tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31104067238882529742024-01-18T18:08:22.361-08:00LawAdoption BlogBreaking news on adoption, adoptive parent profiles, articles, intercountry adoption, immigration issues for children, step parent adoptionLaw Offices of Karen S. Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05707926858515746431noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110406723888252974.post-16949108127190637252024-01-11T10:58:00.000-08:002024-01-11T10:58:47.510-08:00Making Adoption Affordable 2024<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">43330 Junction Plaza, Ste 164 #803</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ashburn, VA 20147</div><div style="text-align: center;">(703) 723-4385</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fax: (703) 723-7710</div><div style="text-align: center;">www.Lawadoption.com</div><div style="text-align: center;">KLaw@Lawadoption.com</div><div style="text-align: center;">FELLOW, AMERICAN ACADEMY OF ADOPTION ATTORNEYS</div><div style="text-align: center;">MEMBER, AMERICAN IMMIGRATION LAWYERS ASSOCIATION</div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">Making Adoption Affordable</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Federal Tax Credit<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There is help
available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The adoption tax credit is
adjusted each year based upon the cost-of-living allowance. The maximum
credit for 2024 is $16,810. The adoption tax credit is fully available in
the amount of $16,810 if your modified adjusted gross income is equal or less
than $214,520. If your modified adjusted gross income is more than $<a name="_Hlk155701364">214,520 </a>but less than $254,520, you will receive a
reduced tax credit. N<span style="color: #333333;">o tax credit is available for
those earning more than $254,520.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Documentation is
important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The form you submit to claim
the credit is 8839.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The IRS web-site has
additional helpful information: <u><a href="http://www.irs.gov/">www.irs.gov</a>,
</u>including what you will need to document the amount available for your
credit. Generally, if you adopt a special needs child, you are eligible for the
full amount of the credit, regardless of the costs you incurred.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your adoption does not qualify as special
needs, you must keep receipts of your expenditures, which you can claim up to
the full credit amount.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Corporate Matching Gifts<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Further, many large employers
offer adoption assistance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See <u>htttp://benefits.adoption.com/</u>
for a list of employers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those payments
may qualify for exclusion from your income for tax purposes in addition to the
federal tax credit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may exclude up
to $16,810 from your income in 2024.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So,
for example, if your employer offers adoption assistance payments of $5,000 and
your total adoption related expenses were $20,950, you could claim $16,810 as a
tax credit AND exclude $5,000 from your income.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, if your total expenses were $16,810, you could not take the
credit and the exclusion-the same expenses cannot be counted twice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The income limits for the tax credit also apply
to the exclusion.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Adoption Loans and Grants<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Adoption Loans can be
obtained from Americas Christian Credit Union or Entrust Financial Credit
Union, among other financial service providers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Additionally, a number of foundations provide grants with specific
eligibility criteria.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Adoption Subsidies and Financial Aid for Adopting an
Older Child<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">If you adopt a special needs
child or a child from foster care, the cost is usually less.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A monthly adoption subsidy is often available
to help pay for everyday expenses and special services such as remedial
educational services, physical therapy and medical care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may also take the entire amount of the
federal tax credit even if you don’t incur those costs.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Prepared by Alyssa Howes, Paralegal, and Karen S. Law, Esquire, of Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC © 2024<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Disclaimer:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This web site and the information contained within have been prepared by the Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This information is not intended to create, nor does receipt of it constitute an attorney-client relationship. Viewers should not act upon information found here without seeking legal counsel. All photographs shown on this blog are depictions of clients and are not actual clients of this law firm. Copyright Karen S. Law, 2024.</span></p>Law Offices of Karen S. Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05707926858515746431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110406723888252974.post-6779005856168696702024-01-11T10:54:00.000-08:002024-01-11T10:54:06.511-08:00Adopting as a Foster Parent<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Within the realm of adoption, there are stories that stand
out for their unique challenges and triumphs. In this article, we present an
insightful interview with a single father who defied conventional expectations
by adopting three teenagers from foster care. Through his experiences, we aim
to provide practical insights and valuable lessons for foster parents
considering the significant step of adopting their foster children. Join us as
we explore the complexities and realities of foster care adoption in this
informative account.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">John's journey into foster parenting began when he welcomed a
17-year-old from El Salvador into his home. The teenager had faced neglect and
struggled to form connections, making the fostering experience challenging yet
deeply rewarding for John. This initial encounter sparked a commitment within
him to continue working with foster children, particularly teenagers. Over
time, John earned the moniker of the "teenage guru" due to his
exceptional rapport and success in guiding older foster children. Despite the
increased difficulty in finding foster homes for teenagers, John opened his
heart and home to them, striving to be a mentor and life coach.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As a high school teacher, John's natural affinity for helping
teenagers smoothly translated into his role as a foster parent. His dedication
deepened when he received a call about fostering three siblings. Over the
course of a year, John cultivated a strong and nurturing relationship with all
three, becoming a stabilizing force in their lives. When the Department of
Social Services approached him with the idea of adoption, John's unequivocal
response was "absolutely yes." For him, the decision was grounded in
an unwavering belief that these siblings belonged with him, and he couldn't
fathom them anywhere else. In embracing the challenge of adopting three
teenagers, John seamlessly blended his roles as an educator and a devoted
father, providing a beacon of hope for others contemplating a similar path.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BHPhjf-qjfJ-x4llm1CAKEnvqygMSCbfDJ74gug8wMwSJflBVzmHzaJbD8-B-ezzJQWZRXP8OO8lhPaYLkC8nAr12EQtqrlz8OOmOSvoJmiKA_FZ5QnRJJ3mPS22K58F6tv7WEQJHO8BC8fMGI-4DnzwdVK0PTubTck2ah9_tCpCcPt4CY953Cg2hwdd/s1280/family-7190618_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BHPhjf-qjfJ-x4llm1CAKEnvqygMSCbfDJ74gug8wMwSJflBVzmHzaJbD8-B-ezzJQWZRXP8OO8lhPaYLkC8nAr12EQtqrlz8OOmOSvoJmiKA_FZ5QnRJJ3mPS22K58F6tv7WEQJHO8BC8fMGI-4DnzwdVK0PTubTck2ah9_tCpCcPt4CY953Cg2hwdd/s320/family-7190618_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Navigating the intricate balance of being a single parent to
three teenagers and working as a high school teacher required a strategic
approach for John. Central to his success was a support system that extended
beyond family to his workplace. Both his family and work colleagues played
pivotal roles in ensuring John could manage his responsibilities effectively.
The understanding and support he received from the school's principal and work
family allowed him the flexibility needed for foster parenting. John's family,
too, actively contributed to the well-being of the kids, engaging in various
activities and fostering a sense of inclusion.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>John's adept scheduling skills
proved invaluable in juggling the busy lives of teenagers. As he notes,
managing time efficiently became a cornerstone of maintaining order and
ensuring that all aspects of his life could fit together. Trust formed the foundation
of John's relationship with his kids, instilling a sense of responsibility in
them. This mutual trust facilitated a structured routine, with the confidence
that the teenagers would adhere to their schedules and fulfill their
commitments. In balancing his parenting and professional life, John's ability
to build strong connections and establish trust became essential pillars in
creating a harmonious family dynamic.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">For John, navigating the legal terrain of adopting his foster
children proved to be a journey more characterized by patience than challenges.
Although the process spanned over a year, the anticipation of officially
becoming a family overshadowed the duration. Contrary to initial expectations,
the legal proceedings unfolded smoothly without any unexpected hurdles. During
the waiting period, both John and the kids eagerly anticipated the day when
they would officially become a family.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Home studies, an integral component of the adoption process,
brought a level of scrutiny that foster parents should be prepared for. John
emphasized the necessity of enduring personal questions, acknowledging the
intrusive nature of these inquiries. Social workers, he noted, conducted
thorough investigations, ensuring that prospective parents met the required
standards. John recognized the importance of this step in ensuring the
well-being of the children.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Throughout the legal journey, having a reliable and
transparent attorney was instrumental. John’s lawyer, Karen S. Law, played a
crucial role by providing guidance and information at every step. John
emphasized the significance of finding legal counsel that not only navigates
the complexities of adoption but also keeps the adoptive parents informed and
involved. Additionally, social workers played a pivotal role, regularly
checking in with both John and the children. John appreciated their holistic
approach, ensuring that adoption was the right decision for everyone involved.
By giving the teenagers a platform to express their feelings and provide
feedback, social workers not only facilitated the legal process but also
granted the adolescents a sense of autonomy in a significant life decision.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">John's advice for those contemplating fostering or adopting
teenagers revolves around building a strong support network. He underscores the
importance of surrounding oneself with people genuinely committed to being
hands-on in the children's lives; individuals who are ready to offer love,
support, and assistance when needed. For John, this network comprised of family,
friends, and his work family at the school where he teaches. In times of
challenge or uncertainty, these supportive connections became a pillar of
strength.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Scheduling, according to John, is another critical element
for both parents and teenagers. Establishing a daily routine not only provides
structure but also helps the children understand and meet expectations on a
day-to-day basis. This sense of predictability fosters a stable environment,
contributing to the well-being of both the parent and the adopted teens.
Furthermore, John emphasizes the value of open communication and dialogue
within the family. Regular family meetings create a means for checking in with
each other, ensuring that everyone's concerns are heard and fostering a sense
of unity within the family unit.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Besides the practicalities of daily life, John offered advice
on creating a nurturing environment and having shared experiences. His adopted
family is built on a foundation of shared adventures and memories, especially
enjoying traveling together. John believes in providing his children with
experiences outside their norm, exposing them to possibilities they might never
have imagined. In doing so, he emphasizes the transformative power of offering
new opportunities and resources to foster children, allowing them to grow and
evolve as individuals.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">For John, the key is to evolve alongside your children,
actively creating experiences and cultivating a sense of anticipation for the
future. This dynamic approach not only strengthens the familial bond but also
instills a sense of possibility and optimism in the lives of the adopted
teenagers. Additionally, he highlights the importance of building an
environment and lifestyle conducive to the social, emotional, and mental
well-being of the children. By prioritizing these aspects, John has witnessed
the positive impact on his children's growth, creating a family dynamic that is
not only supportive but also rich in opportunities for personal development.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In concluding John's remarkable journey into fostering and
adopting teenagers, it becomes evident that his story is one of resilience,
love, and shared growth. From the initial challenge of connecting with a
neglected 17-year-old to becoming the parent of three siblings, John's path was
marked by unwavering support, meticulous scheduling, and open communication.
The legal process, though lengthy, unfolded smoothly, with social workers and a
dedicated attorney playing pivotal roles. John's advice echoes the importance
of building a strong support network, maintaining a structured routine, and
fostering open dialogue within the family.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As we reflect on John's experiences, a heartfelt message
emerges for those considering a similar path. To fellow foster parents
contemplating adoption, John extends the wisdom of creating a family built on
shared experiences and memories, expanding horizons through travel, and
offering new possibilities to the children in their care. He encourages parents
to evolve alongside their children, actively creating meaningful experiences
and fostering a lifestyle that nurtures social, emotional, and mental well-being.
In John's words, "evolve with your children, create experiences, have
things to look forward to." The journey may be challenging, but it is,
above all, a journey of transformation, love, and the boundless potential that
emerges when hearts open to the possibilities of creating a forever family.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Prepared by Alyssa Howes, Paralegal, and Karen S. Law, Esquire, of Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC © 2024<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Disclaimer:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This web site and the information contained within have been prepared by the Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This information is not intended to create, nor does receipt of it constitute an attorney-client relationship. Viewers should not act upon information found here without seeking legal counsel. All photographs shown on this blog are depictions of clients and are not actual clients of this law firm. Copyright Karen S. Law, 2024.</span></p>Law Offices of Karen S. Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05707926858515746431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110406723888252974.post-24003900148340924262023-10-12T13:25:00.006-07:002023-10-13T06:57:19.773-07:00Navigating the Path of Private Adoption: A Comprehensive Guide<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Private
adoption is a profound and life-changing journey that connects loving families
with children who need a forever home. In this article, we will discuss the
intricacies of private adoption and explore the role of facilitators in this
process. Our aim is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of
private adoption, from the initial steps to the legal aspects involved.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">What is
Private Adoption?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Private
adoption, often known as independent adoption or direct parental placement, is
a non-agency adoption method in which prospective adoptive parents directly
connect with birth parents to adopt a child. Unlike agency adoption, private
adoption typically does not involve a licensed adoption agency as the
intermediary. Instead, unlicensed attorneys and social workers assist with the
process. This is a unique path to building a family, and it allows for a
personal connection between the birth and adoptive families. This approach can potentially
be a positive experience for the parties involved; however, it does come with
risks and the outcome is not promised.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBK2qyAaIhJbo9_PVt_JCWk_iuiISp5JhTJCcgQL7IF-XKEx0aYO9DMSp759-wVSUT8IlvvN8UBd_Dz6CleSoOEEF1VFhYSnQZAxCCqBvcmsTXfPoZECqpZvRzicOhYnZJWLTlnvQjjZwqMtAlFTp9gtVhP0punMpgOQFO9Jh23BKXxx-rOY99hcGOgcv/s1280/baby-2416718_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="1280" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBK2qyAaIhJbo9_PVt_JCWk_iuiISp5JhTJCcgQL7IF-XKEx0aYO9DMSp759-wVSUT8IlvvN8UBd_Dz6CleSoOEEF1VFhYSnQZAxCCqBvcmsTXfPoZECqpZvRzicOhYnZJWLTlnvQjjZwqMtAlFTp9gtVhP0punMpgOQFO9Jh23BKXxx-rOY99hcGOgcv/s320/baby-2416718_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">The Role
of Facilitators</span></b></p></span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Facilitators
are often involved in matching the parties in private adoption. Their sole
purpose is to act as a match maker between the birth parents and adoptive
parents. Working with a facilitator is much different than working with a
full-service agency. It is often the case that facilitators are unlicensed and
unregulated intermediaries. Many services such as counseling and legal
assistance must be outsourced because the facilitator is unable to provide them.
Because many states ban unlicensed facilitators, including Virginia and
California, our office does not recommend working with them. (Law and
McDonough, 2014).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Adoption
Agency vs. Facilitators<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">It is often
hard to know if an adoption entity is a licensed agency or a facilitator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If in doubt, look for evidence that the
entity has a license from their state to provide adoption services. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Working with
a licensed adoption agency provides numerous benefits, including legal
expertise, thorough evaluation, matching services, ongoing support, and
accountability. These advantages help ensure a smoother and more secure
adoption process for all parties. When considering private adoption, it is
advisable to prioritize the expertise and services provided by reputable
adoption agencies and attorneys over unlicensed facilitators to make the
journey as positive and legally secure as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Agencies
have well-established networks and databases for matching birth parents with
adoptive families. They also ensure that every step of the adoption process
complies with the legal requirements, protecting the rights and interests of
all parties involved. On the other hand, unlicensed facilitators may lack the
legal expertise and oversight to ensure that the adoption is conducted in full
compliance with the law. Additionally, adoption agencies offer comprehensive
support throughout the entire adoption journey, from pre-placement counseling
to post-placement services. They provide resources, guidance, and emotional
support to both birth and adoptive parents. Unlicensed facilitators may not
have the capacity to offer the same level of ongoing support, leaving adoptive
parents without crucial assistance during the emotional and logistical
challenges of adoption.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Steps in
Private Adoption</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><u>Initial Consultation</u>: Prospective
adoptive parents often begin by consulting with an attorney experienced in
adoption. They will discuss their adoption goals, preferences, and
expectations. Adoption laws vary by state, so you need an attorney licensed in
your state.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><u>Home Study</u>: A home study is required,
where a social worker evaluates the adoptive family's home and life
circumstances to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for the child.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;"><u>Matching
Process</u>: Birth parents and adoptive parents most often find each other through
word of mouth. In Virginia and many other states, adoptive parents can lawfully
use licensed entities to connect with birth parents, such as AdoptMatch.com </span><a href="https://www.adoptmatch.com/"><span style="color: blue;">AdoptMatch - Find
Adoptive Parents, Adoption Agencies and Attorneys</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;"> or Adoptimist </span><a href="https://www.adoptimist.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Meet Families Ready
To Adopt A Baby | Adoption Profiles (adoptimist.com)</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;">. Attorneys or unlicensed
facilitators are prohibited.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><u>Legal Proceedings</u>: The attorney
guides both parties through the legal requirements, which include parental
consent or relinquishment, counseling, and the creation of an adoption plan.
Both birth parent and adoptive parent will have separate representation.
Parental rights are usually terminated first. Then, the adoption is finalized
in the child’s new name.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><u>Post-Placement Support</u>: Both before
and after the adoption is finalized, we recommend adoption competent counseling
for birth parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The goal is to
provide resources to the birth parent to assist them with the transition. Additionally,
many states, such as Virginia, have enforceable agreements which are negotiated
between the birth parent and the adoptive parent (PACCAS). These PACCAS govern
the exchange of pictures and updates concerning the child, and sometimes, visitation.</span></li></ol><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Legal
Aspects of Private Adoption<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">To locate an
adoption competent attorney, the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction
Attorneys has a website which lists attorneys by state: </span><a href="https://adoptionart.org/"><span style="color: blue;">Home- Academy of
Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (adoptionart.org)</span></a>. <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">These attorneys have been carefully
vetted and have extensive experience in this unique practice of law.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Private
adoption involves intricate legal procedures to safeguard the rights and
interests of all parties. It's crucial to work with experienced adoption
attorneys who understand the specific laws and regulations in your state. This
ensures that the adoption process is compliant with local legal requirements. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">In
conclusion, private adoption is a deeply emotional and rewarding journey.</span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Choosing whether to work with a
licensed adoption agency or attorney versus an unlicensed facilitator is one of
the crucial decisions prospective adoptive parents face. If you're considering
private adoption, consult with experienced professionals to guide you through
this life-changing experience.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-nns7FO4Ezn43FwcOh82HP-8VKUKl7JHATWTJQZojUUlIMQvWWYck3vEKaiDsEEBTo6WB0grCsCXcQYjQFL9jnyBrhyphenhyphen32hcLD2ZJW1DIFZGtH9wX0ybTBza88iQNrf6jXzpvQNQIQYXBxmmH6tdAvxje8puqiyqGgtavPXI_FUfttRN8cqSsMAZMAL1z/s1280/family-1111818_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-nns7FO4Ezn43FwcOh82HP-8VKUKl7JHATWTJQZojUUlIMQvWWYck3vEKaiDsEEBTo6WB0grCsCXcQYjQFL9jnyBrhyphenhyphen32hcLD2ZJW1DIFZGtH9wX0ybTBza88iQNrf6jXzpvQNQIQYXBxmmH6tdAvxje8puqiyqGgtavPXI_FUfttRN8cqSsMAZMAL1z/s320/family-1111818_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Source:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Law, K. S., &amp; McDonough, T.
