflecting our high level of compliance with international adoption laws. International adoptions are now available in Eastern Europe, Asia and Latin America. The Agency has placed over 450 foreign orphan children. Almost 300 children have been adopted from Eastern Europe, almost 150 have been adopted successfully from Latin America, and the rest have been adopted from China and Taiwan. Many more international adoptions are in progress.

The Agency has wonderful bi-lingual facilitators trained to help families through the adoption process in each country. Instead of taking months in the foreign country to carry out an international adoption independently, our facilitators have everything prepared for our families to complete adoptions quickly. Most foreign adoptions are completed within four to twelve months after submission of all required documents and U.S.C.I.S. approvals. The time varies by country according to their practices and waiting lists. We can help you select the country best suited to find the right child for your family.

Children available for adoption by American citizens are fully and permanently released for adoption with no further recourse by birth parents. Most foreign adoptions are finalized in the country before bringing the child to the United States.

EASTERN EUROPE

Hundreds of thousands of Caucasian children are abandoned in orphanages across Eastern Europe. Many children are abandoned because of their parents’ poverty in the economically depressed post-communist countries. Others are truly orphans or have had parents’ rights terminated for criminal activity or child abuse. Adoptive parents must realize that children coming from orphanages will almost certainly experience some degree of developmental delay due to institutionalization.

Infants may be adopted with a bit of a wait, along with toddlers, while older children, sibling groups and special needs children may be adopted more quickly. Both healthy children and those with minor special needs are available. Many of the special needs are developmental in nature and quickly disappear under the nurture and care of their new parents.

An Open Door offers programs in Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, and Ukraine. Through our foreign representatives, the Open Door presents families’ documents to the foreign governments where, in most countries, families wait for referral of a child. Our representatives are then able to take the child’s and adoptive family’s documents through much of the adoption process before the family travels to the country. This preparation makes it possible to complete the adoption in two to three weeks in most Eastern European countries.

Ukraine is an exception in the fact that families travel to Ukraine within a few months after sending documents, and there select a child from photos and descriptions offered by Ukraine’s national adoption center (SDA). Families visit the child in the orphanage to make the final selection. If the first child is not accepted, then the families are offered one or two additional choices. Most families find a child by their second choice. The total time in Ukraine is four to five weeks, with the option of returning home during a 10 day appeal period. Many adorable children have been adopted from Ukraine.

Our program is now functioning smoothly in Peru and a program is established in El Salvador. Currently, El Salvador is only doing relative adoptions, so we are licensed to help families who want to adopt a relative in El Salvador. Peru allows us to place only children over five years, or sibling groups or special needs children. Information on waiting children is available on our web site at .

Orphaned and abandoned children are the result of extreme poverty. These children urgently need families to love and care for them.

In order to make families available to these orphan children, An Open Door works with a Christian psychologist in Peru and a Christian attorney in El Salvador. They arrange all adoptions as well as accommodations, interpreters and translations. Families will be accompanied during the entire stay in Peru or El Salvador. In Peru, one trip of 24 days is required to complete your adoption.

An Open Door places children from China. China’s one-child policy and a strong preference for boys have resulted in the abandonment of thousands of baby girls. So female infants are often abandoned and sent to orphanages. Until recently, the Chinese government was very cooperative in making them available for adoption by U.S. families. However, the recovery of China’s economy has resulted in a majority of Chinese orphans being adopted by Chinese nationals. Adoptions to the U.S. continue with a current expected wait of less than a year for special needs children but with a wait of three to four years for healthy children. Fortunately, our experience has been that many of the children classified as special needs have very minor or correctable special needs, and can live a very normal life in a family. Please do not overlook the opportunity for amazingly quick matching through the China special needs program.

An Open Door and our in-country facilitators arrange all adoptions as well as all in-country travel, accommodations, interpreters and translations. Families will be accompanied during all appointments for their entire stay in China. Only ten days in the country are necessary to complete an adoption.

ADOPTIVE PARENT ELIGIBLILITY CRITERIA FOR DOMESTIC PROGRAM

Couples wishing to adopt a child through An Open Door Adoption

Agency, Inc. Domestic Program must meet the following criteria:

• Be married at least three (3) years;

• Be at least 25 years of age; and not over the age of 45

• Be free of communicable disease, in good physical and mental health, and have a normal life expectancy;

• Have the capacity to meet the child’s physical and emotional needs throughout his/her developmental stages of childhood and adolescence;

• Once accepted into the program, must attend two scheduled program meetings. First meeting is the Orientation Meeting with MANDATORY attendance by the HUSBAND and WIFE. A subsequent meeting requires attendance by at least ONE spouse; however, attendance by both is preferred.

• All couples applying to An Open Door must be of the Christian faith.

