We have launched two new grant programs to continue reaching more children and families with the Gift of Adoption:
18-21-Year-Old Adoptions
Previously, Gift of Adoption grants could only be used to complete the adoptions of children up to age 18. We have learned that there is a need for financial assistance to complete adoptions for young adults between the ages of 18-21 who are seeking permanency through adoption. For young adults enrolled in Extended Foster Care (EFC), states often cover adoption costs. For youth 18-21 who were formerly in foster care but who have not enrolled in EFC – adoption costs are the responsibility of the adoptive family.
Gift of Adoption grants can cover costs associated with the adoption of a young adult between the ages of 18-21 if those costs are the responsibility of the adoptive family and will not be reimbursed by state or federal subsidies or reimbursements.
Expenses that May be Covered:
- Attorney fees/legal costs
- Court costs
- Travel/Moving costs to get young adult home to adoptive family.
- Shipping costs of young adult’s belongings to adoptive home.
- GOA will consider any costs directly connected to the adoption.
Relative Adoption Licensing
For relatives who are adopting a legal relative (including fictive kinship) and need home improvements or modifications to become licensed to complete the adoption, Gift of Adoption may be able to help.
These grants can cover costs that are the responsibility of the adoptive family (not reimbursed or funded by state or federal subsidies) such as moving expenses, home safety improvements/modifications, or vehicle accessibility expenses where these are the only obstacle to overcome to pass home inspections to become licensed to adopt the relative from foster care.
Expenses that May be Covered:
- Relocation expenses (moving expenses/deposit)
- Home/vehicle improvements
- Specific Items identified by the family’s case worker as required to pass home study/licensing and confirmed to the only things preventing the adoption from being completed. These may include but are not limited to pool fences, mold/radon mitigation, pest control, added window, etc.
Application Fee Waiver Request
In rare circumstances, we can offer an application fee waiver. Fee waivers are typically only awarded if you have already been matched with the child you are adopting (or the child has already been placed with your family) AND the total cost of the adoption will be less than $14,000 AND your total household income is less than $65,000.
Are you an adoption professional who would like to refer a client/family who could benefit from a Gift of Adoption grant? Use the button below to make a referral.