M. (2014, April 1). The Role of Facilitators in Adoption. National Council for
Adoption. </span><a href="https://adoptioncouncil.org/publications/adoption-advocate-no-70/"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">https://adoptioncouncil.org/publications/adoption-advocate-no-70/</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Prepared by
Alyssa Howes, Paralegal, and Karen S. Law, Esquire, of Law Offices of Karen S.
Law, PLC © 2023<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Disclaimer:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This web site and the information contained
within have been prepared by the Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC for
informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This
information is not intended to create, nor does receipt of it constitute an
attorney-client relationship. Viewers should not act upon information found
here without seeking legal counsel. All photographs shown on this blog are
depictions of clients and are not actual clients of this law firm. Copyright
Karen S. Law, 2023.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Law Offices of Karen S. Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05707926858515746431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110406723888252974.post-79889446551171313012023-08-09T13:08:00.001-07:002023-10-12T13:17:38.477-07:00A Single Parent's Journey of Intercountry Adoption<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">In our practice of adoption law, we
have heard countless stories of clients who inspire us with their resilience
and determination. One such remarkable story is that of Amy, a brave single
parent who embarked on an extraordinary journey of international adoption. Amy
opened her heart and home to two children from a country in the Middle East. Adopting
internationally is a major life decision that comes with both challenges and
rewards. It requires navigating complex legal processes, embracing cultural differences,
and having unwavering commitment. Amy accepted these challenges, motivated by
the desire to provide a loving home for a child in need.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">We had the opportunity to interview
Amy about her experience, we discussed the joys, trials, and lessons learned
throughout her journey. Her story serves as a testament to the compassion and dedication
embodied by adoptive parents. Through Amy's story, we aim to inspire and
educate others, shedding light on the profound impact adoption can have on the
lives of both parent and child.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Amy’s decision to adopt
internationally was deeply rooted in her upbringing and the experiences that
shaped her worldview. Amy grew up overseas as the daughter of a diplomat, and
with a mother who dedicated her time to volunteering at orphanages. Early in
her life, Amy witnessed firsthand the plight of countless children without
loving homes. This experience weighed heavily on her heart and ignited a desire
to make a difference and provide a loving family for a child in need.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMHk810RE-qPJZTuKxujqmo8SISt7RRLiIc12xNChIhnO_pUIq3RXcb98-GKeeUpDpCqztLNLx2rsHLd5rTxyYbUJCcLwNrMk4Tm7GewCQm74UXm2r5s8GMN0Nu_SthL2nquA7FzhMh1dhsf_CU5F2Jz8PesgZff83-7LzpFdSkWWzcYk8-53bfwDtEZi/s1280/adoption-1057639_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1280" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMHk810RE-qPJZTuKxujqmo8SISt7RRLiIc12xNChIhnO_pUIq3RXcb98-GKeeUpDpCqztLNLx2rsHLd5rTxyYbUJCcLwNrMk4Tm7GewCQm74UXm2r5s8GMN0Nu_SthL2nquA7FzhMh1dhsf_CU5F2Jz8PesgZff83-7LzpFdSkWWzcYk8-53bfwDtEZi/s320/adoption-1057639_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">The journey of international adoption
can be complex, requiring collaboration with an adoption agency to navigate the
complicated legal processes. This is required for every intercountry adoption
by the Universal Accreditation Act of 2012. Finding an accredited agency to
supervise the process can be challenging. Amy’s experience of working with an
adoption agency to build her family was a positive one. The agency provided
invaluable support and guidance, particularly in navigating the U.S. side of
the adoption process. While the overseas aspect of the adoption was more
challenging, Amy appreciated the agency's realistic approach, they managed her
expectations and made her aware of the potential obstacles. The agency's
responsiveness and dedication to keeping her informed every step of the way
provided her with a sense of comfort and reassurance during the often emotional
and uncertain process.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Preparing yourself and your home for
the arrival of adopted children requires careful consideration and cultural
sensitivity. However, for Amy, the process was somewhat easier because she shared
a cultural background with her children, having originally come from the same
country. This shared heritage not only eased potential cultural barriers but
also facilitated a deeper connection based on common language and religion.
Despite the inevitable adjustments that come with any major life change, the
familiar cultural foundation created a solid platform for Amy and her children
to build their relationship upon. Now that Amy and her children are home in the
United States, they have focused on doing life as a family. Amy has enrolled
the children in school, placing the children in classes with special resources
for non-native English speakers. She works remotely to be available for her
children after school. The children needed routine immunizations and dental
care. As the attachment grew, she introduced the children to extended family
and friends.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Our office worked with Amy to
finalize her adoption in Virginia, which is required under the Child
Citizenship Act of 2000 to give children United States Citizenship. We have
also filed for proof of United States citizenship for the children with USCIS.
The children should soon be full United States citizens.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Amy's inspiring journey of
international adoption as a single parent showcases the profound impact that
one person can have on the lives of others. Her story exemplifies the
importance of creating a nurturing and supportive environment for children who
have endured challenging circumstances.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFMnAH3jvg_jTW17IRy0s1bC6Bd5vB5Jjk-_FtitHf0vbw3rx85mj-7ME1uVsiawmrLP1yZm9A7fDU0lxhbL-IISJ7TLblyogL4O2eB8_1ODF1RJQ30zfp496l5B6K6Wckisp2ah8c-MdivFVxK_rOB6CJKTdBDTj0oVfLKPMzMCi_38YVc28KEhjbLqRf/s1280/hands-4975341_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFMnAH3jvg_jTW17IRy0s1bC6Bd5vB5Jjk-_FtitHf0vbw3rx85mj-7ME1uVsiawmrLP1yZm9A7fDU0lxhbL-IISJ7TLblyogL4O2eB8_1ODF1RJQ30zfp496l5B6K6Wckisp2ah8c-MdivFVxK_rOB6CJKTdBDTj0oVfLKPMzMCi_38YVc28KEhjbLqRf/s320/hands-4975341_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p> Karen S. Law</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">klaw@lawadoption.com | (703) 723 – 4385<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Prepared by Alyssa Howes, paralegal, with assistance from Karen S. Law</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Disclaimer:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This web site and the information contained within have been prepared by Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This information is not intended to create, nor does receipt of it constitute an attorney-client relationship. Viewers should not act upon information found here without seeking legal counsel. All photographs shown on this blog are depictions of clients and are not actual clients of this law firm. Copyright Karen S. Law, 2023.</p>Law Offices of Karen S. Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05707926858515746431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110406723888252974.post-68676135531604148652022-10-27T11:27:00.000-07:002022-10-27T11:27:17.892-07:00Updated Federal Adoption Tax Credit for 2023<p><span> </span>Many people are unaware of the federal Adoption Tax Credit. This is a huge help for them to be reimbursed for their adoption expenses. Usually, you have to spend the money for allowable adoption expenses to get the credit. However, if you adopt from foster care, you get the entire tax credit even though you have not spent those funds. You just have to establish that the child qualifies as a special needs child.</p><p><span> </span>More information about the tax credit can be found here: <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc607" target="_blank">Topic No. 607 Adoption Credit and Adoption Assistance Programs | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)</a></p><p><span> </span>The maximum credit available for adoptions finalized in 2023 is $15,950. The adoption tax credit is fully available in the amount of $15,950 if your modified adjusted gross income is equal or less than $239,230. If your modified adjusted gross income is more than $239,230 but less than $279,230, you will receive a reduced tax credit. No tax credit is available for those earning more than $279,230. The form you submit to claim the credit is 8839. Remember to keep receipts of your expenditures, which you can claim up to the full credit amount.</p>Law Offices of Karen S. Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05707926858515746431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110406723888252974.post-89919547868369646912022-08-17T16:15:00.000-07:002022-08-17T16:15:13.578-07:00COVID-19 Pandemic and Shutdown Increases Stresses in Foster Care for Children, Birth Parents, Social Workers and Licensed Foster Care Providers (Updated August 2022)<p> Karen S. Law</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Law Offices of
Karen S. Law, PLC<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">klaw@lawadoption.com
| (703) 723 – 4385<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Prepared by
Alyssa Howes, paralegal, with assistance from Karen S. Law<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Drug Use
During Pandemic Increases the Number of Children Entering Foster Care</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span> </span><span> </span>According to the CDC, as of June
2020, 13% of Americans reported starting or increasing substance use as a way
of managing stress or emotions caused by the pandemic (Czeisler, 2020). A
reporting system called “ODMAP,” Overdose Detection Mapping Application
Program, found that there was an 18% increase in overdoses nationwide during
the early months of the pandemic compared to the same months in 2019.
Statistics have shown that this trend continued throughout 2020. In December of
2020, the American Medical Association reported that at least 40 U.S. states
have seen increases in opioid-related deaths, as well as continuing concerns
for those with substance abuse disorders (Abramson, 2021).</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span> </span><span> </span>Mandy Owens, PhD, a psychologist
and researcher at the University of Washington Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Institute, says that along with the sudden increase in substance use during the
pandemic, she has observed an increase in both quantity and frequency of drug
use. Research on drug use and overdose deaths have demonstrated that
covid-related stressors, such as financial instability, loneliness, and anxiety
about the virus, have contributed immensely to the increase in drug use.
William Stoops, PhD, professor of behavioral science, psychiatry and psychology
at the University of Kentucky says, “People are more stressed and isolated, so
they make unhealthy decisions, including drinking more and taking drugs.”
(Abramson, 2021).</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span> </span><span> </span>Although we do not yet have hard
statistics, we can surmise from the increased use of substances and the general
increase in poverty and homelessness during COVID-19, that more birth parents
will have children removed for abandonment, abuse, and neglect. It will be
challenging for them to regain custody of their children under the
circumstances.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span> </span><span> </span>There are also practical, as well
as systemic barriers to reunification. For example, parenting reunification
visits have had to be conducted remotely, not in person, due to COVID-19.
Additionally, social services agencies have workers working remotely. It may be
more difficult for birth parents to utilize in person services. For the most
part, states have been able to adapt to the challenge of remotely conducting
adoptions and foster care placements; but caseworkers in New York, for example,
report that COVID-19 has made it much more difficult to do their jobs of
serving the over 400,000 children currently in the system (Dodge, 2021).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Fewer Foster
Parents Available</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span> </span><span> </span>More kids have
been entering the foster care system during the pandemic, but there are fewer
families who are willing to take them in (Adams, 2020). Lyndsey C. Wilson, CEO
of First Star, a national nonprofit that supports children in foster care,
spoke to her experience during the pandemic: she has seen children transferred
from foster placement to foster placement, through no fault of the child, but
because the caregivers are concerned about Covid-19 (Adams, 2020). Health
concerns, related to COVID-19, discourage people who want to foster children
from doing so. There are many foster parents who have health issues and/or are
immunocompromised, and they are apprehensive about expanding their households
currently. This is a realistic concern. In Texas, for example, child welfare
agencies have reported that children in foster care are contracting COVID-19 at
twice the rate of the general population (Adams, 2020).</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span> <span> </span> </span>In addition to
health concerns, fewer people are willing to take care of foster children
during this time due to financial strain. The economic fallout of COVID-19 and
the shutdown have devastated some foster parents financially, leaving them
unable to take in new children. Many foster parents have experienced job loss
due the pandemic. Because a stable financial situation is a requirement for
fostering children, this has disqualified them from qualifying as a foster
parent.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Children
Aging Out Face Extra Challenges</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span> </span><span> </span>Child welfare
professionals are also concerned about teens aging out, or “emancipating,” from
foster care. When the child reaches that point, between ages 18 and 21
depending on the state, local governments are no longer required to provide
them financial assistance. Even before COVID-19, this transition into adulthood
was a difficult period for the 20,000 emancipated foster youth each year
(Dodge, 2021). During the pandemic, those aging out of foster care are faced
with a great deal of problems and it is evident that many are struggling to
manage. In May of 2020, FosterClub, a non-profit organization supporting youth
in foster care, conducted a survey of 613 former foster youth, ages 18 to 24,
to gain insight on how the pandemic was affecting young adults who were
previously in the foster care system. According to the results, 65% of respondents
working before the pandemic reported losing their jobs, 23% said they were
experiencing housing insecurity, and only 37% said they had an adult they could
turn to (Dodge, 2021).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Increasing
Teen Suicide Rates and Necessity of Additional Mental Health Services</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span> </span><span> </span>Since the beginning of the
pandemic, healthcare providers across the country have reported increases in
mental-health related emergencies in adolescents. According to the CDC, between
February and March of 2020, suspected suicide attempts among girls ages 12-17
was 50.6% higher than it was during the same time in 2019; among boys aged
12–17 years, suspected suicide attempt emergency department visits increased
3.7% (Yard, et al. 2021). Additionally, among adolescents ages 12–17, the proportion
of emergency department visits related to mental health increased by 31% in
2020 compared to 2019. Researchers for the CDC suspect that risk factors for
suicide include physical distancing (including school attendance and social
contact with teachers and peers); lack of access to mental health treatment;
increases in substance use; and anxiety about family health and economic
problems (Yard, et al. 2021).</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span> </span><span> </span>Reporters for NPR spoke with
providers at hospitals in seven states across the country, to investigate
recent mental health trends among adolescents. All the hospitals reported that
more suicidal children are visiting their hospitals, and they are in worse
mental states (Chatterjee, 2021). Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis
reported that the number of adolescents hospitalized after suicide attempts
increased from 67 to 108, from 2019 to 2020. Hillary Blake, a pediatric
psychologist at the hospital, said that October 2020 showed a 250% increase in
these numbers when compared to October 2019 (Chatterjee, 2021). The pandemic
has created many stress factors for children, which are increasing the risk of
suicide for many. COVID-19 and the shutdown have worsened the children's mental
health crisis, which was already an issue before the pandemic. For a decade,
suicide rates have been going up among adolescents (Chatterjee, 2021).</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span> </span><span> </span>Due to the exacerbation of mental
health crises among adolescents in general, one would expect that there would
be an increased need for therapy and mental health services to teens in foster
care. Both foster care parents and social workers will need to be proactive in
obtaining the appropriate care for children who are suffering during this time.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Students in
Foster Care Fall Behind in School</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">According
to a national assessment, most students in the United States fell behind in
school by between three and six months (Belkin, 2022). Children lost a
significant amount of classroom time during the pandemic. Worldwide, school
closures lasted an average of 224 days over the last two years. Researchers
have taken a look at a study that was done on students in Argentina between
1988 and 2014, which may be able to help us predict some of the long-term
effects of missed class time. Teacher strikes were very common during that
period in Argentina, and students in certain regions missed an average of 88
days during their years in primary-school. Data showed that, as adults, the
students in the regions with the most missed class time had higher rates of
unemployment and earned less money at their jobs than those who did not miss class
time due to teacher strikes (Belkin, 2022).</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Approximately
270,000 out of the 400,000 children in foster care are school-aged. Even before
the pandemic, research has shown that foster youth are more likely than their
peers to experience hardships over the course of their education that lead to
worse outcomes. On average, students in foster care earn lower grades and have
lower high school graduation rates (US Dept. of Education, 2016). Foster parents
and social workers need to assess learning-loss in their foster children; how
much learning-loss has accrued and what subject areas is the child most behind
in. With that knowledge, foster parents and social workers can give these
children the tools they need to overcome the setbacks in their education caused
by the pandemic.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Sources:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.5in;">Abramson, A. (2021,
March). Substance use during the pandemic. American Psychological Association.
Monitor on Psychology, 52(2). <a href="http://www.apa.org/monitor/2021/03/substance-use-pandemic">http://www.apa.org/monitor/2021/03/substance-use-pandemic</a>
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.5in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.5in;">Adams, C. (2020,
December 30). Foster care crisis: More kids are entering, but fewer families
are willing to take them in. NBC News. <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/foster-care-crisis-more-kids-are-entering-fewer-families-are-n1252450">https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/foster-care-crisis-more-kids-are-entering-fewer-families-are-n1252450</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.5in;">Chatterjee, R. (2021,
February 2). Child Psychiatrists Warn That The Pandemic May Be Driving Up Kids'
Suicide Risk. NPR. <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/02/02/962060105/child-psychiatrists-warn-that-the-pandemic-may-be-driving-up-kids-suicide-risk">https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/02/02/962060105/child-psychiatrists-warn-that-the-pandemic-may-be-driving-up-kids-suicide-risk</a>
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.5in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.5in;">Czeisler, M.É., Lane,
R.I., Petrosky, E., et al. (2020, August 14) Mental Health, Substance Use, and
Suicidal Ideation During the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States, June 24–30,
2020. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 69(32), 1049–1057. DOI: <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6932a1">http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6932a1</a>
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.5in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.5in;">Dodge, D. (2021, January
8). Foster Care Was Always Tough. Covid-19 Made It Tougher. New York Times. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/08/parenting/foster-care-coronavirus.html">https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/08/parenting/foster-care-coronavirus.html</a>
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.5in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.5in;">US Department of
Education (ED). (2016, June 27). Students in foster care. Home. Retrieved from <a href="https://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/foster-care/index.html">https://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/foster-care/index.html</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.5in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.5in;">Yard ,E., Radhakrishnan,
L., Ballesteros, M. F., Sheppard, M., Gates et al. (2021, June 18). Emergency
Department Visits for Suspected Suicide Attempts Among Persons Aged 12–25 Years
Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States, January 2019–May 2021.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 70(24), 888–894. DOI: <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7024e1">http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7024e1</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Disclaimer:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This web site and the information contained
within have been prepared by Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC for informational
purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This information is not intended
to create, nor does receipt of it constitute an attorney-client relationship.
Viewers should not act upon information found here without seeking legal
counsel. All photographs shown on this blog are depictions of clients and are
not actual clients of this law firm. Copyright Karen S. Law, 2022.<o:p></o:p></p>Law Offices of Karen S. Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05707926858515746431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110406723888252974.post-68888679256984644632022-05-20T08:17:00.000-07:002022-05-20T08:17:19.240-07:00NCFA: Adoption by the Numbers - 2019 & 2020<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="7341v" data-offset-key="dlp8o-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dlp8o-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="dlp8o-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">The National Council for Adoption (NCFA) just published a report on US adoption statistics for the years 2019 and 2020. This comprehensive research can clarify misconceptions, influence policy decisions, and help professionals to better serve the adoption community.</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dlp8o-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="dlp8o-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dlp8o-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="dlp8o-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Click the link below to read the report:</span></div></div><p> <a href="https://adoptioncouncil.org/ncfa-conference/adoption-by-the-numbers/">Adoption by the Numbers - National Council For Adoption (adoptioncouncil.org)</a></p>Law Offices of Karen S. Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05707926858515746431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110406723888252974.post-75154554437501202522021-12-20T08:55:00.000-08:002021-12-20T08:55:22.394-08:00Foster Care Adoptions: Summary of Pros/Cons<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Segoe UI, sans-serif;">Karen S. Law<br /></span><span style="font-family: Segoe UI, sans-serif;">Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC<br /></span><div><span style="font-family: Segoe UI, sans-serif;">klaw@lawadoption.com | (703) 723 – 4385</span></div></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Summary of Pros/Cons for Foster Care Adoptions</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><u><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Eligibility
to adopt from foster care:<o:p></o:p></span></u></h4>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Children
who are placed in the foster care system have been removed from their
biological parents or previous adoptive parents due to abandonment, abuse, or
neglect. They have experienced trauma and they need stable, loving homes. In
some cases, the foster care parents will provide that home while services are
provided to return the child to their prior parents. In other cases, the Court
determines that the child’s best interests are not served by a return to the
biological parents. The local social service agency then looks for suitable
relatives to adopt the child. If suitable relatives cannot be found, then the
existing foster care parents are eligible to adopt. This provides continuity
for the child because they have been living with the foster care home while the
parental reunification efforts are undertaken. For these reasons, families who
choose to adopt from foster care must first feel called to provide foster care
homes for children whether the children become available for adoption or not.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.05in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Some
parents choose to hire a private agency to help them through this process,
which can increase the cost of adoption. These children are still in the
custody of a public child welfare agency but are not placed locally because
they are older children or have special needs that cannot be met within that
locality. Parental rights are already terminated and these children are free
for adoption. The children can be placed with families who are home study
approved and have applied to adopt through a private agency (AdoptUSKids).