ADOPTIVE PARENT ELIGIBLILITY CRITERIA FOR INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM

• Single women may adopt

• Couples must be married 2 1/2 years

• Adoptive parent must be at least 15 years older than child

• And not more than 45 years older than child in most countries

• Some countries have no upper age limit for parents

• Previous divorce is acceptable

• You may select the age and gender of the child.

• You may have other children

ADOPTIVE PARENT CRITERIA

Exhibit A

| |Age |Years |Age of Children |Estimated time |

| |Minimum / Maximum |Married | |till Placement |

|DOMESTIC | | | | |

| | | | | |

|UNITED STATES |25 45 |3 |Newborn |6-12 months |

| |Age |Years |Age of Children |Time from |

| |Minimum / Maximum |Married | |dossier till |

|INTERNATIONAL | | | |Placement |

| | | | | |

|EASTERN EUROPE | | | |(older child is quicker) |

|(Caucasian Children) | | | | |

| | | | |3-5 Yrs. |

|Bulgaria |25 No Upper Limit |2.5 |12 to 15 months |3 months |

| | | |7+ Yrs. |6-9 months |

|Latvia |25 No Upper Limit |2.5 |9 years to 15 Yrs. | |

| | | | | |

| | | | |2 years |

|Lithuania |25 45 |2.5 |3 years to 5 Yrs. | |

| | | | |1year |

| | | |6 years to 15 Yrs. | |

| | | | |5 months |

|Ukraine |25 45 age difference |2.5 |1 year to 15 Yrs. | |

| | | | | |

|LATIN AMERICA | | | | |

|(Hispanic and Indian Children) | | | | |

| | | | | |

|El Salvador |25 45 (For an infant) |5 |9 months to 15 Yrs. |2 years |

| | | | | |

| |25 45 | | | |

|Peru | |2.5 |5 Yrs. to 15 Yrs. |9-12 months |

| | | | | |

|ASIA | | | | |

|China |30 45 |2.5 |9 months to 15 Yrs. |3 - 4 years |

| | | | | |

| |(Child 3 & (No Upper | | |1 year for |

| |Older Limit) | | |Special Needs |

| |

|*Minimum age and length of marriage at time of Placement. Couples may begin application earlier. |

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Eligibility Criteria By Country

Bulgaria: The adoptive parents can be:

1) Single female or married adoptive parent/s

2) Be at least 15 years older than the child they are adopting

3) No upper limit age restriction

China: The adoptive parents must:

1. Parents must be 30-55 years of age for the Special Needs Program.

2. Couples married 2 years. If previously married, married 5 years.

3. Annual income of $10,000 for each family member including prospective adoptee.

4. Net assets valued at approximately $80,000 or more.

5. BMI (Body Mass Index) less than 40

6. Youngest child in the home be over the age of 1.

7. Long term health issues like cancer and depression are now considered on a case by case basis.

El Salvador: The adoptive parents must:

1) Be married for at least five years;

2) Be between 25 and 45 years of age to adopt an infant;

3) Complete a satisfactory psychological evaluation;

4) Be of good health;

5) Be free of illegal or psychotropic drugs.

Latvia: The adoptive parents must:

1) Be a married couple or single woman;

2) Be between 25 and 45 years of age to adopt an infant;

3) Have an approved home study;

4) Agree to post-placement reporting for two years;

Lithuania: The adoptive parents must:

1) Be of Lithuanian ancestry and between 25 and 45 years of age to adopt an infant;

2) Be of any nationality and between 25 and 50 year of age to adopt a child over five years of age; Parents 50 to 55 will be considered for adoption of children over 10 years of age;

3) Be at least 15 years older than the child;

4) Previous divorce is acceptable.

Peru: The adoptive parents must:

1) Be 25 - 50 years old to adopt a child 5 to 6 years of age; Parents 51 to 55 years of age may adopt a child 7 years of age or older.

2) Parents may have other biological and/or adopted children.

3) Single women may adopt.

4) Previous divorce is acceptable.

Ukraine: The adoptive parents must:

1) Must be 25 to 45 years of age to adopt child under 2 years;

2) Have no more than a 45 year age difference between adoptive parent and child.

3) Previous divorce is acceptable.

4) Parents may have other biological and/or adopted children.

5) Must be married

DOMESTIC ADOPTIONS

Please call the agency for fee information.

