Salt Lake Families Supporting Adoption

Help for Adoption Tax Credits

2009-11-05T07:25:00.001-08:00

Help Make the Current Federal Adoption Credit Permanent by Writing to your Representative

Here is how:

1. Find the name and Washington, D.C. mailing address of your Representative and Senators at www.congress.org. To find e-mail addresses, click through to the Senator’s or Congressperson’s Web site.

2. Next, log on to http://thomas.loc.gov/ to find out whether your Congresspersons are already co-sponsors of the legislation. On the thomas.loc.gov opening page, under “Search Bill Summary and Status,” search by bill number for H.R. 213. Then click on “Bill summary and Status.” On the page that comes up, click on “Cosponsors,” “Text of Legislation,” or “All Congressional Actions” to follow the progress of the bill.

3. If your representatives have not signed on as co-sponsors of the bill, send them your request that they do so. Tell them how important the tax credit was to you when you adopted your children, or how much you and other families you know are counting on it to be available in the future.

Act today, your efforts make a difference.

Even, if your Congressperson is already a co-sponsor, please pass this on to your friends and family,

asking them to contact their congressperson, because this will effect EVERYONE adopting after 2011!!
The Details:

Families Supporting Adoption

A CALL TO ACTION

RAISE YOUR VOICE TO ENSURE THE ADOPTION TAX CREDIT REMAINS PERMANENT

Private and independent domestic adoptions can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $40,000, and expenses for intercountry adoptions generally total between $7,000 and $40,000. Domestic adoptions out of foster care are typically much less expensive, usually costing the adoptive parent $2,500 or less.

Congress introduced the Adoption Promotion and Stability Act in 1996 to “help families defray adoption costs.”

Unfortunately, while the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act (EGTRRA) made the adoption tax credit permanent, the provisions which raised the amount that adoptive families can claim and increased the income eligibility phase-out range will sunset on December 31, 2010. Thus, beginning in 2011, the amount adoptive parents will be able to claim under the adoption tax credit will revert to the pre-EGTRRA levels of $6,000 per special needs child and $5,000 per non-special needs child. Additionally, adoptive families reporting $75,000-$115,000 in annual adjusted gross income will again be restricted in the amount they can claim, and those reporting more than $115,000 in annual adjusted gross income will again be prohibited from claiming the tax credit at all. Several bills have been introduced in Congress to repeal the sunset and make the EGTRRA reforms of the adoption tax credit permanent.

At the center of this debate is a recent Treasury Report which found that parents who adopted children internationally account for a disproportionately large number of adoption tax credit recipients, while parents who adopted children from foster care represent a disproportionately small number. More specifically, international adoptions accounted for 34 percent of all adoptions supported by the tax credit despite making up only 15 percent of all adoptions in the United States, while domestic adoptions out of foster care made up 18 percent of adoptions supported by the tax credit despite making up nearly 40 percent of all adoptions in the United States. This finding has led some to claim that the adoption tax credit is not fulfilling a primary goal of promoting domestic adoptions out of foster care. Some advocates have suggested that the federal government should therefore eliminate the adoption tax credit and redistribute the funds saved to other pro-adoption programs.

The Adoption Promotion and Stability Act of 1996 had two purposes, first among which was “to defray adoption costs for families seeking to adopt” by establishing the adoption tax credit. The bill made no distinction between adoptions out of foster care and any other type of adoption.

Increasing subsidies to adoptive parents has been one of the most effective ways of boosting the adoption rate.

Most importantly, the EGTRRA provisions to the adoption tax credit due to expire in 2011 should be made permanent.

For 2009, the maximum adoption credit has increased to $12,150. This amount is phased out if your modified adjusted gross income is between $182,180 and $222,180. You cannot claim the credit or exclusion if your modified AGI is $222,180 or more.

For information on Special Needs Adoption Tax Credit for 2009 go to www.nacac.org/postadopt/taxcredit.html.

To take the credit or exclusion, complete Form 8839 (PDF), Qualified Adoption Expenses, and attach the form to your Form 1040 (PDF) or Form 1040A (PDF).