These private agencies typically call their programs “waiting child” adoptions.</span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><u><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Cost
of foster care adoptions</span></u><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">:
<o:p></o:p></span></h4>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Most
adoptions from foster care cost little to no money. Parents who adopt foster care
children adopt from a public child welfare agency of a county, state, or
territory. In most foster care adoption cases, there are few or no fees because
adopting a child from foster care is subsidized by the state. This is called adoption
assistance and most children who are adopted through the foster care system do
qualify for a state subsidy. Further, the cost of the home study is borne by
the local public child welfare agency.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">“Families
who adopt children from foster care are eligible for a federal tax credit. Tax
benefits include a tax credit for qualified adoption expenses and an exclusion
from income for employer-provided adoption assistance. The tax credit is based
on a family’s income and tax situation. While the tax credit is limited to the
year in which the adoption is finalized, credit exceeding a family’s tax
liability can be carried forward for up to 5 years.” For more information, see </span><a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc607"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Topic
No. 607 Adoption Credit and Adoption Assistance Programs | Internal Revenue
Service (irs.gov)</span></a><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;"> (Children’s
Bureau, 2020). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><u><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Adoption
assistance</span></u><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></h4>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Adoption
assistance is a program meant to help families financially to make it easier to
adopt from foster care, as well as make sure that a child’s special needs are
met. Some children in foster care may have conditions such as, physical, or
mental health disorders, learning disabilities, or other developmental issues
that require ongoing treatment or specialized attention (Children’s Bureau,
2020).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Depending on the case, adoption assistance
could be one-time payment for legal expenses to finalize the adoption, ongoing
monthly payments, or both, in addition to Medicaid or other state medical
assistance. (AdoptUSKids)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Adoption
assistance may last until the child becomes a legal adult. The age of majority
is age 18 in most states, but sometimes varies. However, some states provide
Federal adoption assistance up to age 21 (Children’s Bureau, 2020).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">“Each
State can determine what factors or conditions a child must have in order to be
considered to have special needs for purposes of establishing eligibility for
adoption assistance.” (Children’s Bureau, 2020) According to the Children’s
Bureau the eligibility criteria include:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">“The
State has determined the child cannot or should not be returned to the parents'
home.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">“The
State has identified a specific factor or condition, or a combination of
factors, that make it reasonable to conclude that the child cannot be placed
with the adoptive parents without adoption assistance and Medicaid; or the
child meets the medical or disability eligibility criteria for Federal
Supplemental Security Income (SSI).” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">“The
State has made a reasonable but unsuccessful effort to place the child without
Federal adoption assistance and Medicaid (unless this is against the child’s
best interests). If an adoptive parent informs the State that they are not able
to adopt the child without assistance, this prong of the special needs test
will be met as to the child's eligibility.”(Children’s Bureau, 2020) <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><u><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Benefits
to foster care adoption:</span></u></h4>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">The
benefit to the child of leaving a traumatic home life for a stable foster care
home is potentially life changing. The family learns to love and embrace a
child from a different background and life experience. The cost of foster care
adoption is low and allows families to adopt who could not afford to adopt
through a private agency. Typically, families do not adopt due to infertility
but because they have the resources and emotional capacity to adopt a child who
needs a stable home.</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Sources:</span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">About adoption from foster care. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">AdoptUSKids</i>. Retrieved from </span><a href="https://www.adoptuskids.org/adoption-and-foster-care/overview/adoption-from-foster-care"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">https://www.adoptuskids.org/adoption-and-foster-care/overview/adoption-from-foster-care</span></a><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Child Welfare Information Gateway.
(2020). <i>Adoption assistance for children adopted from foster care.</i> Washington,
DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children
and Families, Children’s Bureau.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Comparing the Costs of Domestic, Intercountry
and Foster Care Adoption. <i>American Adoptions</i>. Retrieved from </span><a href="https://www.americanadoptions.com/adopt/the_costs_of_adopting"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">https://www.americanadoptions.com/adopt/the_costs_of_adopting</span></a><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.5in;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="font-family: Segoe UI, sans-serif;">Prepared by Alyssa Howes, Paralegal, and Karen S. Law, Esquire, of Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC © 2021</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="font-family: Segoe UI, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="font-family: Segoe UI, sans-serif;">Disclaimer:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="font-family: Segoe UI, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="font-family: Segoe UI, sans-serif;"> This web site and the information contained within have been prepared by Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This information is not intended to create, nor does receipt of it constitute an attorney-client relationship. Viewers should not act upon information found here without seeking legal counsel. All photographs shown on this blog are depictions of clients and are not actual clients of this law firm. Copyright Karen S. Law, 2021.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Law Offices of Karen S. Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05707926858515746431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110406723888252974.post-27443414247361800042021-12-20T08:47:00.000-08:002021-12-20T08:47:17.559-08:00Intercountry Adoptions: Summary of Pros/Cons<p style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif; text-indent: -24px;">Karen S. Law<br /></span><span style="font-family: Segoe UI, sans-serif;">Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC<br /></span><span style="font-family: Segoe UI, sans-serif;">klaw@lawadoption.com | (703) 723 – 4385</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Segoe UI, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Summary of Pros/Cons for Intercountry
Adoptions<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><h4 style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><u><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Cost</span></u><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">: <o:p></o:p></span></h4>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Adoptive
parents are financially responsible for: adoption agency fees, the cost of adoption
professionals including a home study agency and a primary provider agency,
travel costs, immigration documentation costs, and any legal fees. Adoption
expenses vary depending on the country. According to Family Connections, a U.S.
adoption agency, Intercountry adoption can cost anywhere from $12,000 to
$30,000 on average (Family Connections Christian Adoptions). This is a low
average.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">According
to an older study from American Adoptions, these are the average individual
costs of Intercountry Adoption:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Agency
Fees/Program Application: $14,181<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Dossier
Preparation and Clearance: $1,818<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">In-Country
Adoption Expenses: $6,412<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Major
Travel Expenses: $8,210<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">In-Country
Travel Expenses: $2,234<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Child’s
Passport, Visa, Medical Exam: $816<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">*Each
cost is an average of China, Ethiopia, South Korea, and Ukraine from 2012-2013
(American Adoptions<a href="file:///C:/Users/klaw/Downloads/NBI%20Advanced%20Adoption%20Law.%202021.Summary%20Pros.Cons.%20International%20and%20Foster%20Care.%20Written%20materials.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><u><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Laws</span></u><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">:<o:p></o:p></span></h4>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Every
country has their own adoption laws and process. Eligibility requirements can
vary depending on the country, common criteria can include age, marital status,
income, and health (Considering Adoption).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Age
- Most countries have a minimum and maximum age for adoptive parents. Sometimes
there will also be minimum or maximum age difference between the parents and
the adopted child.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Marital
Status - Many countries require couples to have been married for a certain
amount of time before adopting. Some countries may not allow same-sex or
single-parent adoptions.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Income
- In most countries, adoptive parents are required to show proof of a stable
income. Sometimes, though not often, countries will require a specific minimum
income.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Health
- Few countries have specific health requirements for adoptive parents. The countries
that do have health requirements may ask for your medical records, mental
health history, and other personal documentation as part of the dossier
submitted (Considering Adoption).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><u><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Uncertain
Climate and Primary Provider Challenges:</span></u></h4>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">The
adoption rules and regulations of a country could change at any time, and that
is why it is important to stay updated. </span><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/Intercountry-Adoption.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Intercountry Adoption
(state.gov)</span></a><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;"> is the
best place to find adoption law updates for a specific country because it is
compiled by the U.S. Department of State which grants the visas for adopted
children. You should also speak with your adoption professionals for the most
current and accurate information. (Kuligowski, 2020)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">COVID-19
caused delays or stoppages of intercountry adoption programs, including the
People’s Republic of China. Political unrest or domestic laws which restrict
intercountry adoption are not uncommon. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Additionally,
the difficulty of locating a U.S. based agency to serve as “primary provider,”
cannot be discounted. Since the Universal Accreditation Act of 2012, every
adoption must now use a “primary provider”, even when the family is adopting a
relative. The only exception to this is if the family completes the adoption
while the child is under the age of sixteen and then lives overseas with the
child for two years, which is not feasible for most families. In that case,
there is an alternative pathway, which does not require a “primary provider.”
The family may use the Form I-130 process or the N-600K process.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><u><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Timing</span></u><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">: <o:p></o:p></span></h4>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Children adopted from other countries
must meet the requirements of their country of origin before they are placed
for adoption. In most countries, in addition to meeting local adoption
guidelines, they must be offered to a local family before they are eligible for
an Intercountry placement. Because of these regulations, there is always a
period of several months before the U.S. family is referred for adoption. Intercountry
adoptions usually take more time to process than other types of adoption. Most
children who are being placed for intercountry adoption in 2021 are five years
and up. There are a few exceptions; for example, some countries have programs
where children under the age of 8 months are referred for Intercountry
placement. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><u><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Benefits to intercountry adoption</span></u><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">:<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></h4>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Adopting a child from another country
brings so much to the U.S. family in terms of embracing another culture and
expanding their awareness and capacity to love another child who is not similar
to them. Challenges exist in terms of acclimating to the U.S. language and
culture for the child, as well as attaching to the family. There are many
resources available to intercountry adoptive families, especially in more
metropolitan areas, to assist with these challenges. Typically, families who
adopt through this pathway do so out of a desire to give something more, not
due to infertility.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Some children who are adopted through
this process are relatives of the U.S. citizens and have no parental care in
their home country. For them, obviously coming to the U.S. to live with a close
relative is life changing in terms of parental care and opportunities. We
typically see these children adjust more quickly due to family ties, cultural
awareness, and the existing relationships. Sadly, the cost of intercountry
adoption is a tremendous barrier for many families who would like to adopt an
orphaned relative.</span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Sources:</span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Comparing the Costs of Domestic, Intercountry
and Foster Care Adoption. <i>American Adoptions</i>. Retrieved from </span><a href="https://www.americanadoptions.com/adopt/the_costs_of_adopting"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">https://www.americanadoptions.com/adopt/the_costs_of_adopting</span></a><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Domestic vs. Intercountry Adoption:
What’s Right for You? (n.d.). Family Connections Christian Adoptions. Retrieved
from </span><a href="https://www.fcadoptions.org/adoption-options/international-vs-domestic-adoption.php"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">https://www.fcadoptions.org/adoption-options/Intercountry-vs-domestic-adoption.php</span></a><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Kuligowski, S. (2020). What Can I
Expect in an Intercountry Adoption? Adoption.org. Retrieved from </span><a href="https://adoption.org/can-expect-international-adoption"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">https://adoption.org/can-expect-Intercountry-adoption</span></a><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">Top 10 Things Adoptive Parents Should
Know About Intercountry Adoption<i>. Considering Adoption</i>. Retrieved from </span><a href="https://consideringadoption.com/international-adoption/is-international-adoption-right-for-you/top-10-things-adoptive-parents-should-know-about-international-adoption/"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;">https://consideringadoption.com/Intercountry-adoption/is-Intercountry-adoption-right-for-you/top-10-things-adoptive-parents-should-know-about-Intercountry-adoption/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/klaw/Downloads/NBI%20Advanced%20Adoption%20Law.%202021.Summary%20Pros.Cons.%20International%20and%20Foster%20Care.%20Written%20materials.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">As of 2021, The
People’s Republic of China and Ethiopia are not participating in intercountry
adoption. For the first, COVID-19 travel restrictions have placed programs on
hold. Ethiopia passed a law restricting intercountry adoption.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Segoe UI, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.6667px;">Prepared by Alyssa Howes, Paralegal, and Karen S. Law, Esquire, of Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC © 2021</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Segoe UI, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.6667px;">Disclaimer:</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Segoe UI, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.6667px;"> This web site and the information contained within have been prepared by Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This information is not intended to create, nor does receipt of it constitute an attorney-client relationship. Viewers should not act upon information found here without seeking legal counsel. All photographs shown on this blog are depictions of clients and are not actual clients of this law firm. Copyright Karen S. Law, 2021.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
</div>Law Offices of Karen S. Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05707926858515746431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110406723888252974.post-82011451486726245432021-08-09T11:24:00.000-07:002021-08-09T11:24:14.154-07:00COVID-19 Pandemic and Shutdown Increases Stresses in Foster Care for Children, Birth Parents, Social Workers and Licensed Foster Care Providers<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: #003366; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Karen S. Law<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: #003366; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: #003366; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">klaw@lawadoption.com | (703) 723 –
4385<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: #003366; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Prepared by Alyssa Howes,
paralegal, with assistance from Karen S. Law<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">COVID-19
Pandemic and Shutdown Increases Stresses in Foster Care for Children, Birth
Parents, Social Workers and Licensed Foster Care Providers<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Drug Use
During Pandemic Increases the Number of Children Entering Foster Care<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>According to the CDC, as of June
2020, 13% of Americans reported starting or increasing substance use as a way
of managing stress or emotions caused by the pandemic (Czeisler, 2020). A
reporting system called “ODMAP,” Overdose Detection Mapping Application
Program, found that there was an 18% increase in overdoses nationwide during
the early months of the pandemic compared to the same months in 2019.
Statistics have shown that this trend continued throughout 2020. In December of
2020, the American Medical Association reported that at least 40 U.S. states
have seen increases in opioid-related deaths, as well as continuing concerns
for those with substance abuse disorders (Abramson, 2021).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mandy Owens, PhD, a psychologist and
researcher at the University of Washington Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute,
says that along with the sudden increase in substance use during the pandemic,
she has observed an increase in both quantity and frequency of drug use.</span>
<span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Research on drug use and overdose deaths have
demonstrated that covid-related stressors, such as financial instability, loneliness,
and anxiety about the virus, have contributed immensely to the increase in drug
use.</span> <span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">William Stoops, PhD, professor of behavioral
science, psychiatry and psychology at the University of Kentucky says, “People
are more stressed and isolated, so they make unhealthy decisions, including
drinking more and taking drugs.” (Abramson, 2021).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Although we do not yet have hard
statistics, we can surmise from the increased use of substances and the general
increase in poverty and homelessness during COVID-19, that more birth parents
will have children removed for abandonment, abuse, and neglect. It will be
challenging for them to regain custody of their children under the
circumstances. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There are also practical, as well as
systemic barriers to reunification. For example, parenting reunification visits
have had to be conducted remotely, not in person, due to COVID-19. Additionally,
social services agencies have workers working remotely. It may be more
difficult for birth parents to utilize in person services. For the most part,
states have been able to adapt to the challenge of remotely conducting
adoptions and foster care placements; but caseworkers in New York, for example,
report that COVID-19 has made it much more difficult to do their jobs of
serving the over 400,000 children currently in the system (Dodge, 2021).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Fewer
Foster Parents Available<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">More kids have been entering the foster care system during the
pandemic, but there are fewer families who are willing to take them in (Adams,
2020). Lyndsey C. Wilson, CEO of First Star, a national nonprofit that supports
children in foster care, spoke to her experience during the pandemic: she has
seen children transferred from foster placement to foster placement, through no
fault of the child, but because the caregivers are concerned about Covid-19
(Adams, 2020). Health concerns, related to COVID-19, discourage people who want
to foster children from doing so. There are many foster parents who have health
issues and/or are immunocompromised, and they are apprehensive about expanding
their households currently. This is a realistic concern. In Texas, for example,
child welfare agencies have reported that children in foster care are
contracting COVID-19 at twice the rate of the general population (Adams, 2020).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">In addition to health concerns, fewer people are willing to take
care of foster children during this time due to financial strain. The economic fallout
of COVID-19 and the shutdown have devastated some foster parents financially,
leaving them unable to take in new children. Many foster parents have
experienced job loss due the pandemic. Because a stable financial situation is
a requirement for fostering children, this has disqualified them from qualifying
as a foster parent. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: -0.5in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Children Aging Out Face Extra Challenges<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Child welfare professionals are also concerned about teens aging
out, or “emancipating,” from foster care. When the child reaches that point, between
ages 18 and 21 depending on the state, local governments are no longer required
to provide them financial assistance. Even before COVID-19, this transition
into adulthood was a difficult period for the 20,000 emancipated foster youth
each year (Dodge, 2021). During the pandemic, those aging out of foster care are
faced with a great deal of problems and it is evident that many are struggling
to manage. In May of 2020, FosterClub, a non-profit organization supporting
youth in foster care, conducted a survey of 613 former foster youth, ages 18 to
24, to gain insight on how the pandemic was affecting young adults who were
previously in the foster care system. According to the results, 65% of
respondents working before the pandemic reported losing their jobs, 23% said
they were experiencing housing insecurity, and only 37% said they had an adult
they could turn to (Dodge, 2021)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Increasing
Teen Suicide Rates and Necessity of Additional Mental Health Services<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Since the beginning of the pandemic,
healthcare providers across the country have reported increases in
mental-health related emergencies in adolescents. According to the CDC, between
February and March of 2020, suspected suicide attempts among girls ages 12-17
was 50.6% higher than it was during the same time in 2019; among boys aged
12–17 years, suspected suicide attempt emergency department visits increased
3.7% (Yard, et al. 2021). Additionally, among adolescents ages 12–17, the
proportion of emergency department visits related to mental health increased by
31% in 2020 compared to 2019. Researchers for the CDC suspect that risk factors
for suicide include physical distancing (including school attendance and social
contact with teachers and peers); lack of access to mental health treatment;
increases in substance use; and anxiety about family health and economic
problems (Yard, et al. 2021).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Reporters for NPR spoke with
providers at hospitals in seven states across the country, to investigate
recent mental health trends among adolescents. All the hospitals reported that
more suicidal children are visiting their hospitals, and they are in worse
mental states (Chatterjee, 2021).</span> <span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Riley
Hospital for Children in Indianapolis reported that the number of adolescents hospitalized
after suicide attempts increased from 67 to 108, from 2019 to 2020. Hillary
Blake, a pediatric psychologist at the hospital, said that October 2020 showed
a 250% increase in these numbers when compared to October 2019<a name="_Hlk78984170"> (Chatterjee, 2021). The pandemic has created many stress
factors for children, which are increasing the risk of suicide for many. COVID-19
and the shutdown have worsened the children's mental health crisis, which was
already an issue before the pandemic. For a decade, suicide rates have been
going up among adolescents (Chatterjee, 2021).<o:p></o:p></a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk78984170;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Due to the exacerbation
of mental health crises among adolescents in general, one would expect that there
would be an increased need for therapy and mental health services to teens in
foster care. Both foster care parents and social workers will need to be
proactive in obtaining the appropriate care for children who are suffering
during this time.</span></span><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Sources:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Abramson, A. (2021, March). Substance use during the pandemic. <i>American
Psychological Association</i>. Monitor on Psychology, 52(2). </span><a href="http://www.apa.org/monitor/2021/03/substance-use-pandemic"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">http://www.apa.org/monitor/2021/03/substance-use-pandemic</span></a><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Adams, C. (2020, December 30). Foster care crisis: More kids are
entering, but fewer families are willing to take them in. <i>NBC News</i>. </span><a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/foster-care-crisis-more-kids-are-entering-fewer-families-are-n1252450"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/foster-care-crisis-more-kids-are-entering-fewer-families-are-n1252450</span></a><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Chatterjee, R. (2021, February 2). Child Psychiatrists Warn That
The Pandemic May Be Driving Up Kids' Suicide Risk. <i>NPR</i>. </span><a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/02/02/962060105/child-psychiatrists-warn-that-the-pandemic-may-be-driving-up-kids-suicide-risk"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/02/02/962060105/child-psychiatrists-warn-that-the-pandemic-may-be-driving-up-kids-suicide-risk</span></a><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><a name="_Hlk78984957"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Czeisler</span></a><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">, M.É.,
Lane, R.I., Petrosky, E., et al. (2020, August 14) Mental Health, Substance
Use, and Suicidal Ideation During the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States, June
24–30, 2020. <i>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</i>. 69(32), 1049–1057.