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

Exhibit B

| |Agency |Home study & Post placement |In-country & Facilitator Fee Total |

| |Service Fees | | |

|ASIA: | | | |

| | |(if in Georgia) | |

|China (Special Needs) |$ 6,200 |$ 3,260 |$10,825 $20,285 |

| | | |(Plus travel for 2 weeks) |

| | | | |

|China (Healthy |$ 7,200 |$ 3,260 |$10,825 $21,285 |

|Infant Program) | | |(Plus travel for 2 weeks) |

| | | | |

|EASTERN EUROPE: | | | |

|Bulgaria |$ 7,700 |$ 3,530 |$13,840 $25,070 |

| | | |(Plus travel* |

Two trips, 17 days)

Latvia $ 6,700 $ 3,160 $ 13,900 $23,760

(Plus travel*

Three trips, 23 days)

Latvia (Hosting) $ 4,200 $ 3,160 $ 13,649 $21,260

(Plus travel*

Three trips, 23 days)

|Lithuania |$ 7,700 |$ 3,200 |$12,686 |$23,586 |

| | | | |(Plus travel* |

| | | | |Two trips, 20 days) |

| | | | | |

|Ukraine |$ 6,700 |$ 2,860 |$ 14,700 |$24,260 |

(Plus travel*

One trip, 35 days)

Ukraine (Hosting) $ 4,200 $ 2,860 $ 14,700 $21,760 (Plus travel*

One trip, 35 days)

LATIN AMERICA:

El Salvador $ 7,700 $ 2,100 $ 8,700 $18,500

(Plus travel *10 days)

Mexico $ 6,700 $ 2,900 $ 6,815 $16,415 (Plus travel*

Two trips, 20 days)

Peru $ 6,700 $ 5,730 $ 8,180 $20,610 (Plus travel*

One trip, 21 days)

NOTE: For placement of sibling groups in An Open Door International Program, there are substantially reduced fees for the placement of the additional children.

*Estimated travel costs ranges: Bulgaria ($7,400), China ($7,100), El Salvador ($2,900), Latvia ($6,350), Lithuania ($6,000-$9,000), Mexico ($6,920), Peru

($3,300), Ukraine ($7,500-$9,500)

**In the cases of special needs children or children over eight years of age, scholarships may be available based upon income and need.

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International Adoption Costs: Information For A Prospective Applicant An Open Door Adoption Agency, Inc.

The kinds of costs to expect:

The overall cost to you of adopting a child through our international program will include:

■ Those fees you pay our agency directly for its adoption support services.

■ Those fees and expenses you advance to our agency to pay out to others on your behalf for adoption-related services, in the

U. S. and foreign countries.

■ Costs you pay directly to others, not to or through our agency, such as out of state home studies and po st placement reports, the cost of travel and of some independent services and documents.

All these types of payments should be taken into account when estimating the total cost of adopting a foreign child. All kno wn costs and fees are included. Estimates are in Attachment A, Estimated Adoption Expenses.

The difference between fixed fees and variable and estimated costs:

■ Some of the costs you can expect are fixed and will not exceed the amount we tell you initially. Examples are our agency’s

application fee, commitment fee and placement fee.

■ Many other costs are variable both in type and amount, however, depending upon what needs to be done in this and foreign countries to carry out your specific adoption and upon the fees charged by the people or organiza tions that provide the associated services.

Estimating specific costs to you:

■ Before deciding whether to apply. You will find in Attachment A, Estimated Adoption Expenses, a more detailed description and estimate of typical costs that may be involved in adoption, set out generically, and we will be happy to discuss with you informally the scope of overall costs that quite likely would apply if you undertake to apply and adopt.

■ Specific estimates upon application. If you make formal application for our services, thereby providing us the needed specifics of your wishes and situation, and if your application is approved, we will offer you for consideration and executio n a formal Agreement for International Adoption Services. This Agreement will include an itemized schedule of fixed, variable and estimated fees and costs you can expect, customized to you.

■ Although we will not be able, in the Agreement schedule, to forecast with certainty the type and amount of variable and estimated costs you may incur, we will provide our best estimates for these as of the time of the Agreement, and will provide periodic updates if circumstances and costs change in the foreign country. We make every effort to ensure that you have a current estimate of in-country costs you can expect at the time you travel.

The Agreement will have a provision requiring that we ask for your written consent before our agency makes or authorizes any cost under our control for which you will be accountable (a) that was unforeseen and thereby not included in the Agreement schedule, or (b) that is more than $1,000 over amounts itemized in the Agreement schedule. Of course, that consent requirement does not apply to any costs (even if estimated on the schedule) that you pay personally and direct ly to payees other than the agency, such as travel costs, since you will have first-hand opportunity to evaluate their reasonableness.

If you prefer, you may provide us a written blanket waiver of the consent requirement above.

We will provide no services and will not obligate you for any costs (excepting the application fee you will have already paid) until you have had the opportunity to consider the fees set out and other terms and conditions of the Agreement for International Adoption Services, have signed the Agreement, and provided the signed copy back to us.

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What Is an Adoption Home Study?

The adoption home study is a detailed written report of your family compiled and prepared by a social worker. This can take two to three months to finish. The adoption home study requires the prospective adoptive family to gather different documents, answer several questions, and explore their reasons for adopting. Through a series of three visits and interviews the social worker can get a complete picture of who you are and what life is like in your family. The adoption home study is a part of the decision making process for both the prospective family and the workers. The adoption home study can include the following pieces of information. Keep in mind that each state may require different information.