See irs.gov (topic 607 adoption credit)

“The Adoption Tax Relief Guarantee Act of 2009, H.R. 213.” Written to repeal the sunset of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 with respect to the expansion of the adoption credit and adoption assistance programs. This legislation will make the tax credit permanent. Unless legislation is passed, the Federal adoption tax credit that allows many adopting families to take a credit of up to $12,150 (2009) is scheduled to expire in December 2010. (For information on other legislation involving adoption go to adoptioncouncil.org/policy/fed_leg.html.)

Help Make the Current Federal Adoption Credit Permanent by Writing to your Representative

Here is how:

1. Find the name and Washington, D.C. mailing address of your Representative and Senators at www.congress.org. To find e-mail addresses, click through to the Senator’s or Congressperson’s Web site.

2. Next, log on to http://thomas.loc.gov/ to find out whether your Congresspersons are already co-sponsors of the legislation. On the thomas.loc.gov opening page, under “Search Bill Summary and Status,” search by bill number for H.R. 213. Then click on “Bill summary and Status.” On the page that comes up, click on “Cosponsors,” “Text of Legislation,” or “All Congressional Actions” to follow the progress of the bill.

3. If your representatives have not signed on as co-sponsors of the bill, send them your request that they do so. Tell them how important the tax credit was to you when you adopted your children, or how much you and other families you know are counting on it to be available in the future.

Act today, your efforts make a difference.

Words from our FSA Chapter Chairs...

2009-08-30T12:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

We had such a great time at Sugarhouse Park! We were SO excited to see so many of you there and really enjoyed sharing conversation with you!!!

We hope you had a great time too. We appreciate so much all the yummy food you brought! What a feast! Be sure to let us know if you'd like to participate on the FSA board.

In celebration of November National Adoption Month, mark your calendars for the annual "Adoption Walk" Saturday November 7, Liberty Park. More details soon!

Thank you!!
Christine and Brian Anderson

2009 National Conference.

2009-08-30T12:43:00.001-07:00

The FSA National Conference was as always a great success and wonderful time reuniting with adoption friends! Each year it get's bigger and better.

Read all about it!

http://www.mormontimes.com/mormon_voices/mormon_experience/?id=9965

http://familiessupportingadoption.blogspot.com/

Final Week to Register!

2009-07-23T07:18:00.001-07:00

Come one, come all! Check everything out about the National Conference for Families Supporting Adoption. www.familiessupportingadoption.blogspot.com Make new friendships, learn, enjoy!

Layton, Ut. July 31-Aug. 1

National Council For Adoption Celebrates National Foster Care Month with Launch of Families For All PSA Campaign

2009-05-05T13:52:00.000-07:00

Alexandria, VA – The National Council For Adoption (NCFA) is celebrating May as National Foster Care month with the launch of a new Families For All public service announcement (PSA) featuring its National Adoption Spokesperson, country music recording artist Rodney Atkins.

The Families For All 30-second PSA will begin appearing on television stations nationwide in May. Walmart, a contributor to NCFA’s Families For All program, also plans to air the PSA on its checkout counter television screens in more than 590 Walmart stores during the month of May.

The Families For All PSA was designed to make Americans aware of children in foster care who are waiting to be adopted. Rodney Atkins, who was adopted as an infant, personally appeals to viewers to visit www.familiesforall.org to find out how they can help children in foster care. As he explains in the PSA: “There are more than 129,000 children in foster care waiting to be adopted. That’s a lot of kids, but I’m sure there’s enough love in American to help them out.”

“America is an adoption-friendly nation,” said Chuck Johnson, NCFA Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “Our research indicates that there are at least 10 million adults who would consider adoption to help children in need. We want to take advantage of National Foster Care month to inspire them to become mentors, respite care providers, foster parents or adoptive parents.”

Foster care is intended to be a temporary situation to protect vulnerable children who are innocent victims of abuse and neglect, however the average length of stay is three years and three months. Last year NCFA was part of a coalition that played an instrumental role in the creation and passage of the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008. This legislation signed into law in October, 2008 greatly increased federal benefits and opportunities for children aging out of foster care. A record 26,517 youth aged out of foster care in 2006.