DOI: </span><a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6932a1"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6932a1</span></a><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Dodge, D. (2021, January 8). Foster Care Was Always Tough. Covid-19
Made It Tougher. <i>New York Times</i>. </span><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/08/parenting/foster-care-coronavirus.html"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/08/parenting/foster-care-coronavirus.html</span></a><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Yard ,E., Radhakrishnan, L., Ballesteros, M. F., Sheppard, M.,
Gates et al. (2021, June 18). Emergency Department Visits for Suspected Suicide
Attempts Among Persons Aged 12–25 Years Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic
— United States, January 2019–May 2021. <i>Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention</i>. 70(24), 888–894. DOI: </span><a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7024e1"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7024e1</span></a><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Disclaimer:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> This web site and the information contained within have been prepared by Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This information is not intended to create, nor does receipt of it constitute an attorney-client relationship. Viewers should not act upon information found here without seeking legal counsel. All photographs shown on this blog are depictions of clients and are not actual clients of this law firm. Copyright Karen S. Law, 2021.</span></p>Law Offices of Karen S. Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05707926858515746431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110406723888252974.post-82847612606137651962021-06-14T10:18:00.000-07:002021-06-14T10:18:28.934-07:00Private Adoption Overview<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Private adoption is a type of adoption where the prospective
adoptive parents work directly with a birth mother or birth parents to place
the child for adoption.</span> <span style="line-height: 107%;">Private
adoption can go by many names, such as “domestic adoption”, “direct parental
placement adoption”, and “independent adoption”, to name a few.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Usually, the birth parents and
prospective adoptive parents meet through a mutual friend and explore
informally the idea of adoption. From there, professionals are involved for
legal representation and counseling. The adoptive parents are usually present
during the child’s birth. After a certain time, <span style="line-height: 107%;">custody is transferred directly between the birth parents and
the adoptive parents rather than custody going to an agency which then places
the child with the prospective adoptive parents. In most states, the
prospective adoptive parents are permitted to assist the birth mother
financially with medical bills, legal fees, counseling, and other things she
may need. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJphf1MTAtnocZqjEMRAja9AdoQJMfOT0XA0eyUNLbZ__Osc8-u7-XvH5Prm-t5TCQWkEfoIIqth6gMevNBn8IXwBRMIHOKTQytkaPB9_YiRS3z_VhXicuGD61vIuuLLPR3WqBZlB6PDK/s1880/baby%27s+hand.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1253" data-original-width="1880" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJphf1MTAtnocZqjEMRAja9AdoQJMfOT0XA0eyUNLbZ__Osc8-u7-XvH5Prm-t5TCQWkEfoIIqth6gMevNBn8IXwBRMIHOKTQytkaPB9_YiRS3z_VhXicuGD61vIuuLLPR3WqBZlB6PDK/w268-h179/baby%27s+hand.jpeg" width="268" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%;">There are many reasons why birth parents choose private
adoption for their child over placing their child with an adoption agency who
then places the child with prospective adoptive parents (this is called an
agency placement). Birth parents report that they like having a highly active
role in the family selection process and the direct, nonconfidential
interaction with the family. Being able to meet the family for their child without
an intermediary may provide a sense of comfort for the birth parents. Further, the
birth parents can negotiate post adoption contact and visitation agreements with
the adoptive parents which ensures them that the child and adoptive parents
will not vanish after the adoption<a href="file:///C:/Users/Bernadette/Downloads/Private%20Adoption%20Blog%20Article.2.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>.
In many states, these agreements are legally enforceable as contracts although
the failure to comply with the contract would not upset the adoption. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%;">In the adoptive parents’ case, there are some benefits to
choosing private adoption. The adoptive parents can take their child home soon
after the child is born and are often present during the child’s birth,
allowing the attachment process to begin then. The openness between both
parties is another advantage of the private adoption process. Adoptive parents
and birth parents have the ability to decide how much contact they would like
to have with each other. It is also helpful for the child later in life if the
adoptive parents have met and had positive interactions with the birth
parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes, this contact is
ongoing, but if the birth parents are no longer involved in the child’s life,
the information gained during the private adoption process is invaluable to the
adolescent’s sense of identity. Private adoption is also usually less expensive
than an agency placement, although this can vary depending on whether there is
a contest with a nonconsenting birth parent.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQc6-KTdlBFwCVUXu0fVdAiKPMHZydOqNkZTJLvbxzp6TY4vXrlnxZYT0CwEDE6lmZSeDVTGJlLXsvOQsa4_w1OFy7ownSHsCT3Rx4B1bDq9xB_TZIp-BASgI6z9rDup4JI8HtWrq0VTSH/s1880/couple+with+infant.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="1880" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQc6-KTdlBFwCVUXu0fVdAiKPMHZydOqNkZTJLvbxzp6TY4vXrlnxZYT0CwEDE6lmZSeDVTGJlLXsvOQsa4_w1OFy7ownSHsCT3Rx4B1bDq9xB_TZIp-BASgI6z9rDup4JI8HtWrq0VTSH/w289-h192/couple+with+infant.jpeg" width="289" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%;">There are a few downsides to private adoption for birth
parents and adoptive parents. The lack of confidentiality does not appeal to
some.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Agency adoptions tend to offer
more support for birth parents and more extensive counseling about the adoption
decision. Agencies may be more aware of resources in the community that would
assist the birth parents. If there is a non-consenting birth parent, an agency
placement may provide confidentiality to the prospective adoptive parents that
would not be possible in a direct placement. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%;">The trend has been toward private adoption in the last
decades as social welfare research has confirmed the huge benefit to children,
birth parents, and prospective adoptive parents of more openness and
transparency in adoptive placements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, this is not the right approach in every situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Birth parents and prospective adoptive
parents need to carefully consider which approach is best for them, private adoption,
or agency placement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%;">A good place to start is with a consultation with a private
adoption attorney who can neutrally explain the pros and cons of both
approaches. The Law Offices of Karen S. Law PLC conducts adoption overview
meetings for birth parents and families who reside in Virginia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To schedule one, email us at Schedule@Lawadoption.com.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">If you live outside of Virginia, you can find a reputable
adoption attorney through the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction
Attorneys, a select group of attorneys who has extensive experience with
adoptions:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="https://adoptionart.org/find-an-attorney/"><span style="color: blue;">Find
An Adoption or ART Attorney | AAAA (adoptionart.org)</span></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></p><div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><!--[endif]-->
</span><div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Bernadette/Downloads/Private%20Adoption%20Blog%20Article.2.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
This can also be done in agency placements in many states.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.12px;">Sources:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.pactadopt.org/birth/services/placement/independent.html"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">https://www.pactadopt.org/birth/services/placement/independent.html</span></a><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.americanadoptions.com/adopt/private-adoption"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">https://www.americanadoptions.com/adopt/private-adoption</span></a><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://lawadoption.blogspot.com/2015/07/private-placement-adoption-faqs.html"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.12px;">https://lawadoption.blogspot.com/2015/07/private-placement-adoption-faqs.html</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Prepared by Alyssa Howes, Intern, and Karen S. Law, Esquire, of Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC © 2021</span></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Disclaimer:</span></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> This web site and the information contained within have been prepared by Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This information is not intended to create, nor does receipt of it constitute an attorney-client relationship. Viewers should not act upon information found here without seeking legal counsel. All photographs shown on this blog are depictions of clients and are not actual clients of this law firm. Copyright Karen S. Law, 2021.</span></p>
</div>
</div>Law Offices of Karen S. Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05707926858515746431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110406723888252974.post-43309068016694462042021-05-10T13:01:00.001-07:002021-05-10T13:01:57.124-07:00N-600K Fact Sheet<p><u><span style="font-family: times;">Overview</span></u></p>
<p style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">The N-600K form is used
to apply for naturalization of a child who regularly resides outside of the U.S.
with his U.S. citizen parent. For a child to be eligible for citizenship under
the N-600K, they must: be under 18 years old, have at least one U.S. citizen
parent, be residing outside of the U.S., be temporarily and legally present in
the United States to complete the N-600K process for an interview, and have a U.S.
citizen parent who has resided in the U.S. for five years or more. The form
must be filed by the U.S. citizen parent on behalf the child. If the U.S.
citizen parent does not meet the residency requirement or if they are deceased,
a U.S. citizen grandparent may file for the child. Proof of residence is
required to verify that the U.S. citizen parent or grandparent has lived in the
U.S. for at least five years. All forms and supporting documents and filing fee
will be mailed to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at the
address designated on the</span> <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/n-600k">Application
for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322 | USCIS</a><span style="color: black;">. If your N-600K application is approved by USCIS, your
child will be able to receive a Certificate of Citizenship at the interview.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: times;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72d6m-90_F1kIoW8kpaEVc-b6vINIfbbkUAkxeAaOvXH988zR745klP_hFogcM_SbWGw-ShOiSLjONVqwSpu1ZdxZcbJKwcrwP5nGKhecTgBpyg0MMfVfdXxG_c1RVcVUjqSev6mFJMEg/s1280/us+flag+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="1280" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72d6m-90_F1kIoW8kpaEVc-b6vINIfbbkUAkxeAaOvXH988zR745klP_hFogcM_SbWGw-ShOiSLjONVqwSpu1ZdxZcbJKwcrwP5nGKhecTgBpyg0MMfVfdXxG_c1RVcVUjqSev6mFJMEg/w272-h190/us+flag+pic.jpg" width="272" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: times;">The criteria listed below
(A – C) must be met for adopted child to be eligible for naturalization under
Section 322 of the Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA). Section D explains
the procedure to file the N-600-K form.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: times;">Orphans Adopted Abroad Who Continue to Live Abroad
with their U.S. Citizen Parents<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: times;">A. Typical scenarios
would be U.S. families living abroad, such as dual citizens, business people,
and foreign missionaries. U.S. military members on orders are exempt and can
use the Section 320 procedure.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: times;">B. Applicable Law: Child
Citizenship Act of 2000 (CCA), Pub. L. No. 106-395, 114 Stat.1631, Section 322
of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: times;">C. Families may use
provisions of Section 322 of the INA if they meet the following criteria:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: 1.0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: times;">1. U.S. citizen parent
or grandparent, who was physically present in the U.S. or outlying possessions
for at least five years, at least two of which were after the age of 14;<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: times;">2. Child
is under age 18 by the time the entire process is completed;<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: 1.0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: times;">3. Child is residing
outside the U.S. in the legal and physical custody of the applying parent;<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: 1.0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: times;">4. Child temporarily
present in the U.S. pursuant to a lawful admission and is maintaining such
lawful status; AND<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: 1.0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: times;">5. Child must meet
“orphan” definition or “adopted child” or “adoptable child” definition.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: times;">D.
Section 322 Procedure:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">1. U.S. citizen parent
or grandparent or legal counsel files form N-600-K with supporting
documentation and filing fee at the address listed on the form at </span><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/n-600k">Application for Citizenship and Issuance of
Certificate Under Section 322 | USCIS</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: 1.0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: times;">The interview can take
place at any USCIS field office (in the U.S., not abroad);<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: 1.0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: times;">2. Preliminary
adjudication within 5 to 6 months—if approved, the applicant receives an
approval notice on Form G-56. The time frame depends on which field office is
selected for the interview.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some offices
have much longer processing times.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: 1.0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: times;">3. U.S. citizen parent
takes approval notice to nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy, which issues B-2
visa for child. If the child already has a B-2 visa, the step can be omitted.
It’s quicker if the child already has a B-2 visitor’s visa.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: 1.0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: times;">4. U.S. citizen parent
and child come to the USCIS district office that issued approval for interview.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: 1.0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: times;">5. Final approval issued
at interview, oath administered to child, and Certificate of Citizenship
issued.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: 1.0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: times;">6. Practice Tip: Beware
of age-outs, because the oath must be administered before the child turns 18.</span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 1.0in;"><span style="color: black;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1fZir9-MWHIiFbmhuRP4nxM4WFUt5bNjiMfyBb3F8MtENODNTW_zzouVYfYQhB-io-rMDuWinPiBMuJKoo1oE8dvniIfze2ArRxBrM8VpVce4lPgQmKav2FBsnTnEaR5RuMzkGI8kaJx/s1920/children+on+bike+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1359" data-original-width="1920" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1fZir9-MWHIiFbmhuRP4nxM4WFUt5bNjiMfyBb3F8MtENODNTW_zzouVYfYQhB-io-rMDuWinPiBMuJKoo1oE8dvniIfze2ArRxBrM8VpVce4lPgQmKav2FBsnTnEaR5RuMzkGI8kaJx/w271-h191/children+on+bike+pic.jpg" width="271" /></a></div><p></p>
<p><u><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: times;">Common Problems<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">The wrong person signs
the form.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: 63.0pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Who should sign the
form? The U.S. citizen parent should sign the form, as long as they meet the
physical presence requirements. The parent must have been living in the U.S. or
an outlying territory for at least 5 years, two of which were after the age of
fourteen. If the parent does not meet this requirement, a U.S. citizen
grandparent may sign instead. A U.S. citizen grandparent is also permitted to
sign if the U.S. citizen parent is deceased.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Wrong filing fee
submitted or check not made out correctly to U.S. Department of Homeland
Security<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">No passport style
photos submitted (Tip, have them taken abroad and then emailed to a U.S. photo
service where they are printed out and the attorney mails them with the completed
application and filing fee)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Filing too early.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: 63.0pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">If the child does not
qualify as an “orphan” or “Hague adoptee”, you must wait until the adoption is
finalized, plus two years of legal custody and two years of joint residence.
These two-year periods may run concurrently or overlap but you can't file until
the last time frame is completed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Insufficient evidence
of two years of physical custody.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: 63.0pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">It is necessary to
track all the addresses and provide the lease or rental agreement plus
documents showing that address, the child's name, and the adoptive parents'
names on them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Insufficient evidence
of the U.S. citizen parent's residence in the U.S. for five years.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: 63.0pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Usually high school
and/or college transcripts can solve this issue.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Not using Fed-Ex or UPS
to mail your form.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: 63.0pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">These delivery
services are more secure and will give you proof of receipt.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiIL-UaIZVVv4cZljGlwuWZE_wKgmx-vSL1mtsD_Bumbi1xCDTU5QAMhAD2FAeCYWPT2BVyBKmfVAArNJi_7iGaegjcC2FTu7b8gle3l1wzGcZVbPqDFzsnG67lsR5XJ0IEkkhirBJv5PM/s2048/kids+sitting+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1371" data-original-width="2048" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiIL-UaIZVVv4cZljGlwuWZE_wKgmx-vSL1mtsD_Bumbi1xCDTU5QAMhAD2FAeCYWPT2BVyBKmfVAArNJi_7iGaegjcC2FTu7b8gle3l1wzGcZVbPqDFzsnG67lsR5XJ0IEkkhirBJv5PM/w258-h172/kids+sitting+pic.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
<p><u><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: times;">What to Expect After Filing<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></p>
<p style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: times;">Once you have filed your
application, USCIS will send you an I-797 receipt notice. There will be a case
number on the receipt and you should save this number. Anytime you inquire
about your case, you will reference this case number. After USCIS reviews your
N-600K application, they will schedule an interview for your child. To be
present at the interview, the child must have proof of lawful entry to the
United States. Usually, form I-94 (Lawful Record of Admission) is submitted as
proof. Lastly, if everything is in order, USCIS will approve the child to
receive a Certificate of Citizenship at the interview.</span></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: -.6in; text-indent: .5in;"><u><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Assistance from Our Office<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></p>
<p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;"><span> </span><span> </span>This
article provides general information which should be verified at </span><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/n-600k">Application for Citizenship and Issuance of
Certificate Under Section 322 | USCIS</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It<span style="color: black;"> cannot take the place of individual legal
advice about your situation and does not create a client-lawyer relationship.
To establish that relationship, please contact us to schedule your consultation
at www.Lawadoption.com.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p><u><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: times;">Sources:</span></span></u></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><u><span style="color: black;"></span></u>“Completing the
Adoption—it’s Not Over until PROOF of Citizenship is Obtained”, Prepared by
Karen Stoutamyer Law, Esquire, © 2017, Seminar <a href="https://www.alllaw.com/articles/nolo/us-immigration/filing-citizenship-parentage-n-600k-application.html">https://www.alllaw.com/articles/nolo/us-immigration/filing-citizenship-parentage-n-600k-application.html</a><span style="color: black;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://www.americansabroad.org/naturalization-under-section-322/">https://www.americansabroad.org/naturalization-under-section-322/</a><span style="color: black;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: times;">Prepared
by Alyssa Howes, Intern, and Karen S. Law, Esquire, of Law Offices of Karen S.