• Autobiography/Family Background - Some states or agencies have a social worker working very closely with the family to finish this part of the home study, while others have a detailed list of questions that the agency wants answered. These questions are typically about your family, past and present; how you feel about discipline, your fondest childhood memory, or your greatest fears. We enjoyed this process as we learned so much about ourselves and each other.

• Neighborhood/Community/Schools - Be prepared to describe your environment. What is your school system like? Which schools will your child/ren attend? Do you have a relationship with your neighbors? What resources does your community offer to help you parent a special needs child?

• Physical Health - You may need a physical or health exam and/or a Tuberculosis (TB) test or chest x-ray. The social worker will also be interested in hearing how you have any health issues under control. Be prepared to explain how these health issues will or will not effect your ability to care for a child. There shouldn't be issues with you adopting unless you have a serious health problem that affects your life expectancy.

• Financial Statements - You must be able to show that you can care for an additional person(s) with your current income. Be prepared to verify your income with paycheck stubs, W -4, or income tax forms 1040 or 1040 EZ. You

may also need to show information on your savings, insurance coverage, investments and debts. There may be a worksheet to fill out that covers your bills, such as mortgage or rent payments, car payments, and charge accounts.

• Criminal Clearances - Most states require by law criminal record and child abuse record checks. Misdemeanors from long ago along with a good explanation of your behavior are usually not held against you. Felony convictions of any charge involving children or illegal substances will most likely not be allowed.

• References - You will need the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three or four references. Some agencies will contact by phone, others will require that your references write a letter of recommendation. Choose people who have known you for several years and know your family. They should be familiar with you and have seen you in a variety of situations, with children, your spouse, etc. References will not keep you from adopting unless workers receive several negative comments, or a reference has brought up a questionable criminal record.

• Interviews - Interviews are a time for the workers to go over your paperwork, learn more about you, clarify anything in your autobiography and see that your home is a safe and healthy place for a child. The state of Georgia requires three interviews. You do NOT have to be a clean freak! The worker will tour your home and will want to see the room that you have planned for the child. If you haven't already discussed it, you may want to have a safety plan in place in case of fires or other natural disasters. Be honest and show your personality, a sense of humor is always a good thing to have, especially when parenting.

• If You Already Have Children - Some agencies will have the children write a statement about their feelings toward adoption. If they are too young, they may be asked to draw a picture. Workers will want to know about your children's interests, hobbies, and grades. Your children will be involved in interviews, and may meet with the social worker individually.

• Cost of the Home Study - The cost depends on the agency or the worker completing your study. With private adoptions the adoption home study can run anywhere from $500 to $3000. Our agency charges $1,800 for a home study.

An adoption home study can be a nerve wracking thing, but if you go in prepared and knowing what to expect you will get through it just fine! As always, may the Lord bless you on your adoption journey.

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Client Complaint/Grievance Policy and Procedure

An Open Door Adoption Agency, Inc. recognizes the right of any client to lodge a complaint or appeal about any of the services or activities of the agency that he or she believes are inconsistent with state and federal laws and regulations and standards of accreditation that apply to the agency.

Clients have the right to be provided a copy of any home study or post placement reports involving them (if state law and regulations allow that), and, specifically, clients have the right to complain and seek review concerning any agency decision or information affecting their eligibility to adopt.

The agency does not take any action to discourage a client or prospective client from, or retaliate against a client or prospective client for, making a complaint, expressing a grievance, questioning the conduct of, or expressing an opinion about, the performance of the agency.

An Open Door offers the following procedure by which clients may share grievances and request review of decisions that are unsatisfactory to them:

a. A client grievance should first be brought to the attention of their adoption consultant.

b. If the issue has not been resolved, they should next contact the Program Director of the domestic or international program.

c. Submit the grievance in writing, signed and dated, to the Chief Executive Officer, Walter E.

Gilbert, at the above address. Mention should be made if the complaint involves an alleged violation of the Inter-country Adoption Act, the Hague Convention on International Adoption

or international adoption practices in general. The Chief Executive Officer will promptly schedule a conference with the client. The client, any witnesses and staff members shall have

equal opportunity to:

1. Present and establish facts and evidence relevant to the grievance.

2. Question and discuss or refute material presented.

A report of this conference and the decision of the Chief Executive Officer will be submitted to the client within 30 days with a copy to the Grievance Committee of the Board of Directors. Expedited review will be provided for time sensitive complaints or any complaint involving allegations of fraud.

d. A client may request in writing a hearing before the Grievance Committee of the Board of

Directors.

e. If the decision of the Chief Executive Officer and Grievance Committee of the Board of Directors is not satisfactory to the client, the client may file a complaint with Ms. Carol Winstead, Director, Childcare Licensing Section, Office of Regulatory Services, Georgia Department of Human Resources, 2 Peachtree Street N.W., 32nd Floor, Atlanta, Georgia

30303-3167 or by calling DHR at 404-657-9644.

f. Grievances regarding international adoptions from Hague Convention countries may also be registered with the U.S. Secretary of State at the Complaint Registry, U.S. Department of State, 2201 C Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20520.