NCFA is committed to serving the best interests of children and believes every child has a right to a loving, permanent family. Through research, education, and advocacy, NCFA provides adoption information to the general public, promotes ethical adoption practices, informs public policy and opinion leaders about adoption issues, and serves as a resource for women with unplanned pregnancies, adopted persons and their families, those seeking to adopt, and adoption professionals.

May is National Foster Care Month...

2009-05-05T13:31:00.000-07:00

Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon declared May as National Foster Care month to onlookers including members of DCFS, Utah Foster Care Foundation, foster parents and members of the community at First Amendment Park located at the Salt Lake County services buildings in Salt Lake City. Foster Mother, Mandalina Groves, was recognized by the Mayor for her exceptional efforts as a foster mother during 2009.

Want to learn more? www.utahfostercare.org or
http://www.fostercaremonth.org/

"Promoting Your Own Adoption: Thinking Outside the Box"

2009-05-05T13:28:00.001-07:00

Friday, May 15, 2009 @7:00pm
Salt Lake Agency - 2nd floor
Spring Activity - Springboard of Creative Ideas for Promoting Your Adoption
"Promoting Your Own Adoption: Thinking Outside the Box"
Josh and Lindsey Redfern have successfully promoted their adoptions resulting in two children joining their family. They have used "Mommycast", community outreach, adoption yard sales, and pass along cards. Come join us for a night of sharing information and supporting each other in finding our families.

Birth Mother Walk...

2009-04-11T08:59:00.001-07:00

Provo Families Supporting Adoption is hosting a Celebrating Adoption Walk May 9 @10 a.m. in honor of Birth Mothers Day. It will be at the Provo High School track (1125 North University Ave. Provo, UT. 84604) Wear white or an 'adoption shirt', games and activities for kids and and adults, drinks and snacks provided. Everyone is invited!

Transracial Adoption Seminar

2009-02-20T11:40:00.000-08:00

Transracial Adoption Seminar
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Brigham Young University
Conference Center

9 am - 5:30 pm

This is a free conference that will focus on issues in both transnational and transracial adoptions. Featured speakers will be Rita J. Simon (American University) and Howard Altstein (University of Maryland).

While the conference is free, it is requested that audience members register so that they can plan room sizes and locations within the conference center. Lunch can also be purchased in advance.

For further information about registering and luncheon details, send an email to Transracialadoption@gmail.com

Utah Adoption Council Spring Conference

2009-01-27T12:16:00.000-08:00

A spring adoption conference is held annually where all members of the adoption triad come together to learn. Whether it is a family just thinking about the possibility of adopting, to a birth parent who has recently placed a child for adoption as well as adoption professionals come together to learn from experts in the field as well as from each other. For more information about the conference contact The Adoption Exchange at 801-265-0444.

UAC Adoption Conference will be held March 18th - 19th 2009 at the South Town Expo Center.

Please print out the brochure and mail in your registration to the address on the registration form. To avoid at the door costs have your registration postmarked by March 4, 2009.

http://www.utahadoptioncouncil.org/spring_conference.htm

Foster and Adoptive Family Forum

2009-01-22T13:58:00.000-08:00

Wednesday January 28th @ 7pm at the Sandy LDS Family Services Agency (625 E. 8400 S.) will be hosting a Foster and Adoptive Family Forum for Utah Foster Care. Come and find new ways to be a part of someone else's family tree!

New success resource!

2009-01-14T15:45:00.001-08:00

http://fsa-findingsuccess.blogspot.com/

Check out this new blog that a member of the FSA Nat. Board has put together to help share success stories on adoption. Spread the word!

A New Year...

2009-01-14T15:43:00.001-08:00

We hope your 2009 is off to a great start. We hope and pray this is a year that families will be united eternally. We are working with the community and schools for outreach.

Volunteers Needed
We ask for your help in sharing your story with local high schools. We are looking for individuals/families who are willing to share your story. If you are interested in helping us. PLEASE let us know and we will contact you as opportunities present. Thank you so much for your willingness to educate others about adoption.

Adoption and the Economy...