Law, PLC © 2021<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: times;">Disclaimer:</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: times;"> This web site and the information contained within have been prepared by Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This information is not intended to create, nor does receipt of it constitute an attorney-client relationship. Viewers should not act upon information found here without seeking legal counsel. All photographs shown on this blog are depictions of clients and are not actual clients of this law firm. Copyright Karen S. Law, 2021.</span></p>Law Offices of Karen S. Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05707926858515746431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110406723888252974.post-43728730977560778782021-04-09T15:01:00.001-07:002021-04-09T15:01:44.494-07:00Adopting an Undocumented Child<p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><b>SIJS Application Pending</b></p><p><span> </span>Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) allows immigrant children in the state juvenile court system to obtain lawful permanent immigration status. There are specific requirements for a child to qualify for SIJS. The child must be under 21, unmarried, and be declared a dependent in juvenile court or an entity must be appointed as the child’s legal custodian. Although, if the state court loses jurisdiction over the child at 18, the deadline would be 18, not 21. According to federal law, an approved SIJS petition will not be revoked due to adoption or placement in a guardianship of the SIJS beneficiary. Moreover, the USCIS policy manual states that while it is normally required to have custody of the juvenile court for approval of the petition, there is an exception to this rule when the court loses custody due to the juvenile either being adopted or placed in a guardianship.</p><p><span> </span>Having an approved SIJS petition does not grant any status to the child, temporary or permanent. When a visa number becomes available to the child, the pending SIJS petition will allow them to apply for adjustment of status. Most children may apply to adjust status concurrently with their SIJS petition. The exception is children who are citizens of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and sometimes Mexico. For SIJ children the wait can be years. Additionally, an approved I-360 SIJS petition does not permit the child to receive a SSN, and also does not provide authorization for employment. Usually, the application for employment authorization which gives them a lawful permanent resident card and social security card are filed at the same time as the SIJS petition.</p><p><b>SIJ Status and Medicaid</b></p><p><span> </span>The Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA) gives states the ability to provide medical coverage to children and pregnant women who are residing legally in the United States. Under this law, a child who has a pending application for SIJS is considered a lawfully residing alien. Provided that the child (under the age of 19) is in the United States legally and their status has not expired, they would be eligible for Medicaid. Medicaid does not require that a child with a status of SIJ apply for a SSN or provide proof of application to be eligible for coverage, so long as their status remains as SIJ. However, if their status changes to legal permanent resident (LPR), they would then be required to provide proof of SSN in order to remain eligible. Furthermore, if the child is still legally a non-immigrant by the age of 19, they lose their status as a qualified alien and would have to be re-evaluated as an adult immigrant. According to the Virginia Medical Assistance Eligibility manual, “Lawfully residing children under age 19 and pregnant women meet Medicaid and FAMIS/FAMIS MOMS alien requirements regardless of their arrival date or length of time in the US.”.</p><p><b>Family-Based Petition Process</b></p><p><span> </span>To be considered to be an adopted child under this alternative process, the child must have been under the age of 16 by the time adoption was finalized, and the parent(s) have had legal and physical custody of the child for at least 2 years. Both United States citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents are able to file a petition under this process. Given that their child meets the requirements to be considered an adopted child, they are able to file form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative with USCIS. Approval of the petition does not grant the child any immigration status. Once the petition is approved, the child may then apply for Legal Permanent Resident status which results in a lawful permanent resident card. There is an important caveat to the availability of this pathway to lawful status for children who are citizens of Hague Adoption Convention countries. If the adoptive parent is a US citizen, and the child is a citizen of another Hague Adoption Convention country, the state court does not have jurisdiction to finalize the adoption without compliance with strict notice to the Central Authority. The requirements for notice can be found <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/memos/2017-11-20-PM-602-0095-Hague-Habitual_Residence.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>. The family law attorney must consult with an immigration attorney before the adoption is finalized.</p><p>A full list of Hague Adoption Convention countries can be found <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/Intercountry-Adoption/Adoption-Process/understanding-the-hague-convention/convention-countries.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><div><br /><div>Sources:</div><div><br /></div><div>Automatic Revocation. GovRegs. </div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.govregs.com/regulations/title8_chapterI_part205_section205.1">https://www.govregs.com/regulations/title8_chapterI_part205_section205.1</a></div></div></blockquote><div><div><br /></div><div>Chapter 2 - Eligibility Requirements. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. </div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-6-part-j-chapter-2">https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-6-part-j-chapter-2</a></div></div></blockquote><div><div><br /></div><div>Family-Based Petition Process. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. </div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/adoption/immigration-through-adoption/family-based-petition-process">https://www.uscis.gov/adoption/immigration-through-adoption/family-based-petition-process</a></div></div></blockquote><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Links:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/memos/2017-11-20-PM-602-0095-Hague-Habitual_Residence.pdf">https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/memos/2017-11-20-PM-602-0095-Hague-Habitual_Residence.pdf</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/Intercountry-Adoption/Adoption-Process/understanding-the-hague-convention/convention-countries.html">https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/Intercountry-Adoption/Adoption-Process/understanding-the-hague-convention/convention-countries.html</a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Drafted by Alyssa Howes, intern at the Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC.</div><div><br /></div><div>Disclaimer:</div><div><br /></div><div> This web site and the information contained within have been prepared by Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This information is not intended to create, nor does receipt of it constitute an attorney-client relationship. Viewers should not act upon information found here without seeking legal counsel. All photographs shown on this blog are depictions of clients and are not actual clients of this law firm. Copyright Karen S. Law, 2021.</div><p></p>Alyssa Howeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556226144763937850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110406723888252974.post-51111977106258432342021-03-22T10:51:00.000-07:002021-03-22T10:51:32.953-07:00Birth Mother Services Overview<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkrB9-nxVv4vzB8XZYQBVgz1HkPiKdQcs8RyifSvz2KfTD0bB8r5nbHGsKQah1e3jzlRVZl7MjUil_rR_IymZ_PQ2IlR_R_iiOAihGE6jY-j92du-7Y2Q488KqotbOLi_IGCf23P6d-Ui/s946/Pic+1+Birth+Mother.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="946" data-original-width="723" height="834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkrB9-nxVv4vzB8XZYQBVgz1HkPiKdQcs8RyifSvz2KfTD0bB8r5nbHGsKQah1e3jzlRVZl7MjUil_rR_IymZ_PQ2IlR_R_iiOAihGE6jY-j92du-7Y2Q488KqotbOLi_IGCf23P6d-Ui/w638-h834/Pic+1+Birth+Mother.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrv3N37wpijaTNjwdKFMl2v9dOkM-uzqDWCd4GoU7L5vMgz4LIQmCtzdgMrnwZh1tNxAxMwKMOQxkLbm9VVNkH2Ya0k7XJutSUqL8zUglz7slF_5MVOSixaD7xZnsRPdBuiuYn-NgWW2U/s947/Pic+2+Birth+Mother+edited.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="947" data-original-width="727" height="834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrv3N37wpijaTNjwdKFMl2v9dOkM-uzqDWCd4GoU7L5vMgz4LIQmCtzdgMrnwZh1tNxAxMwKMOQxkLbm9VVNkH2Ya0k7XJutSUqL8zUglz7slF_5MVOSixaD7xZnsRPdBuiuYn-NgWW2U/w639-h834/Pic+2+Birth+Mother+edited.png" width="639" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Law Offices of Karen S. Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05707926858515746431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110406723888252974.post-11428050830745758472021-01-04T07:04:00.006-08:002021-01-04T07:59:26.533-08:00COVID-19 and Adoption<p><span> </span> <span style="font-family: times;">The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of the adoption process for both intercountry and domestic adoptions. This has been a challenging situation for prospective adoptive parents and adoption agencies to navigate. Many parents have had their plans of adopting a child put on hold this year because of the delays in the process. Prospective adoptive parents, social workers, adoption agencies, and adoption attorneys have all had to adapt to the situation in different ways. At this point in time, it is evident that the pandemic has already had significant effects on the adoption process. However, the long term affects that COVID-19 will have on adoption are less certain.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span> </span>This situation is especially complicated for parents who were planning on completing adoptions abroad. International flights are restricted, and some countries have temporarily closed their borders to non-citizens. Due to the travel restrictions, some parents have not yet been able to meet their adopted child or complete the Court process overseas. Embassies which issue the visa after the adoption process are closed except for emergency type services. The Department of State has worked to prioritize the processing of adoption visas with many Embassies. However, the Embassies in some countries are still at a standstill in processing adoption visas.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpNgmxVBNN1ZZWEYyO7W_Pqjkn9JJnTS08wygAtDXWiG2ulS6LqvcAjiMXb-_Zw5JpTpv8D6fwX8k4KwLD5NlmQGSldKKFBRf0m9mNEnM5DxtYYzazXPepaD0QnJLw4GZTy-w54Pfh-ax/s780/empty+airport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="780" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpNgmxVBNN1ZZWEYyO7W_Pqjkn9JJnTS08wygAtDXWiG2ulS6LqvcAjiMXb-_Zw5JpTpv8D6fwX8k4KwLD5NlmQGSldKKFBRf0m9mNEnM5DxtYYzazXPepaD0QnJLw4GZTy-w54Pfh-ax/w297-h198/empty+airport.jpg" width="297" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span> </span>As a result, those children are having to stay in foster homes or orphanages for much longer than planned, with no certain end date (Dodge, 2020). Unfortunately, there is currently no data available to determine how these children and their caregivers are faring during the pandemic (Fronek & Rotabi, 2020). The negative effects of institutionalization have been well documented. According to one study, children reared in institutions were more likely to develop psychiatric disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, and depression compared to other children (McLaughlin et al., 2010). We have learned that children’s brains are irreversibly damaged the longer that they remain in institutional care. Attachment is very important for healthy child development, and institutionalized children often have problems forming attachments. The absence of a primary attachment figure early in life is likely what leads to the harmful mental health effects in institutionalized children (McLaughlin et al., 2012). One expected consequence will be that the adopted children will have greater needs for services upon their arrival in their homes to reverse this long-term damage.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span> </span>On the domestic side, certain aspects of the adoption process have had to change in order to adapt during the pandemic. Adoption agencies have had to become more flexible during the pandemic and find alternative ways of meeting with birth parents doing things in order to keep everyone safe. Home study and post-placement visits may occur over video call rather than in person due to COVID-19. Video calling is not ideal because the evaluation may not be as comprehensive as in person visit, but in some cases, it is the only available option.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span> </span>Birth mothers and prospective adoptive parents have also had to change the way they connect because they are unable to meet each other in person. Instead, they have had to meet and build their relationship via video calls, phone calls, and texting (Chertoff, 2020). Hospitals have new policies due to COVID-19, and many adoptive parents have not been able to be present for the birth of their adopted child; instead they may be on video call with the birth mother while she is at the hospital (Chertoff, 2020). Communicating only through video calls and phones may not be the ideal option during the adoption process, but we are fortunate to have this technology available as an alternative option.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDCix_d5bueB0dpoVVgF1TDUv4iFz8KkL7Kg_WzbKXDfOITJrXSszunfKIKLut-qAAAndT1BD_waqTpBu6t64TtyBQs_6ZCy7TkEHlP6_8XPhV5wC_JggwbR5Xr0K_RQf7_Ci5PkDvwE85/s754/covid19+sad+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="754" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDCix_d5bueB0dpoVVgF1TDUv4iFz8KkL7Kg_WzbKXDfOITJrXSszunfKIKLut-qAAAndT1BD_waqTpBu6t64TtyBQs_6ZCy7TkEHlP6_8XPhV5wC_JggwbR5Xr0K_RQf7_Ci5PkDvwE85/w273-h174/covid19+sad+family.jpg" width="273" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span> </span>On the foster care side of adoptions, one would expect to find more families in crisis and a corresponding rise in children entering the foster care system due to abandonment, abuse or neglect. However, many times those children return to the homes of their birth families or are placed with other relatives. We would not expect to see those cases end in adoption for generally about two years. The other factor is the decline in reporting of abandonment, abuse and neglect because children are not physically attending schools in many locales. Child welfare agencies are responsible for protecting children from maltreatment, but they have little oversight and some of their methods are now ineffective due to the pandemic (Welch & Haskins, 2020).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span> </span>We do not yet have statistics on whether COVID-19 has negatively or positively changed the number of domestic adoptions. We can expect the number of intercountry adoptions to drop significantly during the next fiscal year. But, more important than numbers, we are greatly concerned for the welfare of children in need of permanent loving families who will now experience delays due to the pandemic.</span></p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;">Sources:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span>Chertoff, J.
(2020, June 11). How COVID-19 Has Impacted the Adoption Community. Retrieved
from </span><span><a href="https://www.parents.com/parenting/adoption/how-covid-19-has-impacted-the-adoption-community/">https://www.parents.com/parenting/adoption/how-covid-19-has-impacted-the-adoption-community/</a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span>Dodge, D. (2020,
April 01). How Coronavirus Is Affecting Surrogacy, Foster Care and Adoption.
Retrieved from </span><span><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/01/parenting/coronavirus-adoption-surrogacy-foster-care.html">https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/01/parenting/coronavirus-adoption-surrogacy-foster-care.html</a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span>Fronek, P., &
Rotabi, K. S. (2020). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on intercountry
adoption and international commercial surrogacy. <i>International Social Work</i>, 63(5), 665-670. Retrieved from </span><span><a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0020872820940008">https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0020872820940008</a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-family: times;">McLaughlin, K. A.,
Fox, N. A., Zeanah, C. H., Sheridan, M. A., Marshall, P. J., & Nelson, C. A.
(2010). Delayed maturation in brain electrical activity partially explains the
association between early environmental deprivation and symptoms of
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. <i>Biological Psychiatry, 68(4),</i> 329-336.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-family: times;">McLaughlin, K.A.,
Zeanah. C.H., Fox, N.A., & Nelson, C.A. (2012). Attachment security as a
mechanism linking foster care placement to improved mental health outcomes in
previously institutionalized children. <i>Journal of Child Psychology
& Psychiatry, 53(1), </i>46-55.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span>Welch, M., &
Haskins, R. (2020, April 30). What COVID-19 means for America's child welfare
system. Retrieved from </span><a href="https://www.brookings.edu/research/what-covid-19-means-for-americas-child-welfare-system/"><span>https://www.brookings.edu/research/what-covid-19-means-for-americas-child-welfare-system/</span></a><span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times;">Drafted by Alyssa Howes, intern at the Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;">Disclaimer:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span> </span>This web site and the information contained within have been prepared by Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This information is not intended to create, nor does receipt of it constitute an attorney-client relationship. Viewers should not act upon information found here without seeking legal counsel. All photographs shown on this blog are depictions of clients and are not actual clients of this law firm. Copyright Karen S. Law, 2021.</span></p>Law Offices of Karen S. Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05707926858515746431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110406723888252974.post-56937449653492971242020-11-09T09:22:00.047-08:002020-11-09T09:54:56.055-08:00Necessary Actions for Next Administration to Reverse the Dramatic Decline in Intercountry Adoption<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <u><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">EXPLANATION
OF PROBLEM</span></u><span>:</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 11.75pt; margin-left: -.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 11.75pt -0.25pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: -0.25pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">On May 6, 2020, the U.S. Department
of State (DOS) released its FY 2019 Annual </span>Report on Intercountry Adoptions.<sup>
</sup>The report shows that American families adopted only 2,971 children through intercountry adoption between October 1, 2018
through September 30, 2019. This is a decline of over 26% from the previous year,
and over 13% decline from the year before that. Since DOS assumed
responsibility for the oversight of intercountry adoption in 2008, the number
of abandoned, orphaned, and vulnerable children around the world extends into
the tens of millions, yet the number of children adopted by American citizens
continues to decrease annually under their oversight, to a new historic low of 2,971.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 11.75pt; margin-left: -.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 11.75pt -0.25pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The report fails to put the disastrous decline in perspective: </span><span face=""Segoe UI Symbol",sans-serif" style="line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Segoe UI Symbol"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "Segoe UI Symbol";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "Segoe UI Symbol";"></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> There are millions of children without families worldwide who will
benefit from intercountry adoption and tens of thousands of qualified American
families who are willing to adopt them. </span><span face=""Segoe UI Symbol",sans-serif" style="line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Segoe UI Symbol"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "Segoe UI Symbol";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "Segoe UI Symbol";"></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> The majority of orphans denied
intercountry adoption are not finding equal or better solutions in their
country of birth; on the contrary, they are living and dying in institutions in
ever-growing numbers. Research conclusively shows that the majority of those
who survive the orphanage experience will experience permanent emotional and
physical harm and will age out into a world that will exploit them in horrible
and degrading ways. </span><span face=""Segoe UI Symbol",sans-serif" style="line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Segoe UI Symbol"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "Segoe UI Symbol";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "Segoe UI Symbol";"></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> There are countries that want to
partner with the U.S. to find families for orphans, but unfortunately, the
United States is unwilling to work with many countries around the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: -0.25pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">AAAA has advocated that DOS make a
full and accurate accounting to Congress, the White </span>House, and the American people for the failing results of their
intercountry adoption policies and procedures.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">PROPOSED
SOLUTIONS</span></u><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">:</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We request that the White House
articulate a clear foreign policy in support of intercountry adoption and
direct both DOS and the entities that accredit adoption agencies to
support this policy.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We
request an independent investigation into allegations that the current
accrediting entity for adoption agencies, IAAME, holds a bias against
intercountry adoption that drives its accrediting actions. Adoptions
agencies report that they are held to ever changing “standards” not found
in the law or any regulation or written policy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Further, that these standards are not
uniformly enforced against all agencies. That anonymous complaints are
lodged against agencies which are not favored by the Office of Children’s
Issues in retaliation for whistleblowing. These anonymous complaints then
force the agencies to hire lawyers to defend themselves without a clear
view of what they have done that violates any clear written law, policy or
regulation. That their adoption services are shut down which prevents them
from earning revenue while the complaint is evaluated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That the high cost of defending these
often spurious complaints has led to the financial ruin of these mostly
nonprofit agencies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That IAAME
under the supervision of the Department of State requires every family to
work with an accredited agency as a primary provider, even though the UAA
and IAA explicitly say that families can act as their own primary
provider. That with fewer agencies able to financially function, the
adoptive families then cannot find another agency to serve as a primary
provider.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>IAAME has taken the
position that the new agency will be responsible for all of the actions of
the prior agency, which calls the accreditation of the new agency into
question. In other words, by creating an environment whereby adoption
agencies cannot function, IAAME under the supervision of the DOS has
directly caused the precipitous decline in intercountry adoption. Families
with completed adoptions cannot bring their children home. </span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Require that the DOS put out requests for statements of interest for additional accrediting agencies and designate at least one other national accrediting entity within six months in addition to any/all qualified state government authorities that desire and are qualified to serve as the accrediting entity for adoption service providers in their state. This will ensure that the existing accrediting entity has more accountability.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Require that any adverse action directed toward an adoption agency by an accrediting entity be explicitly tied to a written regulation or policy promulgated after appropriate review and comment. </span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Issue an Executive Order that families can serve as their own primary provider if their original primary provider is no longer accredited for any reason and there are no adoption services willing to act as primary provider for fear of losing their accreditation. That would eliminate the transfer issue when an agency closes for families who have completed adoptions.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Issue an Executive
Order that families can act as their own primary provider if they are
adopting a relative and there are no adoption services to perform. In a
relative placement, the child has already been identified, there is no
real concern that the child is being placed for adoption without the
knowledge or consents of the birth parents, the prospective adoptive
parents are already aware of the child’s medical and social history due to
the family relationship, and the foreign government makes the
determination of the appropriateness of a relative placement in light of
its laws and customs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Further,
intercountry adoption relative placements rarely disrupt, which would
require that the agency assume custody until another placement can be
made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most intercountry adoptions
are completed adoptions and the agency is not required to assume custody
in a completed adoption anyway, only in a foster care type placement. Nor
would the agency be required to monitor the case until the adoption was
finalized because the adoption is finalized in the foreign country. The
only adoption service which requires the involvement of an accredited
agency to protect the parties is the performance of a home study on the
prospective adoptive parents and that could be done by an exempt agency. Alternatively,
the family could still be required to identify a home-study agency that is
accredited to perform the home-study and to provide post-placement
supervision when it is required for finalization or by the placing
country. However, they would be able to act as their own primary providers
for the remaining adoption services. This proposal would ensure that the
home-study and post-placement processes are appropriately completed by
accredited agencies while also acknowledging that meaningless
”protections” for relative adoptions only create barriers that harm
children, birth parents and adoptive families.</span><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Require USCIS to
prioritize the adjudication of Form I-130 Petitions for adopted
children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The current processing
time is over two years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a
result, U.S. citizens are stranded overseas with their adopted
children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is simply unacceptable
for these vulnerable children and their families.</span><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
</ol>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div style="mso-element: footnote-list;">
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><!--[endif]-->
</span><div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span> The six
adoption services are:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Identifying
a child for adoption and arranging an adoption;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Securing
the necessary consent to termination of parental rights and to adoption;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Performing
a background study on a child or a home study on a prospective adoptive
parent(s), and reporting on such a study;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Making
non-judicial determinations of the best interests of a child and the
appropriateness of an adoptive placement for the child;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;">5.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Monitoring
a case after a child has been placed with prospective adoptive parent(s) until
final adoption; or<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;">6.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When
necessary because of a disruption before final adoption, assuming custody and
providing (including facilitating the provision of) child care or any other
social service pending an alternative placement. 22 CFR 96.2 Definitions.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Drafted by Attorney Karen Law, staff member of the Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC.</span></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Disclaimer:</span></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This web site and the information contained within have been prepared by Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This information is not intended to create, nor does receipt of it constitute an attorney-client relationship. Viewers should not act upon information found here without seeking legal counsel. All photographs shown on this blog are depictions of clients and are not actual clients of this law firm. Copyright Karen S. Law, 2020.</span></p>
</div>
</div>Law Offices of Karen S. Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05707926858515746431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110406723888252974.post-21581804525487208982020-11-02T07:20:00.002-08:002020-11-02T07:33:36.701-08:00Adoptee Citizenship Act of 2019<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-tab-count: 1;"><span> </span> </span><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/1554/text" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Adoptee Citizenship Act of 2019</a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> is a bipartisan bill which would grant citizenship to all adoptees of
U.S. citizen parents. Since the Child Citizenship Act of 2000 was passed, most foreign-born
children adopted by American parents are automatically granted United States
citizenship. However, before the bill was passed, obtaining citizenship status
for an adopted child involved a separate process. For one reason or another,
some families with adopted children never went through the process of obtaining
citizenship for their adopted child. This would cause many issues when the child
eventually became an adult, as they were legally considered a non-citizen. It
is estimated that between 25,000 and 49,000 adoptees were never granted United
States citizenship (Medina, 2019). They were adopted by American parents
between the 1950’s and 1980’s when intercountry adoption was less regulated. Also,
at the time, many adoptive parents were not adequately educated on the legal
process of adoption. These adoptees are at risk of being deported, having
trouble finding employment, losing access to certain services, and many other
issues. They are essentially living their lives as though they are illegal
immigrants, because of their legal status. In 2000, the Child Citizenship Act was
successful in granting automatic citizenship to many child adoptees. However,
this bill has a loophole which excluded adoptees who were over 18 at the time
it was passed. The Adoptee Citizenship Act of 2019 aims to correct the
shortcomings of the Child Citizenship Act.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span> </span>If
the Adoptee Citizenship Act is passed, it will grant citizenship to anyone who
has been or will be adopted by a United States citizen, regardless of their current
age. Meaning that those who were over 18 in February 2001 when the Child
Citizenship Act took effect, would become United States citizens. This bill
will help many adoptees who were left out of the Child Citizenship Act due to
their birthday or their visa type.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span> </span>This
legislation is so important because adoptees deserve the right to citizenship. In
many cases, these adoptees have gone about their lives assuming that they are
American citizens. They then discover that they are not citizens when they
apply for jobs, try to obtain passports or updated driver’s licenses or social
security cards. In 2016, the </span><u style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Washington Post</u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> reported that approximately
36 adoptees had been deported or were at risk of deportation because of
criminal offences and their lack of citizenship status (Bahrampour, 2016). Most
of these adoptees have lived in the United States for their entire lives and
are fully integrated in American society. They are no different than a child
who was born to American parents. This bill will help to make sure that adopted
children have the same rights to citizenship as biological children. The lack
of citizenship status effects many aspects of their lives, such as job
stability and family life. Being an American is part of their identity and
these adoptees deserve to be U.S. citizens. Adoptees not being considered U.S.