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Acknowledgement of Receipt of Agency Orientation Materials

I/We certify that we have read or been trained in and understand the following:

• The Agency's adoption services (Cover Letter)

• The Agency's eligibility requirements for adoption (Exhibit A)

• A description of the procedures involved with adoption (Cover Letter)

• The Agency's fee schedule and refund policies (Exhibit B & Fee Schedule upon request)

• The approximate time the assessment and adoption process will take, and

• The types of children available for adoption (Exhibit A & Cover Letter)

• The legal procedures involved in adoption (Legal Procedures for domestic adoption/Service

Agreement for international adoption located at )

• The minimum requirements for an adoptive home and the procedures for the home study

(Cover Letter/What is an Adoption Home Study?)

• The selection and placement process (Cover Letter)

• The process children use to locate birth parents, and the process birth parents use to locate children (Reunion Registry for domestic adoption/NA for international adoption)

• The Agency’s grievance procedures (Grievance Policy and Procedure)

Adoptive Father Date

Adoptive Mother Date

►Please sign and return this page with your application.

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WHY ADOPTIONS COST SO MUCH

So often we are asked this question, which seems to be a very valid one, especially since there are so many children in the world who desperately need loving homes. This is difficult to understand unless you are familiar with the domestic and international adoption process. Hopefully, the following information will help you to appreciate the costs of our endeavor to place children in good Christian homes.

While there is no cost for a child or children, the adoption process does involve a cost. Many individuals are involved with each adoption. Our office alone employs 8 full-time staff members and 25 part-time caseworkers. While each person here views his or her job as a mission and are very dedicated to the work, they do have to feed their families. In addition to salaries, there is the expense in office space, phones, computers, office supplies, ongoing training, along with capital expenditures of furniture, equipment, insurance, etc.

In our domestic program, our primary objective is to offer adoption as an alternative to abortion. In order to offer this alternative of life throughout the state of Georgia, we must advertise online and in every yellow-page directory in the state, have a staff of caseworkers in every major city, provide free counseling for ten young women for every one who places for adoption, and provide housing and living expenses for birth mothers, many of whom never place. We are concerned for the lives of all children, regardless of race, and are among the few agencies that place minority children. Few Southeastern families are waiting to adopt these children, and placement fees in distant states fall far short of the cost of services. Yes, we could reduce the cost of our adoption services if we offered services in only a few major cities. But, here in Georgia, no other agency reaches every small town or the many minority birth mothers who are turned away by other agencies. If we regarded adoptive parents as our primary client, we would eliminate these services and offer lower fees. However, our mission is to save the lives of children and change the lives of their young mothers.

In our international program, our mission is to find homes for children, young and old, healthy or with special needs and to provide relief to the orphanages of the children left behind. Our international staff travels to each of the countries with which we work and meets with government officials and directors of adoption as well as visits with the children in different orphanages. It is imperative that we go regularly or the officials will not work with us, resulting in many children never receiving a home. This requires not only staff here in the states, but staff overseas. Costs are incurred when facilitators travel to the orphanage, take photos of the children, arrange to have the documents translated and notarized and represent the agency in presenting the case to the Director of Adoptions. The courts and the judges must interview birth mothers and fathers, researching backgrounds to see if there is a family member in their country who will adopt the child. All of this requires money to pay expenses. When the parents travel to pick up their child or children, the foreign facilitator, an AOD employee, picks up the couple and walks them through the entire legal process, arranges for medical examinations, carries them everywhere they need to go, interprets for them and assists with all paperwork necessary for their child’s visa at the U.S. Consul. They stay with them until they are back on the plane headed for home!

Whether you have adopted internationally or domestically, our assistance does not stop with your adoption! We help you with post-adoption questions about finalization, with new birth certificates, with sending progress notes and pictures of the child to the birth mother (if domestic) or the orphanage and Adoption Center (if international). We help refer parents to professionals if needed and to other couples who have adopted children similar to their own.

Once you have worked with An Open Door, you have become part of our family. We share in your joy, your tears and frustration, and your successes. You and your children will always be special to us and hearing about the children’s adjustments and accomplishments make it all worthwhile! You and your children will always have a special place in our hearts.

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►Please know that An Open Door Adoption Agency, Inc. is not endorsing or sponsoring any of these sites. This information is provided to you as just a resource.

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:19

Many people thinking about adoption consider the financial aspect one of the greatest hurdles. Below we have listed several avenues God may use to provide for your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

GRANTS

Gift Of Adoption –



for adoptive families already in the process of adopting. They give $2,000 -$7,500.