2008-11-25T12:58:00.001-08:00

Sunday, 16 November 2008
Slowing economy may hamper adoptions Print
Ace Stryker - Daily Herald

Utah specialists say adoption rates have been resistant to economic turmoil but may begin to show wear in the coming months.
Private adoptions can be pricey, with most estimates falling between $15,000 and $25,000 for the average case. When looking at international adoptions, it jumps up between $20,000 and $40,000. Wendy Bunnell, an area representative for the Utah Foster Care Foundation, said she's seen a bump in the number of calls in recent months from families looking to offer temporary foster care, a much less expensive notion.

"People are realizing that adoption internationally is extremely expensive and almost impossible to do anymore," she said. "Private adoptions have increased in price considerably. I have had an increase of people who are willing to look at adoption through foster care."

Bunnell said she's even heard from people looking to supplement their income through foster care reimbursements -- typically between $450 and $650 a month -- but cautions against that.

"That really isn't enough for a family to really provide all the basic needs," she said.

There's also been a leap in the number of kids needing a foster home, Bunnell said, from 445 last year to more than 520 this year. Most of those are because of court orders related to abuse or neglect, she said.

"I can speculate that it probably has something to do with [the economy]," she said.

Private market representatives say they've seen less of a change, but haven't written off the nation's financial situation yet.

"We might see a trend -- not that affects the adoptive couples so much -- but that affects women with unplanned pregnancies," said Shanna Bake, a program specialist with LDS Family Services, the nation's largest domestic adoption service. "They're going to be more likely to feel financial pressure and more likely to view adoption as a positive option."

Bake conceded that her organization, which is owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, isn't typical because of its pricing structure: Adoption costs 10 percent of parents' annual income up to a maximum of $10,000. In fact, her organization has a waiting list for parents about 2,000 strong.

The Adoption Center of Choice in Orem represents a more conventional adoption agency pricing model. Executive Director Melissa Williams said she does just under 100 adoptions a year and hasn't noticed a significant drop-off in business, but she's keeping her eyes open. For the most part, these trends are pretty hard to predict, she said.

"I remember hearing that after 9/11 we had more placements than we've ever had," she said. "We just let this thing happen. We feel like these babies go where they're supposed to go."

Williams said an available IRS tax credit of around $10,000 may help assuage some financial concerns. A mother of two adopted children, she said such concerns didn't stop her from adopting several years ago. She doubts it would stop many others. From a hopeful parent's perspective, love conquers all, she said.

"The economics of it were not an issue," she said. "I guess you just make adjustments depending on what your priorities are."

• Ace Stryker can be reached at 344-2556 or astryker@heraldextra.com.

Big Adoption Events Approaching!

2008-10-16T10:36:00.000-07:00

National Adoption Month (which is November) is soon approaching and so are many large Adoption Events. Please check them out and spread the word!

President Bush Signs Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 (HR 6893) into Law

2008-10-08T11:22:00.001-07:00

President George W. Bush signed the bipartisan Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 (HR 6893) into law on Tuesday, October 7. This bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative Jim McDermott (D-WA) and Representative Jerry Weller (R-IL). Senator Baucus (D-MT), Senator Grassley (R-IA) and Senator Rockefeller (D-WV) championed the bill in the Senate.

The Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 is the most significant legislation relating to adoption and foster care since the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997. It provides for a wide array of reforms to benefit children and their interest in adoption. These reforms include: - Reauthorizing the Adoption Incentives Program, whereby the federal government allocates financial rewards to states that have increased the number of children adopted from their foster care system, through 2013;

- Increasing the award amounts states stand to receive through the Adoption Incentives Program by establishing 2007 as the new “base year” against which future performance will be measured, and increasing the bonuses for special needs and older child adoptions;

- Ensuring all children with special needs adopted out of foster care are eligible for federal adoption assistance regardless of family income by 2018;

- Mandating that states inform prospective adoptive parents regarding eligibility for the adoption tax credit;

- Requiring states to make reasonable efforts to place siblings together;

- Establishing relative guardianship assistance payments in a way that does not create incentives for relative guardianship over adoption; and

- Allowing states the option of extending adoption assistance, foster care maintenance and relative guardianship assistance payments to children aged 18, 19 or 20.

NCFA thanks Representatives McDermott and Weller, and Senators Baucus, Grassley, and Rockefeller for spearheading this much-needed effort to reform the child welfare system.

Get Walkin'!