citizens is an injustice that both sides of the political spectrum can agree
needs to be corrected.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-align: right;">Drafted by Alyssa
Howes, intern at the Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC </span></p><p><span style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Disclaimer: </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span> </span>This web site and the information contained within have been prepared by Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This information is not intended to create, nor does receipt of it constitute an attorney-client relationship. Viewers should not act upon information found here without seeking legal counsel. All photographs shown on this blog are depictions of clients and are not actual clients of this law firm. Copyright Karen S. Law, 2020.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Sources:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Adoptee Citizenship Act of 2019, S.1554, 116<sup>th</sup>
Cong., 1<sup>st</sup> Sess. (2019).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Bahrampour,
T. (2016, September 02). They grew up as American citizens, then learned that
they weren't. Retrieved from </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/social-issues/thousands-of-adoptees-thought-they-were-us-citizens-but-learned-they-are-not/2016/09/02/7924014c-6bc1-11e6-99bf-f0cf3a6449a6_story.html?utm_term=.fe6449f0cde5">https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/social-issues/thousands-of-adoptees-thought-they-were-us-citizens-but-learned-they-are-not/2016/09/02/7924014c-6bc1-11e6-99bf-f0cf3a6449a6_story.html?utm_term=.fe6449f0cde5</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Congressman
Smith and Congressman Woodall Introduce Adoptee Citizenship Act of 2019. (2019,
May 14). Retrieved from </span><a href="https://adamsmith.house.gov/2019/5/congressman-smith-and-congressman-woodall-introduce-adoptee-citizenship-act-of-2019"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">https://adamsmith.house.gov/2019/5/congressman-smith-and-congressman-woodall-introduce-adoptee-citizenship-act-of-2019</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Medina,
D. A. (2019, May 14). Some Adoptees Are Undocumented Because Their Parents
Forgot to Fill Out a Form. Now Congress Is Taking Action. Retrieved from </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://theintercept.com/2019/05/14/adoption-citizenship-bill/">https://theintercept.com/2019/05/14/adoption-citizenship-bill/</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">La
Corte, M., & Schneider, R. (2020, September 17). Congress Should Fix A
Loophole That Denied Citizenship To Some International Adoptees. Retrieved from
</span><a href="https://www.niskanencenter.org/congress-should-fix-a-loophole-that-denied-citizenship-to-some-international-adoptees/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.niskanencenter.org/congress-should-fix-a-loophole-that-denied-citizenship-to-some-international-adoptees/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>Law Offices of Karen S. Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05707926858515746431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110406723888252974.post-34045894774319323052019-12-16T10:19:00.001-08:002019-12-16T10:19:20.335-08:00Step Parent<b>Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC </b><br />
Ashburn, Virginia 20147<br />
(703) 723-4385<br />
Facebook: Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC<br />
Twitter and Instagram: @lawadoption <br />
FELLOW, ACADEMY OF ADOPTION AND <br />
ASSISTED ATTORNEYS REPRODUCTION<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b> Step Parent Fact Sheet </b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaqOcEmUa9Q1BHt6iI861a3JHD3RjFGyy0iYA5bwZ0hXdfHTM3s7jkvb6Sh233hWuSPePUpBOaI6WlIgaKWRn6wr2zc6__idJgzazdTJhs5aLpY_9TMZSsHANWEnQrPxBffqPzdwpOZge/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaqOcEmUa9Q1BHt6iI861a3JHD3RjFGyy0iYA5bwZ0hXdfHTM3s7jkvb6Sh233hWuSPePUpBOaI6WlIgaKWRn6wr2zc6__idJgzazdTJhs5aLpY_9TMZSsHANWEnQrPxBffqPzdwpOZge/s400/images.jpg" /></a><br />
<b>How much does a Step Parent Adoption cost? </b><br />
<br />
The usual legal fees are $1700, with the consent, abandonment, or death of the non-custodial parent. If the case is actively contested by a nonconsenting birth parent, the legal fees will be much higher. <br />
<br />
For every case, there also will be additional out of pocket fees depending on the particular case, i.e. printing costs, mailing costs, publication, filing fees, birth certificate fees etc. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>How long will a Step Parent Adoption take in Virginia? </b><br />
<br />
Between one to four months once the legal pleadings are filed with the Court.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Can you describe the process? </b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NcwPQaw43qJu1Sae3g7LLwu90xVl5RWTJ5jMr8YEtE3Pk92-logLdkUorqjxtFxv5P01CaQP8E1CHauFvlrVFuNL3KcidO2NlWZFycH2EmZkz3rcfNth1VKWpikzd75Pk1STxBjahxJK/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NcwPQaw43qJu1Sae3g7LLwu90xVl5RWTJ5jMr8YEtE3Pk92-logLdkUorqjxtFxv5P01CaQP8E1CHauFvlrVFuNL3KcidO2NlWZFycH2EmZkz3rcfNth1VKWpikzd75Pk1STxBjahxJK/s400/images.jpg" /></a>1. Informational meeting with Adoption attorney<br />
2. Consider whether the biological parent must consent to adoption or has abandoned the child or is deceased<br />
3. Attorney gathers information and Clients sign notarized pleadings<br />
4. Attorney files the pleadings with the Court<br />
5. Newspaper publication (required for nonconsenting birth parent)<br />
6. Possible brief investigation by Social Services, a two month process<br />
7. Obtain the Final Order of Adoption—Court appearance is sometimes required<br />
8. Obtain a new Birth Certificate with the child’s new name and the new parent listed as the parent - arrives in two to four months. 9. Client changes name of child on social security card<br />
<br />
<b>Where do you serve clients? </b><br />
<br />
We work with families within 60-minute travel distance from our office. If you are outside this area, we may be able to provide a referral to another attorney.<br />
<br />
<b>How do we get Started? </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Schedule a consult by email to schedule@Lawadoption.com. The fee is $195 which is later deducted from the legal fees of $1700.Law Offices of Karen S. Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05707926858515746431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110406723888252974.post-29147153885525076622019-06-10T09:57:00.001-07:002019-06-10T10:27:02.060-07:00Myths about Adoption<div class="" style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif, EmojiFont; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span class="" style="font-kerning: none;">What’s holding you back from adopting a child? Could it be the rumors and myths about adoption that float around? We are here to ease your mind and put few common myths to put to rest. </span></div>
<div class="" style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif, EmojiFont; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;">
<span class="" style="font-kerning: none;"></span></div>
<div class="" style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif, EmojiFont; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;">
<i><span class="" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br class="" /></i></div>
<div class="" style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif, EmojiFont; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<a href="about:invalid#zClosurez" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for adoption images" border="0" class="rISBZc M4dUYb" data-atf="1" height="220" id="dimg_20" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" title="http://resumekkngn.netlib.re/adoption-certificate-templates.html" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><span class="" style="font-kerning: none;"><a href="https://www.adoptuskids.org/adoption-and-foster-care/overview/what-does-it-cost"><i>I can’t afford adoption</i></a>: When looking into adoption it can become incredibly overwhelming and a lot of people get turned off by thinking they can’t afford what it costs to adopt a child. There are so many different options when looking into adoption financially. What you need to do is ma</span>ke sure you take the time to do your research and prepare for the costs to come. There are different grants and low interest loans you can look into applying for. Like any major financial decision, you have to sit down and prepare for it. Here are a list of <a href="https://showhope.org/our-work/adoption-aid/">Adoption Aid Grants</a>. </div>
<div class="" style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif, EmojiFont; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;">
<span class="" style="font-kerning: none;"></span></div>
<div class="" style="font-family: "helvetica neue", serif, emojifont; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span class="" style="font-kerning: none;"><u><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>Adoption takes too long</i><span style="color: #0b5394;">:</span></span> </span></u><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121;">Like all great things in life, adoption does not happen overnight. You have to be patient and take it one step at a time. The process can go a little faster if you are equipped to adopt a child with special needs, an older child or sibling groups. International adoptions will take a little more time, and often, it is in fact easier to adopt from the U.S. Foster Care. It takes about a year to adopt from the foster care system and it can take from two to five years to adopt internationally. </span></span></div>
<div class="" style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif, EmojiFont; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;">
<span class="" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br class="" /></div>
<div class="" style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif, EmojiFont; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSKOv47VPsn2nskyZjSv-ZSuL6OgLefXEVBJ3eNAcjNnf2EqPmK" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for adoption" border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSKOv47VPsn2nskyZjSv-ZSuL6OgLefXEVBJ3eNAcjNnf2EqPmK" /></a><span class="" style="font-kerning: none;"><u><i>Relatives may find the child and take them back</i>:</u> This is not legally possible in most states due to laws which sever the rights of relatives after the adoption is finalized. Once an adoption is final, there is no reversing it. Before an adoption is final, there are a series of steps to insure that this will not happen. Biological parents are looked for and contacted if they have taken the necessary steps to insure that they will receive notice of an adoption plan, such as registering with a Putative Father Registry. If the biological father does properly register to receive notice of the adoption plan, then he must decide if he can care for the child or if the child should be adopted. </span><br />
<span class="" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span>
<span class="" style="font-kerning: none;">In terms of other family members, usually, they are not entitled to notice of an adoption plan. However, in some states, relatives who have legal custody are entitled to notice and to contest an adoption plan. And when a child is placed through the foster care system, relatives are looked to as alternatives families when parents are not able to parent. </span></div>
<div class="" style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif, EmojiFont; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;">
<span class="" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br class="" /></div>
<div class="" style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif, EmojiFont; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/blogger.g?blogID=3110406723888252974" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="about:invalid#zClosurez" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span class="" style="font-kerning: none;"><i><u><br />Foster care kids are out of control and dangerous</u></i>: It is true that a lot of children in foster care have experienced neglect and/or abuse that cause them to have developmental and behavior issues but they are not juvenile delinquents. They have experienced situations that have lead them not to feel safe. </span>These kids need a safe and nurturing home so they can become wonderful young adults.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif, EmojiFont; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<a href="about:invalid#zClosurez" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for adoption images" border="0" class="rISBZc M4dUYb" data-atf="1" height="213" id="dimg_30" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" title="https://www.pinterest.com/creatingafamily/adoption-pictures/" width="320" /></a><span class="" style="font-kerning: none;"><u><i><br />Single parents can’t adopt</i>: </u>There is opportunity for all to adopt. Just because you are single, does not mean there isn’t a way for you to adopt a child. What matters is that you are able to provide a loving, safe and supportive home for a child. This goes with age as well. You don't have to be young to adopt either; in fact older parents are typically the sought out demographic for adoptio</span><span class="" style="font-kerning: none;">n. It is </span>recommended to contact a reputable agency for more information on age requirements depending on where is it you are looking to adopt from. For different countries requirements will change. </div>