Steven Curtis Chapman’s Grant/Show Hope –



for adoptive families already in the process of adopting. They give $2,000 to $7,000.

Adopt Share



A Christian ministry offering assistance with expenses involved in adoption.

Bright Futures Foundation Offers small grants

Contact Jill Tate (Executive Director)

E-mail: bfadopt@ or jstate@

Children of the World

27 E. Hill Vale Rd. Syosset, NY 11791

God's Grace Adoption Ministry

Offering Grants and Loans

Call (209) 572-4539 for more information

God's Grace Adoption Ministry

PO Box 4

Modesto, CA 95353 E-mail:

Heaven Sent Adoptions- They give $1,000 to $3,000.

-



Married couples and singles may apply for financial awards ranging from $500 to

$15,000.

I CARE



Was created to help families meet adoption costs and to expand the opportunity for children to join loving families in the United States. I CARE accomplishes its goals by streamlining the process and helping to make adoption more affordable.

International Children's Adoption Resource Effort

Ibsen Adoption Network

(Washington State residents only)

Meets quarterly to award grants of $1,000 for waiting children. Contact person: Marilyn Bribane

Ibsen Adoption Network

2730 French Road NW Olympia, WA 98502

(360) 866-7036 Fax: (360) 866-7509

JSW Adoption Foundation

Grants of $2,000 or more awarded quarterly on the basis of need. Preference given to childless couples with an income under $35,000. One grant awarded quarterly. Average grant amount is $3,000, but can go as high as $5,000.

Contact person: Gene Wyka

for application -

LifeSong for Orphans

Encourages Christian couples to adopt a child by relieving some of the financial burden of international and domestic adoption. They provide Adoption Matching Grants from

$1k-$4k per child, and also offer Interest-Free Loans. For more information visit their website at , email them at info@, or

phone (309) 747-3556.

Lydia Fund

This is a fund to help Christian married couples defray the costs associated with international adoptions. For more information visit their website at , email lydiafund@ or call 763-784-4578.

National Adoption Foundation

Call for more info - (203) 791-3811

The National Adoption Foundation

100 Mill Plain Road

Danbury, CT 06811

(203) 791-3811 for Grants -

Ours By Grace

They provide $500 grants to families adopting as funds are available. To apply, visit the website:

Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption

Many employers have adoption benefits. Be sure to ask. If they don’t, you can get

information from the Dave Thomas Foundation to give to your employer. (614) 764-3009

PARENTHOOD FOR ME

Grants are available for parents building their families through adoption.

Wide Smiles



Resources and information on adopting children with cleft lip/pallets.

Donations from Church's and Community Groups

Families have sought out financial help from community organizations and local churches. Please contact your local church or town hall for such references.

Employee Adoption Assistance Benefit Programs

Many corporations assist employees with adoption expenses. Contact your human resources department for more information. For a list of employers that offer such

benefits call 1-800-TO-ADOPT.

Federal & State Assistance

Federal Adoption Tax Credit

Under this law adoptive families may be eligible to receive an income tax credit for their adoption expenses, to over $13,170. You can find additional information by calling 1-800-829-

3676 or by accessing the IRS website at irs..

State Subsidy for Adoption

If you live in one of the following states you might be able to qualify for $2,000 in financial assistance for your adoption under the “Non-Recurring Adoption Expense Reimbursement” program. The list of the states is as follows: Alabama, Alaska, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri,

Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Utah or Vermont. Inquire with your state, if not on this list,

since this is a federal program.

State Subsidy for Special Needs Children

Some states provide a subsidy for special needs children.

The definition for "special needs" can be very broad. For example, in South Carolina, adoptive parents are receiving a $1,500 subsidy for children simply because there is no

information about the birth father. Contact the State Department of Social Services where you reside.



Child Adoption Funds For a site that has information on creating a tax-exempt entity that can reduce your family's adoption expenses by 15-40%. This can provide tax deductions for you, your family, and friends. For more information visit

LOANS

A Child Waits



Loans for international adoption (5% interest) (914) 962-0886

The National Adoption Foundation Loan Program offers fixed-rate MBNA Home Equity Loans. International adopters may apply for loans up to $10,000 and grants are available for special needs children.

ABBA Fund



Provides interest-free covenant loans to Christian couples who are called by God to expand their families through adoption and who need help with the "cash flow crunch" posed by adoption expenses.

Capital One



Offering a credit card with a limit up to $20,000 at a fixed rate of 9.9% over the long term (not just introductory rate).

First Union Bank: (888) 314-5437

Life Song for Orphans

Encourages Christian couples to adopt a child by relieving some of the financial burden of international and domestic adoption. They provide Adoption Matching Grants from

$1k-$4k per child and also offer Interest-Free Loans. For more information visit their website at ., email them at info@, or phone (309) 747-3556.