2008-10-06T09:49:00.000-07:00

The air is getting crisp and fall has arrived. Time now for the 3rd Annual Adoption Walk With Me! Come join other adoption loving families and advocates for a 5k walk around beautiful Liberty Park near downtown SLC. Breakfast snacks, raffle items and a good time are provided at no cost!

Come be 'anxiously engaged in a good cause'! If we don't speak up about adoption... who will? Spread the word to all adoptive families!

See you November 8th at 9.30a.m. at Liberty Park(1300 south 600 east, SLC) Bring your family! Bring your friends! The more the merrier!

Make sure to wear some orange! ''Orange' you glad for Adoption!'

For more information adoptionwalk@hotmail.com or http://orangeyougladforadoption.blogspot.com

The More the Merrier!

2008-09-21T15:55:00.001-07:00

Join us on the new FSA website! Sign in as a new user (even if you are an old one!) Get registered! You will find out about activities, education, etc.! Join the largest volunteer group on adoption! Spread the word to others!

www.familiessupportingadoption.org

Sign up today!

I'm plannin' on it....

2008-08-26T12:19:00.000-07:00

One last final push to get more to join in FSA planning for Salt Lake! Come join others on the Salt Lake FSA board at a planning/ BBQ meeting tomorrow night at the Anderson's home (Christine, Brian and little man BAJA) Come share you talents and skills and willingness to serve. You will be blessed beyond your imagination. By serving on the board I have learned so much more about adoption that I could never have learned in a class. I have made such great friendships that have helped during the hard times. You join others facing the same uncertainty and you find a way to come out conquerer. Don't just sit around. Get moving... or in this case... Get planning! (and eating...)

To quote P.T Barnum "Without promotion something terrible happens... Nothing!" Let's get the word out about adoption!

SEE YOU TOMORROW NIGHT AT 6.30 P.M.!

Great deal...

2008-08-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

FSA National Conference...

2008-08-10T20:53:00.000-07:00

What a great conference this year! We missed you but loved every minute of it all. Thank you for everyone's effort. We are taking a little break 'till summer, but will be up and going soon. Enjoy your last couple of weeks of summer!

FSA National Conference...

2008-06-05T11:37:00.000-07:00

You've reserved the date.
You've canceled all other plans.
You've marked your calendars.
You've lined up your babysitters.
Your pencils are sharpened.
You're ready to take notes.

You're ready for more details on this year's
FSA NATIONAL CONFERENCE.

Wait no longer.

Click on the above image to enlarge an
at-a-glance overview
of the two day conference.

Click on the above image to enlarge a summary of the
Breakout Session Topics.

Above all...
Click HERE to register.

Calling all Utahns!

2008-04-15T13:02:00.000-07:00

I better see all of you at the National FSA Conference August 8-9th at the Davis Convention Center in Layton, Utah. The facilities are awesome and we as a National Board are planning some great new classes and hope to have a large turn out! Put it in your calendars and tell all you know who cares about adoption to come too!

http://www.davisareacvb.com/meeting/conferencecenter.htm

Great article in the Ensign

2008-01-29T12:37:00.000-08:00

The January Ensign had a great article on adoption in it! Check it out and share it with your family, friends and ward leaders!

http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=c68776978ac17110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1

“Why Adoption?,” Ensign, Jan 2008, 46–52

Adoption Loan Program...

2008-01-29T11:43:00.000-08:00

new loan program for adoptive families through Chase Home Equity Bank and the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. This program is called "Chase New Additions".

It looks like the loan works as a home equity line of credit, and adoptive parents who are in the adoption process can get a lower six-month introductory rate on their home equity line of credit.

Chase gives parents a credit card to use to access their line of credit, which can be used anywhere in the world, which would come in very handy if you are traveling for your adoption.

The home equity line of credit through Chase New Additions can be used to pay for agency fees, legal fees, medical expenses and/or travel expenses related with your adoption.

If you are interested in this, you can call for more information or to apply for a Chase New Additions Home Equity Line of Credit online here or you can call 1-866-345-7687.

Have you seen this yet?

2008-01-29T11:35:00.000-08:00

I plan to see it soon...

www.foxsearchlight.com/juno/