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Family by Ocean

Adoption Resources

Adoption is beautiful, but can also be a lengthy, expensive, complicated and emotional process. On this page you can find helpful resources to aid you in your adoption journey...

 

If you need further resources, reach out to your Adoption Worker and they can help connect you with the right support.

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Want to get started on your adoption journey?

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As adoption costs can vary based on added birth parent support fees or additional legal costs, we recommend exploring all of the options applicable to your circumstances.

Affording Adoption

Adoption Grants 

Adoption grants provide financial assistance that does not need to be repaid. Each organization has its own eligibility requirements and application process.

  • Both Hands - Helps families raise adoption funds by organizing a community service project where supporters donate toward the adoption instead of paying for the work.

  • Angels in Disguise - Provides financial assistance for families adopting children with Down syndrome.

  • Roaring Adventures - Awards adoption grants to first responders and active military personnel when facing infertility.

  • Gift of Adoption Fund - Provides grants to qualified adoptive families to help offset adoption expenses.

  • A Chosen Life - Provides adoption grants for Christian adoptive families.

  • Show Hope - Awards financial assistance grants to qualifying Christian families pursuing adoption.

  • Lifesong for Orphans - Offers matching grants that encourage churches and communities to financially support adoptive families.

  • Help Us Adopt - Provides grants to U.S. citizens pursuing domestic, international, foster care, or kinship adoption.

  • National Adoption Foundation - Awards adoption grants and also offers adoption loans to qualifying families.

Fundraising

Many families successfully raise a portion of their adoption expenses through their friends, family, faith communities, and local supporters. Whether you host a backyard barbecue, benefit dinner, silent auction, church event, or online campaign, fundraising can be a meaningful way to involve your community in your adoption journey.

  • Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Fundraising - A fundraising method where friends, family, and supporters share your campaign with their own networks to help raise donations. You can use platforms like GoFundMe to build your fundraising pages. 

  • AdoptTogether - A nonprofit crowdfunding platform where families can create personalized fundraising pages and accept tax-deductible donations online.

  • Lifesong for Orphans - Offers matching grants that encourage churches and supporters to contribute toward a family's adoption expenses.

Loans & Financing 

In addition to grants and fundraising, you may also seek out loans and financing. This option is especially helpful when you need a quicker turn around, as grant applications and approvals have a longer turn around.

  • National Adoption Foundation - Offers unsecured adoption loans to qualifying families.

  • Local Credit Unions - Many credit unions offer adoption-specific loan programs with competitive interest rates.

  • Home Equity Loan or Line of Credit - Some families choose to finance adoption expenses through their home equity. Contact your financial institution to learn about available options.

  • 401(k) or Life Insurance Loans - Some families borrow against retirement savings or certain life insurance policies to help cover adoption expenses. Consider speaking with a financial advisor before choosing this option.

Government Benefits & Financial Assistance

There are also a variety of state, federal, employer, and military benefits that may help reduce adoption costs.

  • Paid Leave Oregon - Eligible Oregon employees may qualify for paid family leave following the placement of an adopted child.

  • Federal Adoption Tax Credit - Eligible families may claim a federal tax credit for qualified adoption expenses.

  • Foster Care Adoption Assistance - Children adopted from foster care who meet eligibility requirements may qualify for a monthly subsidy and medical coverage.

  • Employer Adoption Benefits - Some employers reimburse adoption expenses and/or provide paid or unpaid adoption leave. Check with your Human Resources department to learn what benefits your employer offers.

  • Military Adoption Reimbursement Program - Eligible military families may receive reimbursement for qualifying adoption expenses through the Department of Defense.

Support & Community

Here you will see all of our resources for parenting, adoption, and community connection. If you would like to connect with a previous adoptive family to learn more about their experience, reach out to us here.

  • Oregon Post Adoption Resource Center (ORPARC) - Provides support groups, online communities, trainings, and resources for adoptive, foster, and guardianship families throughout Oregon.

  • NW Adoptive Families Association - Connects adoptive families through education, community events, and peer support opportunities.

  • Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) - Provides virtual support groups and community connections for adoptive parents, adoptees, and families impacted by adoption.

  • Creating a Family - Offers online support groups, education, podcasts, and resources for adoptive parents, foster parents, and kinship families.

  • AdoptUSKids Support Services - Provides resources and support group information for adoptive and foster families, including state-specific resources.

  • Washington State Adoption Support Program - Provides information about post-adoption support resources, community connections, and family services available in Washington.

  • Alliance Cares - Provides support, education, and connection opportunities for foster, adoptive, and kinship caregivers.

  • Families Rising - Supports foster, adoptive, and kinship families through advocacy, education, and community connection.

  • Every Child Oregon - Connects families, churches, and community members with opportunities to support children and families impacted by foster care and adoption.

  • Show Hope - Provides adoption education and resources while encouraging churches and communities to support adoptive families.

Adoption Education

When you work with Choice within our programs, we provide high quality and holistic adoption training for our families, as is required by Oregon and Washington for your home study approval. For general adoption education and things to consider before adopting, see our following guides below.

Counseling & Therapy

Adoption can bring unique experiences related to attachment, grief, identity, trauma, transitions, and family relationships. Working with an adoption-competent counselor or therapist can help families receive support from professionals who understand the complexities of adoption.

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If you need a referral to a professional who specializes in adoption related grief,  loss or trauma, your Adoption Worker can help.

Is adoption right for me?

Are you still weighing the pros and cons of adopting? Are you wondering if this is the right choice for your family? Visit this page to learn more about your options and go through all the questions that will help you decide where you stand.

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