The National Adoption Foundation: (203) 791-3811 - grants

(800) 841-1982 - secured loans

The National Adoption Center in Philadelphia



This organization has a program entitled "Adoption and The Workplace" which provides services and materials to employers desiring to address the work/life issues of employees who adopt. For a list of corporations who give grants for adoption- contact:

The National Adoption Center in Philadelphia

1500 Walnut Street, Suite 701

Philadelphia, PA 19102

NO GOOD PHONE NUMBER Fax: (215) 735-9410

Email address: nac@

If your employer doesn’t offer programs for adoption, call (800) TO-ADOPT for materials on how to get this program started in your company.

MBNA America - a program for adoption; call (800) 892-8349 / (800) 626-2760 - unsecured loans

Military Adoption Reimbursement Program

The military offers up to $2,000 in financial aid to active members who are adopting one child, and $5,000 for siblings.

Oxford Adoption Foundation

Loans up to $5,000 per child adopted internationally are interest-free for the first three years.



RAISING MONEY OTHER WAYS

•Most banks give home equity loans for adoptions.

•Some families ask family members to give donations.

•Fund-raising activities like golf-tournaments, garage sales, etc. have been used to fund the adoptions.

•Borrow from a 401K

•Contact Airlines requesting a reduced rate for adoption

•Check with hotels for adoption rates



Create a personalized webpage where friends and relatives can contribute to agency fees, medical costs, travel funds, and more.



"How to Make Adoption an Affordable Option"



A comprehensive booklet, published by the National Endowment For Financial Education. Available free of charge from the Consumer Information Center Pueblo, CO 81009

Booklet also available on internet web site: pueblo.



Register baby gifts and request monetary donations to fund your adoption.

[pic]

Adoption Tax Credit

Tax credit of up to $13,170 for adopting a child

Taxpayers who adopt a child may qualify for the adoption tax credit. This tax credit has been enhanced for the years 2010 through 2012.

You qualify for the adoption tax credit if you adopted a child and paid out-of-pocket expenses relating to the adoption. The amount of the tax credit you qualify for is directly related to how much money you spent on adoption-related expenses. If you adopt a special needs child, however, you are entitled to claim the full amount of the adoption credit, even if your out-of-pocket expenses are less than the tax

credit amount.

The adoption credit is calculated on Form 8839 Qualified Adoption Expenses (PDF). You may claim an adoption credit of up to $13,170 (for tax year 2010) per eligible child.

Adoption Tax Credit Amounts

2013: $5,000 or $6,000 for a special needs child (projected)

2012: at least $12,170 (will be indexed for inflation), non-refundable

2011: $13,360 (will be indexed for inflation), refundable

2010: $13,170, refundable

2009: $12,150, non-refundable

2008: $11,650, non-refundable

2007: $11,390, non-refundable

2006: $10,960, non-refundable

Adoption Tax Credit Phase-out Ranges

2011: $185,210 - $225,210

2010: $182,520 - $222,520

2009: $182,180 - $222,180

2008: $174,730 - $214,730

2007: $170,820 - $210,820

2006: $164,410 - $204,410

The IRS provides a worksheet for figuring your modified adjusted gross income for the adoption credit in the Instructions for Form 8839. Any income excluded from tax using the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion must be added back for the purposes of determining the phase-out range for the adoption credit.

Adoption Credit for 2010 and 2011

The adoption credit was scheduled to sunset at the end of 2010. However, the massive health care reform legislation extended and revised the adoption tax credit. The health care legislation enhanced the adoption tax credit in three ways.

First, it bumped the maximum adoption credit from $12,150 to $13,170. Second, it extended this increased tax credit amount to the year 2011. Third, it made the adoption credit refundable. The Tax Relief Act extended increased dollar amounts for an additional year, through 2012.

Adoption Credit Scheduled to Sunset after 2012

The dollar amount of the adoption credit will revert back to $5,000, or $6,000 if a special needs child is adopted, beginning in the year 2013.

Adoption Tax Credit Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the adoption credit, you must:

• Adopt an eligible child, and

• Pay qualified adoption expenses out of your own pocket.

Eligible Children include:

• Any child age 17 or younger, or

• A child of any age who is a US citizen or resident alien and who is physically or mentally incapable of caring for himself or herself.

Qualified Adoption Expenses are calculated by:

• Adding up all the expenses related to the adoption,

• Subtracting any amounts reimbursed or paid for by your employer, government agency, or other organiza tion. Adoption expenses include any and all costs directly relating to your adoption and that are reasonable and necessary for your adoption. Expenses include adoption fees, legal fees, court costs, and travel expenses.

Taxpayers who adopt a special needs child can claim the full amount of the adoption credit without regard to the actual expenses paid in the year the adoption becomes final.