<div class="" style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif, EmojiFont; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span class="" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif, EmojiFont; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span class="" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif, EmojiFont; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span class="" style="font-kerning: none;">These are only a few of the many myths when it comes to adoption. But we hope we have eased your mind about some of the biggest myths floating around. Remember to always do your research and make sure you are getting your information from reliable sources. the Law Offices of Karen S. Law PLC does adoption overview planning sessions which will tailor the best approach for your family. The fee is nominal and this can save you a lot of time. We also help you determine which adoption agencies will be the best fit for your family. </span><br />
<span class="" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span>
<span class="" style="font-kerning: none;"><b>To schedule your adoption overview meeting, please contact us today: Schedule@lawadoption.com or call 703 723 4385.</b></span><br />
<span class="" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #54a8c0; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.524px; line-height: 20.286px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 27px;">Drafted by Brittany Alness, staff member of the Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Disclaimer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span class="" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #54a8c0; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.524px; line-height: 20.286px;">
<a href="about:invalid#zClosurez" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for adoption" border="0" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: move;" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">This web site and the information contained within have been prepared by Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This information is not intended to create, nor does receipt of it constitute an attorney-client relationship. Viewers should not act upon information found here without seeking legal counsel. All photographs shown on this blog are depictions of clients and are not actual clients of this law firm. Copyright Karen S. Law, 2019.</span></i></div>
</div>
<div class="" style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif, EmojiFont; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span class="" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif, EmojiFont; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span class="" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: <a href="https://www.adoptuskids.org/adoption-and-foster-care/overview/faq">https://www.adoptuskids.org/adoption-and-foster-care/overview/faq</a></span></span><br />
<span class="" style="font-kerning: none; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.americanadoptions.com/blog/12-adoption-myths-everyone-is-sick-of/">https://www.americanadoptions.com/blog/12-adoption-myths-everyone-is-sick-of/</a></span><br />
<a href="https://www.rd.com/advice/parenting/myths-about-adoption/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://www.rd.com/advice/parenting/myths-about-adoption/</span></a></div>
Law Offices of Karen S. Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05707926858515746431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110406723888252974.post-13864471335125518552019-06-10T09:48:00.001-07:002019-06-10T09:48:12.527-07:00Tax Time: No Social Security Number for your Adopted Child?<div class="mentions-texteditor__content" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.5; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
With tax season just past us, I received many phone calls from families who had adopted in 2018 but their finalization was not able to be processed before the end of the year. That means that the child was not issued a Social Security Number in time for their tax return. This is hugely significant in terms of claiming the child as a dependent and also obtaining the Adoption Tax Credit.<br />
<br />
<a href="about:invalid#zClosurez" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for 1040 form image" border="0" class="rISBZc M4dUYb" data-atf="1" height="235" id="dimg_9" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD/2wCEAAkGBwgHBgkIBwgKCgkLDRYPDQwMDRsUFRAWIB0iIiAdHx8kKDQsJCYxJx8fLT0tMTU3Ojo6Iys/RD84QzQ5OjcBCgoKDQwNGg8PGjclHyU3Nzc3Nzc3Nzc3Nzc3Nzc3Nzc3Nzc3Nzc3Nzc3Nzc3Nzc3Nzc3Nzc3Nzc3Nzc3Nzc3N//AABEIAIUAtQMBIgACEQEDEQH/xAAbAAACAwEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAEBQACBgMBB//EAEEQAAIBAwMCBQIDBAcGBwEAAAECAwAEEQUSIRMxBiJBUWEUcTKBkRUjUqEHM0KCksHRJFOTsfDxFlRiY3KDokP/xAAYAQEBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDBP/EACARAQEBAAICAwEBAQAAAAAAAAABEQISAxMhMVFhoQX/2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA/ANB9KuauIFHoD9693V7v4r3OMDz2FtLy8YB914xQUtncwgizuSPZZBkU0yWqyxE5zV2z6VmGW/hbNzbGdz//AEXsv5VezW2Mu+aXM/s/GK0oTbwO1D3FpBOMSxKc+uOa6TyWJhTd3cFuQq5mmblY0OTSeWOS9mje5Ryc4EKDAH3NPk0CC3kaWykaKVu+ec1cW+pw5PThnHspwa3Ocv2nUJFp0UZBKjt2FECL+EAH3xXg1CFH2XKSQt/61oqMwyjMUqMPcGukxAwjAPYlvUmuyQgjkUTHbk84rsI9vcVcQteNlPbiqsvFMJE47VXpKBuY4HyaYAAM8V71obZSZnHbtQ15f4kMVku9+xJFeWmmPI3WvW3H0Ws6rm73F+T0h04j6+9FW9nFAvCjd7mjViCgKqgCrGKmDiBu7f8Aer9NdtWC4OKuEwOaYOO3PFVZcc1aeaOHaJHCljgZr1iqjzsoz7nFBxyalKtY12HS5kjkikfeMhkGRUp2g0+wmuiQMfSi4DbynCSLu/hPB/Si1RR6V5WoCituckV16DEccCicj2xXpfA4FTGgbW+O9cWjAoyRs9q5FNxqgbZyaIigG0M3GRkYbAAqwixzXdGAQKVPAxxUoFuLaNvLJGsi+zjOKVz+HrOU5h327e8R/wAqezYfsMcYxVFHkzVlsMII7PVrA5imS7i/hbytRcF0s/knhe3l9n7H7GmeOa9VN34gD9xmuk8tjN4k9/eW9qNgxJKeyj3rNa3rP0rW63KSZuDtjEa559q3Vxomn3WXkh2yHs6HBFZbxP4AuNStFTT9TKPE/Ui6v9k/ery8uwkTTyUhuJV0yZXRN26YjzV3Or2EdhDd3k6xRynaD+IbvbPvS3S7HVPD7iXUra4umK4eTqGRT78UktbaK607VNLZ0hjkn69kznmNjzyPvTv+GNhaavp91ctaxl1uFTeI2QgsPcZoKHxFA13HHc20kELkjqMc45AHA98ir3OmC9m0q++rVLyzG12Ts4IwRQg8O2yNcq1xK1vO5Z4yfMCeeG7jmrbys+AXdX1099d2NjBGs9uu8GSQEOPbjkHj5pDdeKLq502zlhUW5a46N2xG4w81pNlutzHcp1HnjTp9RyMkc98D5NCJY20Zn6UChZ23SAjO41nbPuqU6jK09rNZQ6jHdXoXqwlU7YpZeXdxqNtYTCG4LSqUlKkjpkfFaqCzt7YkwQpGx7lRg10CBeFUD7VLzMZjQrG9ayMOqxs5iciJ2OSyfNStQImbtj86lZ7K1QS11Abh05R7jkivV094+La4dPZX8w/nXY2Vrc/vCiE+kkZwf1FWWzvIc/T3ZZf4J13Z/Mc0Y4uBa5h4ntRIv8UJz/I814l1bSPsD7H/AIJBtP6Gu9xLdC3dHtzHMykI6/vFB+QMGkUaX0dhHZ26LdzPNmSZyHVQRk+RvMB8VGj3o4PavOnz2xSCLWEivPpPp7q2aSXZD0wcMvA3bH+Tjj2NNhqIS5mtTNbXMsGOqsThXTPbIPr+dUF7ccYrzp5qR3lq03QeQQzYz0pfK2KOEIGM4wfUVAD0G7jtXgiOMUcxVDz2oeSZfiiuHTwasWRfzrlJcAGhJJix4qaDmnAFcnuuMZoM7yO9UZCe+aiiJL49smlF/bWl7nrWsbH+LGDRvS+K8MVNCa20qK2YsjSkE8BnyBRJjzzz+dHdM+1V6XxTtTAPT5q2yjTD7CoIsAk4AHehgEx81OnRMktrEm+SeNRgkDdyaGt9Qt7meOK3jmcPnzhDtH3NJRYJ+VSmCwD1OKlUw7/Z9uW3xBoHzy0LbP1A4NdFW+gBKyxXCAZ/fDY36jj+VSPSRGc2k81vnnYG3J/hbgflXl0bmJPpLmWFnnGEaCURTH5CtkE/n6VOXKOXEru42vb+z1Ms6iBsxggPF7E70ye3ofXFLpF8RiEzSw2mqGScsWiwyxxD0BGCDz89vej/ANnT29vb6fpt+1lFC7SNE0bRyMWIbJZfKTnfx28w74542j65Ihk1CztDcSXWCyTdJooscnKDzHPAGfzqS2tPU1O2Gly6hetJaRI4RUuR1shgPsw9QefQ1Q22kGO6llRGgIE12bWbeGQAkBlbzKOc4FMbnT1vW23ypdxDGFuI1Zgf/lxkcnvmqWnh+xtusIrf+uyH3MWyCxbGD8kmrlV7oc9pcW0t1MsZkuCCYGX+pjH4EIPbA5PyTV5I4wSbOSaA+0Z8v+E8UcLbPJFWW1+KbFkLY2uim2d1Y54ZUx+vNW6JzySaaC19MV79N8U7NYU/T59Kgg4ximvQ+KjQY9KmmFXRrww/FMng2qXYbUHcn0pde6rpllGHnulweQFVix4z2x7c1NVUxYrzo/FDpqk16E/Z2nzMCxy8w2KABwfnNWktrq7igW4uxZzOA5iiGG7eYHJ571R7KIoRumkWNfQsQKXyarbnetkjXckcgR1j9M/9YoU/+GLGWW4nui80EzQMJdzMHAyQFxk8HP2qSeJdPtor06TY9f6dQA8e1VlkKhlUD8RJBzwDU1HRrjV7mPNnYJb5J8103IHvgV3GlXcs6SXd6WjUHdFGgCuD70pbVdd1VZmso+jBFkCWEDbKwwSA7DgEHHbggigEWeTWIrttba6uInVBFaxtMdoPBOzyglTgg8Z5qao/T59Ihvb4Jpl2slpEHd5oxllJOMDPbg89q6R+K4HntPpLNzbyzGKUquXhIGfMo9MYwfmj7mC81C+S9GjxWhETQdS/uAu5G7goucjjOCRUtdLtLS0kkk1T90mA8WlxCNQT2GeW/PNAh8SaPfxatJPZdK6trlRIomk5jPYgZYYHY/rUp0sUHey8JPcJ6y3OWcn5J5r2mmNFG9xbSKLK7n6APMVziTj4P4h+pr2aD6rUIb+YZngRkiIJ8gbGcfPA5rvFDmjobf4rrevFw4uKRbyGxznPI9a6pa5xx8UfDbgd6IWNR2Fcb5Px1nEvS0+K7Jaj2otSrfgYHnGQazVh460PUfEV7oFm8z31ojs4Me1WKHBVSe5/Kud8law9FuB6VOgDz2FfIV/pS8UT6Xd+IodO0z9kWd2tvPaEv14wcYLHsM5xn39K+u6VqFtq2m22oWLh7e5jEiH3Bqd6q/RGPegb2+sLLi6uoo2/hzuP6Dn/AL0tvtOje9Ftd65dRmbqPFbRzNulXuwIJOcA4wAOMUuu7nTNM8Ox65o+mtqn1YVTIUc+UnlmUKxABHYLxwMDFWWhhJr0cswg0+wvJ5WHDNEUQfckf5fpViuq3Mlq7GO3g2gzxhstnBDLn25yD8CqaN4msNWs4maeO3uWk6D2x3IVl27tgDqrE45HlHFZO7HiqCVrabVZ7a3tZJUF7K6KrgjfDKzN+IA/u2X7Gt6hzG2l6XfQ219rE7XUMhPnc7VJQnD+gyvb3xQ2o+KtI01mWC2FzbrA0sUtuA3Ufbv2LnjlDuBB5Gfasnb6ZDeTGSG5mvpZCZGfTbdpG37w65mfCExvnae+3jFaO20K7Z5/pNJ07TkuLhbki5kM7CQDG4RrhVPPoxHJp8oXJ401d4DElnDPdQtiQ2iNMrtkMFG3tvjPDdtwINAXzaousQz6jqcNsYZDJai6lXqZz2VE8xDISrLjggd8E09ayt4oVEt/eXCtIVe3QmzijxnJZY1BwT/ET3B7UVonTtS0tt4ei021PeZgiMc/2mJx6Ae/etZQtv7ePVtTbUNP0rUyWEZaSTFrHvjOVfLebtkcLyDVIbGC1KTvcabadMMYxp9v15VGCxAkfjAB9BxmntqxhaZlup7sOdqE5dSuRjLPhc9xkeh9eKlrYw3rSdGO0bYzFjI3XI3c9hhfjPPYimAF7LTbq0W8js7nV58kdK6lLFG5A8vYZI7gY9aNvkulnhSC7g0+AAHowgbycDK7QCT69h7U2j0xX29aaaUeqZ6aH1/CuB+tGwW0MAxBEkQ9kUCris9ZaXKRP1PrL4z4890REq4PoO4P5UysNE6ELQp0baJwNywx5Zh7Fmz/AMqbqnI+a6quDms1Y5HSLJuZkediPxSOWP8AzrymMeCO/YYqVz2qXwQ/FGKYo5EjeRA7/hUsMt9hVIhSzxHbyJ0NTtS3VgIRwr7d6E8ZyCODzzwAW5Fa521y4Qq/pJ8XXvhrTjHo2n3F1qMidRGFuzxRID5mYj4B4rL/ANIOr3viv+iWz1zSJWWMOr6jBE5XKgFXUkc4DEce3NfVbWdb2ySRomVZk5jkXBwfQivmvgXw9qGgeIvEXhm406Sbwzeh5YZiP3Y3ADaf7vB+VHvxxdGY0q9svBHiLw/r+hs8HhbX4QlxC8hZYJBwwJJPKsc8n0b07ZiW+GnX7+ItPt7v9uWet3E10Oi3TEJbszdhzuU/DVs9S/o+/ZWm/sHUvGdnb6A1z14oZ4h9QD7Lz+uP0rerrEF3pv7M03w/qOo2pi6DNcQiCFwAB5jJtLA+4U5qyGvmdsZbHVpNe/YV4/hfxXav9Xa2w6xhZs9tvrnkdvxEdxitl/QjbaxpvhSa11i2mt7dLgtZiddjbDySV9BnJ59zTq0tNfS3S3gfSdEs0GFt7GEyso+GbaoP9w/es8nh9PEWs3R1LUNUu9NsJOjtnuyPq5gMtuVMIEXIXgZJzk4rU4VNNfG+q6DcR2+dbittTsLhZ7aSBDcPE/IwyL/ZYEggkZpZZW+oG0a0GmzMks8txKb6ZbOGTqfiAhUu+0HnBwQTnNaZ9L00aTJpUVnDDYyRmMxRrtAB9sevzWZsrgSxSQ6vHcS6hpsZtbt0IVJU7xyMSQORz8EtXScGdeiyGmlIp9XFrFNIzNDpFpgluFJaVt7luwyCDyK8hi0loFvtK0dr65aUxLNfszur9xzISQD8YH29OsN3aW1tFBvtIIllLIem05DksMhmAVSSrc9uD6VSU32o2cN1YI1xG4kHTvW4Y8bGKrhduM8Aeq/NbnHEFW1/fzNcRalLbRo8RSO3gBkdGPuF5OBn1Hf86EitINPlM9y7tO+F6t3OIzu9dqrl+f4aNttOvy9ylzdIltLGY1ig8hUHsQAMKR29c13t/DthHcmd0eR2B4kbKgEdgPbHGKuAI6uJobqa1uZbpoGXqxWMWwtnyg5OScYxxjsOwq+nQ301zbztYpDD3cyMXkwc55fzAjgj/L00McKxAmNFX3wAM10WLk4FFJV8OC4ZZb+9muZU3EE4A5yOM5xwSOPT5yaZado9lprN9HB0zIfOxYsW/Umi3mgtgGuZo4hnA3sBn7e9cptSVYy0VpPIB/adOmv383P6A1nVGpGe4xkGrdMAljwPn0pBda1OIlkikjeDqtHN9CvUZGAzjc/HODjy965QJfX1y6z6c3SMP7ua6bqhZCMq2GIHHYjbwcfNZ2mnX7QtfwwSG5ccFIFMhH3xwPzNB32svbwvLIsNtEjbXeeTeVJ7ZRM/zIoFtGvLq4I1DVJDbAcW8a4XtgE9gT+WPj3JtdG0y1iuI4rRSJ8M4fzBiDnsasiaXTa3e3BQ2U8rrsDbmVYFIPbaNrE9ucnj9alPklRFCpiNRwFAAxUrfUHJJigtcv4oLVY3hvZnlYbFs4i7gjkHPYdvXioJu9e9XIIBIJ9fal8bEpXY3GvrbrBYabFp0AGBJqd4biUen4FJHp23j7VzvLQR9AeJfEl5KLqVYI4oT9LE8hBwoCebnB/Ex7Us0XxUllaXen+JtWtotVs5jE8rkKZQ3MbhR3O30A9KzUlrrevF7Of9oSWc6yQ3JulI2MDmK4UnC5yB5UzgfNc+ka1vFn8NaBbNd2cNqu6URFrWMSSvIeykjLFvuaXab4zi1DxCsEUyPYXStHCxQq8VzHy8T575BBH2NKYfBv7Qcya3FYwI9pHDJBYAqGkRsrISRjI7DjsTnNPbXQ7G3ReqJLuRZlnR7gg7HUYUqAAFx8AdzW5wofvKfT9Kzvh9pbLVtX0uRDsM5vbdxwHjk/EPuHBz9x702L0q8RQy9C21Wxj6l3p5LhQAS8Z/rE59wAfuBW7MQY9/LHqbWUtrMAVVopkQsjd8hjjykY9e+R80p19jpWoW+vL5YVAt9Q+YifK5/wDgx7+zGitXhXXdFjaxvngifpzpcW5JbYCG8uD6gH4r3R7yw1/TZIo5vq0KdObqIFLBl7lfkU+wZDZ20exooI/Lna23tkknHsOT+tFFWzn196z2hXk1hHc6NcQy3FxpwysgIHUtj/VuSe/AKnGTlaMOsLJbQXMl0ltbTymJXgiMhBBwTuYAAeudvbmp2inKx582MYHJ9hXMXlsTtSQzOPSBDISf7ucfnSboX11cywx2PWeKTZJJdyF1JAByF/CO/AHpzg9qaHQ57u0Nrf3jlFlYqYWKHYcjaQMDA7gc4xjkd8XksikuqsibikMC7jHmWUSMGJxgJHnJz6Z9K4tdSXli09vcS3c4Ab6RSbXK+U7vKGfsw4B9cHnNH2Xh3TbVFUW/UKYP7w5BP2HHr7ep9zTRVwPKAMZPbtWLVxl7C11mcuYYrfSmBALdMbyd2ScncWAXjuvLfFFR+GLZ7lbu+nmu7hZOou5iFVs5BGSTwMAc+mafFuT+ooee9trdgk88cbsdoQt5mPwO5qI6JDFFNJLFCkbzHMrKoBcj1PzyajP5s4H5HuO5pfc6oIo3lEaxIDgSXUghTPPBz5u/HakWpa40SWr/AFUjC6G63FnFgMM45dsnHyB7Y7irEaG5mSAdWV1jQZJdzhcff9KCfVYHX/ZknuGUd4ozt/xnC/zpGtveXJu3WxFtKObeW5xIyYbkZYt3HOQOP0qv/h83ccY1S/uZWUFSqTOFIwAQeee3fA9T6102phjb6nPdPKIPoE6bbWEsxJz2xwAPT0JqUHJ4e0p40jeBwEJx52yT2OcHnsK8q/K/B+X9c151Pn+dddXt4P2q6BEULAGCqo55NUs/prZLx2aIIjIBI0YbbnPHb/r39a8E/wClL5fX1/1mcPnANwmnwSvqNxDbpNtCtcNGN2B2GcZxXG41/T4UUmZ2Zl3KqqSe+Py5p4bmzYbTeaVu9ukO4xnP6/8AKqJPpuCfqNKQq24fuAARyPUe5XmvX7/yN9AVvcpc28c8eQki7gG4NeSXUEWerPEmDg5YD/rtTyGfTIyY7qWwaTdtAVAMHsR+vFMRYWWc/R2+ffpL/pT3/wAToxMer2clzFbo7M0v4W2+U+3f3phsyewOeMH1rTrY2a/htYB9oxXv0dr/AOWh/wAAp7/4dHzrw8v7I1m50GTIgcG708t/uyfPH/cY8D0BFHW9peafr4t7LTYF0qZN7S26BWEmTkuc+npj3rbGxs2YMbWAsvYmMcVb6S24/wBni4/9ArPuXqxXim2exe38R2iZk07IukC8zWp/rF+4wHHyvzT/AE6zsltUayji6DgSoVAI5HBH5Ypt9Jbc/wCzxc9/IK8SztUUKltCqjsBGABWb5NawNs9xz61GUDuQOOTRX0tvnPQi/wCvHsrR12vawsvs0YIrPYwnOq2bNtgZ7iQeXbbqZOfbI4Hb3pXd+IkhQs81na55Xqy9WQ/HTj7n0xu5PzWlutLtbhEURKmz8JVRx+WMVS00u3jjxNbQM3r+5UffsKns+cwxjF1T9oidLWa9uZYQr7MGFJFyNwATzAjkYY5z717b2WpypEkX0mnQuVZzbDpuykAkcZIOfXd71u1srRFCLawKo7ARgAUHqUIjVDb29vndzuVfy71rl5pxm2JjJjwtp65lumluXZ9zdRv7eMEg/i//RpjCsNtDHDDFHHEg8qqoAHqce1aA2h3eW1s9vynNdY7OAoOra2+499qDFbnln4l4s4+Nh3en9r17CgbmWGFDJcSxxoHwS7ba2n0dp/5aH/hiqmwsi4c2luWXs3SXI/lT3L1YM6jC6gxpO4z+JYjg9u2f8qlb4WdoO1tCP8A6xUq+5OgbUNJtb8hpgyyAYEiHDYq9ppltaQmO3TaGwWPcnFSpXkni4Tn2k+W3T6RMk725+3+le/Sr/G38uf5VKldBBaqDw78nPp/pVuif99L+o/0r2pQTon/AH0v6j/Srou1QNxb5NSpQWqVKlBKlSpQSpUqUEqVKlBKGvbKO8VRKzjaeNpxXlSs8uM5TKLfSQ7y+DknJ8xx+leGyhPff/xG9vvUqVoRrOFu4b8nI/zr36OHJPn5/wDcb/WpUoOqRrGgVeAPnNSpUoP/2Q==" title="https://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-images-american-internal-revenue-service-tax-form-1040-image13180159" width="320" /></a>I also see this when the adoption has been finalized but the child has not yet received the new birth certificate. Usually, to obtain a social security number, you have to have the new birth certificate and that can take several months and up to a year after the adoption is finalized.<br />
<br />
So, for next year, if you adopt, go ahead and obtain an Adoption Tax Identification Number ("ATIN") as soon as the child is placed with you. Contact the IRS at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/">https://www.irs.gov/</a>. The form you need to fill out is the W-7A: <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw7a.pdf">https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw7a.pdf</a>. You will need to complete the form, sign it, and mail it with backup documentation:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>In general, one of the following documents will satisfy this
requirement.
