Making the life-changing decision to adopt a baby is a beautiful step toward growing your family. However, for many hopeful parents, the cost of adoption can feel overwhelming. If you’re considering adoption in Louisiana, understanding the types of adoption financial assistance available can make the process much more accessible.
At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we’re committed to helping families on their adoption journeys, offering support that’s not only emotional but practical. Below, we’ll break down the financial aspects of adoption, types of assistance available, and how you can begin this process.
Understanding Adoption Expenses
There are multiple expenses that go into the total cost of adoption. Here are some common expenses you may encounter:
- Agency Fees, including coordination and case management
- Home Study Fees, required for approval to adopt
- Birth Parent Support, expenses for medical care, housing, etc.
- Additional Travel Costs, if adopting from another state or city
If you are adopting a child in Louisiana, adoptive parents may need to cover a fee to process a new birth certificate after the adoption process is finalized.
Adoption costs can add up fast, but there are plenty of financial aid options to help.
Adoption Financial Assistance in Louisiana
Tax Benefits
Tax credits help reduce the burden of adoption expenses and can significantly ease costs for families.
- Federal Adoption Tax Credit: For adoptions finalized in 2023, families can claim up to $15,950 per adopted child. This amount increases slightly each year. Keep in mind, this credit is not refundable, but any unused portion can roll over to future tax years.
- Louisiana State Tax Credit: Families adopting a child under three years old in Louisiana may qualify for a one-time $5,000 tax credit.
Speak with a tax advisor to understand how these credits apply to your situation.
Employer-Provided Benefits
Did you know some employers offer adoption benefits? These programs may include:
- Financial Assistance: Employers may reimburse part of your adoption costs.
- Paid Parental Leave: While unpaid leave is federally mandated, about 37% of employers offer paid leave to adoptive parents.
- Expert Guidance: Some companies provide access to resources and adoption professionals.
Adoption Subsidies
Adoption subsidies can assist families adopting special needs children. These benefits often cover ongoing care costs and are available until the child reaches 18 years old. If you think you may qualify, it’s worth exploring with a professional.
Grants and Loans
Numerous organizations provide grants and loans for families pursuing adoption. A few notable options for adoption financial assistance include:
- A Child Waits Foundation: Provides grants and low-interest loans to families pursuing adoption.
- The Abba Fund: Offers financial assistance to Christian families for adoption expenses.
- America’s Christian Credit Union: Provides adoption loans to help families manage the cost of adoption.
- Brittany’s Hope: Offers adoption grants specifically for children with special needs.
- The Buescher Foundation: Supports families approved for domestic adoption through financial grants.
- The Elpis Children’s Foundation: Provides grants to Black families seeking to adopt.
- Gift of Adoption Fund: Offers grants to assist with adoptions of children in vulnerable circumstances.
- HelpUsAdopt.org: Provides financial assistance to families regardless of race, religion, marital status, or sexual orientation.
- Katelyn’s Fund – Orphan Ministry: Offers financial support and counseling to Christian families during the adoption process.
- Pathways for Little Feet: Provides loans to families to help fund their adoption journey.
- Show Hope™: Offers adoption aid grants as well as post-adoption medical care grants for children.
- The Ann Children’s Fund: Supports families who have adopted children with special medical needs.
- WAT! (We Adopt Too): Provides grants to Black families pursuing adoption.
Military Benefits
If you or your spouse serves in the military, you may qualify for reimbursement of adoption-related expenses. Service members adopting a child under 18 years old can receive up to $2,000 per adoption and a maximum of $5,000 annually for multiple adoptions.
Adopting Through St. Elizabeth Foundation
At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we specialize in helping families pursue infant adoption. Our adoption process is designed to be supportive, caring, and transparent. Here’s what you can expect:
- Qualify and Apply for Adoption: If you meet our adoption qualifications, you can submit your application to begin your adoption journey.
- Home Study: Our team will guide you through home study requirements to ensure your home is safe and ready for a new child.
- Education Program: Gain knowledge and resources through our adoption education program, designed to prepare you for the process and life after finalization.
- Placement: We encourage birth mothers to choose the adoptive family for their baby. Once you are chosen, we’ll guide you through your legal rights and the placement process.
- Post-Placement Guidance: We’ll continue to provide support after your adoption is finalized.
Begin Your Adoption Journey With St. Elizabeth Foundation
We know adoption is a deeply personal journey, and we believe finances should never stand in the way. At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we’re here to support you with guidance, emotional care, and information about financial aid options to make the process easier for you.
If you’re thinking about adding to your family or simply need more information about the process and available adoption financial assistance, don’t wait. Call us at 225-769-8888 or message us online to begin.