January 02, 2013
Adoption News Round-Up
Between Russian banning adoptions with the US and Congress making the adoption tax credit permanent, there has been a lot going on in the adoption world recently. Here’s a look at some of adoption’s top news stories:
One of the top stories of the week: Russia’s President Putin signed an anti-US adoption bill, restricting adoptions between the US and Russia. One of the biggest concerns regarding this new law is all of the adoptions that were in the middle of their proceedings that will not take place now. This includes children who have met their families, children who have fallen in love with their families and children with special needs who had the opportunity to find a forever family who now may not get to see that realized. Over 50% of the Russian public support the bill, which is being widely seen as a retaliation against a bill that President Obama signed on December 14, which imposes U.S. travel and financial restrictions on human-rights abusers in Russia.
Adoptive Families recently ran an article written by a mother whose adopted daughter asked her if she was “stolen.” Adoption can bring up so many conflicting emotions for young children – they struggle with what adoption means and how to articulate their fears and concerns to their parents. Although this adoptive mom was devastated to hear her child’s concern, her story is a wonderful reminder to be patient with your children, and to treat their questions and fears with love and respect.
Alan Cumming recently starred in a legendary film about gay rights and gay adoption rights called “Any Day Now.” The Huffington Post ran an interview with the actor about his opinions on gay rights and gay adoption rights, and where he thinks this is going politically. He’s a well-spoken, intelligent individual and it’s wonderful to see same-sex adoption rights making it all the way to Hollywood!
Another good one from Adoptive Families! There are all sorts of reasons why families choose to adopt. Some have always had their hearts set on it, some want to have a transracial family, other couples may adopt because their same-sex relationship makes natural conception more difficult. But for some, infertility is the cause, and when your heart is set on having a child biologically the transition to accepting adoption can be a difficult one. The Adoptive Families website has amazing articles that deal with all sorts of issues families have, and their infertility article is no less empowering. If you or a friend have struggled with infertility and are examining your options for parenthood, this is a great read.
Also, more news continues to come in about the PERMANENT (whoohoo!!) extension of the Adoption Tax Credit, and here’s some of the information we have now:
Adoption Tax Credit: Confirmed Items
•The credit for 2013 is set at a minimum of $10,000 per child. This amount may raise for cost of living and economic growth. Additional updates will be provided once information on the credit itself is received
•The credit is available for special needs, international and domestic adoptions
•The credit is NOT refundable, the credit will be applied towards your tax liability, you must pay taxes to claim the credit.
Keep checking in on our Facebook page for more information!