Eligible expenses must be "directly related" to the adoption of an eligible child. This may include adoption fees, legal fees, and court costs.

When to Claim the Adoption Credit

What year you can claim the adoption credit depends on when the adoption was finalized and whether the adopted child is a

US citizen, resident alien, or foreign national.

If the child is a US citizen or resident alien, then you take the adoption credit in the following order:

• for expenses paid before the adoption is final, you take the adoption credit in the year after your expenses were paid,

• for expenses paid in the same year that the adoption is final, you take the adoption credit in the same year, and

• for expenses paid in the year after the adoption is final, you take the adoption credit in the year the expenses were paid.

For example, you adopted a child in 2009, but you paid adoption expenses in 2008, 2009, and 2010. Your 2008 expenses are taken on your 2009 tax return (they must be delayed by one year because the adoption was not final). Your 2009 expenses

are taken on your 2009 tax return (because they occurred in the same year as the adoption became final). You take your 2010 expenses on your 2010 tax return. In this example, your 2009 adoption expenses include costs incurred in both 2008 and 2009.

If the child is a foreign national, then you take the adoption credit only in the year when the adoption becomes final. Any expenses paid in the year after the adoption is finalized, you can take a credit for those expenses in the year that you paid them.

If your adopted child does not yet have a Social Security Number, you must apply for an Adoption Tax ID Number (ATIN) in order for you to begin claiming your adopted child as a dependent. The IRS provides comprehensive information on the Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number.

Carrying Forward the Adoption Credit

Any adoption credit in the year 2009 or earlier that was in excess of your tax liability can be carried forward to the subsequent tax year. Excess adoption credits can be carried-forward for five years and is used up on a first-in, first-out basis. For 2010, any carryover adoption credits can be refunded to you in full.

Adoption Tax Credit Resources

• Internal Revenue Code Section 23 (Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School)

• Adoption Credit (Tax Topic 607 from the IRS)

• IRS

• More about the Adoption Credit

• Refundable Adoption Credit and Substantiation Requirements

• When is a Foreign Adoption Considered Final?

• International Adoptions

• Adoption Tax Credit Instructions from the IRS

• Adoption Credit

• Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN)

• Instructions for Form 8839

Qualified adoption expenses. Qualified adoption expenses are reasonable and necessary expenses directly related to, and whose principal purpose is for, the legal adoption of an eligible child. These expenses include:

• Adoption fees,

• Court costs,

• Attorney fees

• Travel expenses (including amounts spent for meals and lodging) while away from home, and

• Re-adoption expenses to adopt a foreign child.

Nonqualified expenses. Qualified adoption expenses do not include expenses:

• That violate state or federal law,

• For carrying out any surrogate parenting arrangement,

• For the adoption of your spouse's child,

• For which you received funds under any federal, state, or local program,

• Allowed as a credit or deduction under any other federal income tax rule, or

• Paid or reimbursed by your employer or any other person or organization.

When to take the credit. Generally, until the adoption becomes final, you take the credit in the year after your qualified expenses were paid or incurred. If the adoption becomes final, you take the credit in the year your expenses were paid or incurred. See the instructions for Form 8839 for more specific information on when to take the credit.

Foreign child. If the child is not a U.S. citizen or resident at the time the adoption process began, you cannot take the credit unless the adoption becomes final. You treat all adoption expenses paid or incurred in years before the adoption becomes final as paid or incurred in the year it becomes final.

Substantiation requirements. For 2010, you must include a copy of one or more adoption-related documents with your return to claim the credit.

Adoption finalized in the United States. For a domestic or foreign adoption finalized in the United States, you must provide a copy of an adoption order or decree.

Domestic adoptions that are not final. For domestic adoptions that are not final, you must include an adoption taxpayer identification number, obtained for the child, on your tax return or provide a copy of one of the following documents.

1. A home study completed by an authorized placement agency.

2. A placement agreement with an authorized placement agency.

3. A document signed by a hospital official authorizing the release of a newborn child from the hospital to you for legal adoption.

4. Court document ordering or approving the placement of a child with you for legal adoption.

5. An original affidavit or notarized statement, signed under penalties of perjury, from an adoption attorney, government official, or other person, stating that he or she (a) placed or is placing a child with you for legal adoption or (b) is facilitating the adoption process for you in an official capacity.

• Adoptions of special needs children. If you are adopting a special needs child, you also must attach a copy of the state determination of special needs to your tax return.

• For more information, including what documents to include for adoptions finalized outside of the United States, see the instructions for Form 8839.

• How to take the credit. To take the credit, you must complete Form 8839 and attach it and your adoption-related documents to your Form 1040. Include the credit in your total for Form 1040, line 71, and check box b on that line.

*Please contact a CPA for specific information relative to your individual situation.

Audit Guidelines and Required Documentation (from the Internal Revenue Manual)

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