A copy of the placement agreement entered into between you
and an authorized placement agency.
A copy of the document signed by a hospital official
authorizing the release of a newborn child from the hospital to
you for legal adoption.
A copy of the court order or other court document ordering or
approving the placement of a child with you for legal adoption.
An affidavit signed by the adoption attorney or government
official who placed the child with you for legal adoption pursuant
to state law.
Foreign adoptions. In addition, if you adopt a foreign child with
U.S. citizenship or resident alien status, include with your Form
W-7A a copy of your child’s:
Permanent resident card (green card),
Certificate of Citizenship, or
Passport with “I-551” stamp</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Currently you would file this form with documentation by mailing to:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Stop 6182
Austin, TX 73301-0066</div>
However, you should double check the mailing address on the W-7A instructions before you mail it: <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw7a.pdf">https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw7a.pdf</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="mentions-texteditor__content" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.5; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
It can take up to 8 weeks to receive the ATIN so fill the form out ASAP!<br />
<br />
The ATIN can be used in lieu of a social security number for up to two years. Once you receive your child's new birth certificate, you can go to the Social Security office nearest you and obtain a Social Security number for your child. Then, you will swap out the Social Security number for the ATIN the following year.<br />
<br />
What if the child you adopted is not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident? You cannot use this form. Instead, you will use the Form W-7 and obtain an Individual Tax Identification Number ("ITIN"). The instructions for the ITIN are found here: <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw7.pdf">https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw7.pdf</a>.<br />
<br />
One key timing difference is that for the ITIN, you cannot file it in advance. You file it WITH your tax return and you have to use a paper filing for your tax return, not electronic filing. Read the instructions carefully because, many ITIN applications are rejected for failure to provide the proper documentation.<br />
<br />
<h1 style="color: black;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Disclaimer</span></h1>
<div style="color: black; font-size: medium; margin: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">This web site and the information contained within have been prepared by Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This information is not intended to create, nor does receipt of it constitute an attorney-client relationship. Viewers should not act upon information found here without seeking legal counsel. All photographs shown on this web-site are depictions of possible clients and are not actual clients of this law firm. Copyright Karen S. Law, 2019.</span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Law Offices of Karen S. Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05707926858515746431noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110406723888252974.post-40604028355404494412019-03-25T09:38:00.002-07:002019-06-10T08:33:24.800-07:00How do I claim my adopted child with out a social security number? How do I claim my adopted child with out a social security number?<br />
<br />
1) If you child is a U.S. Citizen go to IRS.gov and fill out the W-7A form before filing your taxes (do that now since it can take up to a month to process)<br />
<br />
2) If your child is not a U.S. Citizen then while you are filing fill out the W-7 and then in the SS# space fill in applied for.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/sites/default/files/research/the_facts_about_the_individual_tax_identification_number.pdf">https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/sites/default/files/research/the_facts_about_the_individual_tax_identification_number.pdf</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-family: calibri, helvetica, sans-serif, serif, emojifont; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<h1 style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Disclaimer</span></h1>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This web site and the information contained within have been prepared by Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This information is not intended to create, nor does receipt of it constitute an attorney-client relationship. Viewers should not act upon information found here without seeking legal counsel. All photographs shown on this web-site are depictions of possible clients and are not actual clients of this law firm. Copyright Karen S. Law, 2019.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Law Offices of Karen S. Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05707926858515746431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110406723888252974.post-27604942585848214312018-11-14T12:10:00.003-08:002018-11-19T10:11:12.904-08:00SIJS PROCESSING TIMES UPDATE<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; font-size: 16px;">
SIJS Processing Times Updates</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; font-size: 16px;">
I've filed a number of SIJS cases since May 2017 with no action. Under TVPRA 2008, those cases are supposed to be decided within 6 months and that is what we used to see. However, a number of factors have created the perfect storm to slow down decisions by USCIS.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; font-size: 16px;">
SIJS cases are now all routed to the National Benefits Center, instead of decided at local Field Offices. There was a huge influx of children from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador fleeing gang violence and unsafe conditions beginning in 2014: <a class="x_OWAAutoLink" data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/07/15/us/questions-about-the-border-kids.html" id="LPlnk803794" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/07/15/us/questions-about-the-border-kids.html</a>. Many of those children applied for this pathway to a <span class="highlight" id="0.5326097708567097" name="searchHitInReadingPane" style="background-color: #ffee94;">law</span>ful permanent resident card. This pathway differs from asylum in that it is limited to children who have been abandoned, abused or neglected by one or more of their birth parents. They also have to be under the age of 18 (unless their state court extends eligibility to age 21), be placed under the custody of an individual or placed in foster care, and it has to be found that it would not be in their best interests to return to their home country. </div>
<div id="LPBorder_GT_15420422668770.6903533234042931" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 20px; overflow: auto; width: 742px;">
<table cellspacing="0" id="LPContainer_15420422668770.021924901034543254" role="presentation" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted rgb(200, 200, 200); border-top: 1px dotted rgb(200, 200, 200); margin-top: 20px; overflow: auto; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-top: 20px; width: 667px;"><tbody>
<tr style="border-spacing: 0px;" valign="top"><td colspan="1" id="x_ImageCell_15420422668770.8918092633142727" style="padding-right: 20px; width: 250px;"><div id="LPImageContainer_15420422668770.9882849613741858" style="display: table; height: 157px; margin: auto; width: 250px;">
<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/07/15/us/questions-about-the-border-kids.html" id="LPImageAnchor_15420422668770.26473067270880035" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="display: table-cell; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img data-imagetype="External" height="157" id="LPThumbnailImageID_15420422668770.8645479537608336" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2014/07/15/us/questions-about-the-border-kids-1413912332146/questions-about-the-border-kids-1413912332146-articleLarge.png" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline-block; height: 157px; max-height: 250px; max-width: 250px; vertical-align: bottom; width: 250px;" width="250" /></a></div>
</td><td colspan="2" id="x_TextCell_15420422668770.8720342845725129" style="padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><div id="LPRemovePreviewContainer_15420422668770.8889134971135104">
</div>
<div id="LPTitle_15420422668770.7722814362487525" style="color: #0078d7; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_light, "Segoe UI Light", "Segoe WP Light", "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; font-size: 21px; line-height: 21px; top: 0px;">
<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/07/15/us/questions-about-the-border-kids.html" id="LPUrlAnchor_15420422668770.46446142678403946" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Children at the Border - The New York Times</a></div>
<div id="LPMetadata_15420422668770.6095503633757502" style="color: #666666; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px; margin: 10px 0px 16px;">
www.nytimes.com</div>
<div id="LPDescription_15420422668770.2770418077698611" style="color: #666666; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; max-height: 100px; overflow: hidden;">
Since Jan. 1, more than 43,000 unaccompanied minors have been placed with sponsors, usually parents or relatives. They remain there while their cases are being processed.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; font-size: 16px;" />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; font-size: 16px;">
Centralization of these cases at the National Benefits Center is designed to lead to more consistent decisions, unlike in the past when similar facts would lead to different results based on which local office decided the case. However, centralization combined with a huge influx of cases have led to long delays in decisions.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; font-size: 16px;">
Many of my clients are desperate to get authority to work, apply for college, obtain a driver's license or otherwise move on with their lives. In all of my cases, the children have actually been adopted by U.S. citizens. However, due to the delays, they are stuck in limbo.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; font-size: 16px;">
At the fall AILA D.C. Regional Conference last week, we discussed this problem. Other practitioners report that there is no meaningful way to check the status of their case because processing times for the I-360 form decided at the National Benefits Center are not listed on the www.uscis.gov web-site. If they call the USCIS Customer Service Number, they are told to make an Infopass appointment at their local office. This is not helpful because the case is not located at the local office. One Customer Service staffer told my client to write a letter to the Vermont Service Center to inquire about the case status. This was completely erroneous because the case is being processed at a different location, the National Benefits Center. We have also found that inquires from U.S. Senators or Representatives and the USCIS Ombudsmen's Office lead to canned responses that the cases are being worked on and are in the queue.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; font-size: 16px;">
We applaud the efforts to bring consistency to the process through centralization at the National Benefits Center. However, we strongly suggest that USCIS update the web-site and train customer service representatives to give more accurate information about case status. These vulnerable children deserve that.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h1 style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Disclaimer</span></h1>
<br />
<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This web site and the information contained within have been prepared by Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This information is not intended to create, nor does receipt of it constitute an attorney-client relationship. Viewers should not act upon information found here without seeking legal counsel. All photographs shown on this web-site are depictions of clients and are not actual clients of this law firm. Copyright Karen S. Law, 2018.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Law Offices of Karen S. Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05707926858515746431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110406723888252974.post-85084226779751816652018-09-24T10:21:00.002-07:002018-09-24T10:21:18.578-07:00TWO ISSUES IN CLOSE RELATIVE ADOPTIONS in 2018TWO ISSUES IN CLOSE RELATIVE ADOPTIONS in 2018<br />
<br />
I. Bona fides—Sham Adoption<br />
<br />
The big problem now with close relative immigration cases is that USCIS is attacking them based on the bona fides of the adoption. The typical objection is that it is not a real adoption/family formation situation but only a way to get older relatives to the U.S. to obtain a better education. You can meet all the criteria in the adoption itself for the immigration filing (Hague compliance, under the age limit, obtain two years of legal and physical custody, completed adoption), and get a denial based on the bona fides.<br />
<br />
The analogy that is made is to sham marriages or cases of marriage fraud. The Immigration cases cited deal with marriage fraud. However, unlike in marriage fraud cases, the child whose adoption is considered suspect does not automatically receive an in person interview with an officer where the relationship can be explained and tested. The decision is made based on the adoption order, the pleadings, and home study reports that are submitted with the immigration filing.<br />
<br />
The cases at risk for this response from USCIS involve:<br />
<br />
older children relatives adoption completed quickly after the child entered the U.S. lots of talk in the pleadings/home study/ background documents about the child needing a better education no compelling reason for the child to leave her home abroad, such as a medical or health reason married birth parents who are adequately providing for the child before the child arrives birth parents that have consented to the adoption (as opposed to being notified and failing to respond)<br />
<br />
How to combat this? We know that USCIS will ask for the home study and the petition and the GAL report, and even a transcript of the underlying adoption. So, the way that the adoption case is presented will have a big impact when the immigration case is filed several years later.<br />
<br />
Preparation<br />
<br />
When the client says that they want to adopt the relative who just arrived here from a foreign country, it is helpful to ask:<br />
<br />
1. What is the problem in the birth home? 2. Who takes care of the child in that home? Who provides meals? Pays for school? Supervises daily activities? 3. Does the child have any health challenges? Would they be better met in the U.S.? 4. Where do the birth parents work? Do they come home every night? 5. Has there been any yelling in the home? Any physical abuse? 6. What is the health of the birth parents? Do they have medical needs? 7. Does prior guardianship or custody order exist in the home country? Why was it issued? A power of attorney is not a formal court ordered guardianship or custody order, so be aware of the difference.<br />
<br />
The social worker involved in the home-study can also carefully explore these issues.<br />
<br />
We try to build favorable findings of fact into the adoption pleadings, order, and the home study report to the extent that they are present, of course. <br />
<br />
Pleadings and Adoption Order<br />
<br />
USCIS considers the following to be factors establishing that the adoption is bona fide:<br />
<br />
1. Parents are incapable of providing proper care and explain why that is. This does not have to rise to the level of abandonment, abuse or neglect under state law, but of course, if you have that, include that information and the citation. 2. Child has a medical or emotional need that cannot be met by parents 3. Lapse of time between when the child came to the U.S. and the adoption—at least 90 days and 6 months is better unless the child will age out for the immigration benefit (16, unless younger sibling and then, it is up to 18). Two years is ideal in a Hague case.1 4. No preconceived intent to adopt--the child came here and AFTER they came, it became apparent that the child could not go home 5. No prior custody or guardianship order in the home country before the child came –if this does exist, was it issued properly with appropriate notice to all parties? Or, perhaps, it is just an informal power of attorney? 6. Primary parental control—the adoptive parents are paying expenses and supervising day to day activities. The birth parents are uninvolved or minimally involved. They lived a great distance away from the child and the adoptive parents.<br />
<br />
It is suggested that you put as much of this as you have into the pleadings and order. Key phrases to include in your findings of fact are:<br />
<br />
The biological parents are “incapable of providing proper care”. <br />
1 However, it would be wise to get a custody order in the meantime to allow the child to register for school and to start the two years of legal custody for the immigration filing.<br />
<br />
<br />
The biological parents were notified of the adoption and have not objected. If you can satisfy state law without obtaining their consents, but simply with notice and a failure to object, that is preferable.<br />
<br />
II. Habitual Residence<br />
<br />
As you are aware, when a U.S. citizen is adopting a child who is a citizen of a Hague Adoption Convention country domestically, the Convention is a critical factor. There are two options:<br />
<br />
First, notify the Central Authority of the child’s country of origin of the proposed adoption and request a determination of Habitual Residency. Then, record the favorable response in the Final Adoption Order or a supplemental Order.<br />
<br />
OR<br />
<br />
Notify the Central Authority, wait 120 days, and then record in the Final Adoption Order, or a supplemental Order that the notice was sent and the Central Authority failed to respond or to request additional time.<br />
<br />
In early 2018, USCIS updated the Habitual Residence Memorandum which sets forth the criteria for notifying the Central Authority of a pending adoption of a child who is a citizen of a Hague Convention Country.<br />
<br />
The final Memorandum, PM 602-0095, was dated November 20, 2017 but released to the public on January 18, 2018. A copy of the final Memorandum can be found on the USCIS web-site at www.uscis.gov.<br />
<br />
All practitioners who are seeking to notify the Central Authority of an adoption as of January 18, 2018, must follow the guidance in the final memorandum which is more involved and detailed than the interim guidance.<br />
<br />
In particular, practitioners are required to:<br />
<br />
Send complete copies of the pleadings with translations<br />
<br />
Notify the Central Authority of the date, time and place of the hearing on the matter<br />
<br />
Send the notice by certified mailing and not by email or fax unless you can establish that your state law notice requirements permit emailed or faxed notice<br />
<br />
The final Order must state that notice was provided to the Central Authority, that they had 120 days to respond or to request an extension of time to respond, and that the Central Authority either did or did not respond.<br />
<br />
The final Order must explicitly state that the Court required the attorney to provide any and all responses obtained from the Central Authority in response to the notice.<br />
<br />
A copy of the notice must be provided to the Court along with proof of service.<br />
<br />
The notice itself must contain the following language:<br />
<br />
When notifying the Central Authority of the child’s COO of the adoption proceedings, petitioners must follow the court’s rules of procedure or the instructions in a specific order from the court. The notice must include a copy of the adoption petition or the motion for amended adoption order and must also clearly specify: o The name of the child, together with the place and date of birth of the child and the name(s) of the birth parent(s), if known; o The country of the child’s nationality; o The name of the agency or individual that is the Central Authority in the COO; o The name of the adopting parents; o The date of the child’s departure from the COO, if known; o The date of the child’s arrival in the United States, if known; and o The court name and the date, time, and place of the court’s hearing on the adoption petition or motion for amended adoption order.<br />
<br />
Additionally, the notice should indicate that the Central Authority should notify the court if the Central Authority: o Does not intend to object, or o Requires additional time beyond 120 days.2<br />
<br />
It is suggested that the Notice also contain a Request for a Habitual Residence Determination. Specifically, that the Central Authority is aware of the child’s presence in the U.S., is aware of the proposed adoption and has determined that the child is not habitually resident in its country of citizenship and does not object to the state court’s exercise of jurisdiction over the adoption.<br />
<br />
The Final Memo also says that for the immigration filing to be approved when there is no response from the Central Authority, the family must also prove:<br />
<br />
Compelling ties—that the child had an established relationship to the U.S. an adoption which occurs more than two years after the child’s arrival will be presumed to fulfill this criterion.<br />
<br />
Intent—that there was no preconceived intent for the child to be adopted. Note the similarity to the separate bona fide argument explained above.<br />
<br />
Unknown Factors<br />
<br />
<br />
2 PM-602-0095: Criteria for Determining Habitual Residence in the United States for Children from Hague Convention Countries, Page 11<br />
<br />
Since the new Memo came into effect on January 18, 2018 and the Interim Memo was in effect beginning February 4, 2014, what about adoptions which were completed in that four year period which did not comply with the new detailed requirements? The final Memo purports that adoptions in that time frame should have somehow complied with these unknown detailed notice requirements, which AAAA challenged in our Comments. In the past, it has been suggested that the practitioner simply reopen these adoptions and re-do the notice. However, that is not feasible in many states due to statutes of repose for adoptions.<br />
<br />
Second, what if there is no hearing in your close relative adoption case? How could you notify the Central Authority of a date and time for a hearing?<br />
<br />
The overall point of this practice pointer is that it is essential when doing a relative adoption to involve an Immigration practitioner from the onset of the adoption, not afterwards.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #54a8c0; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 27px;">Written by Karen S. Law, Attorney of the Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC.</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This web site and the information contained within have been prepared by Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This information is not intended to create, nor does receipt of it constitute an attorney-client relationship. Viewers should not act upon information found here without seeking legal counsel. All photographs shown on this blog are depictions of clients and are not actual clients of this law firm. Copyright Karen S. Law, 2018.</span></i></span></div>
Law Offices of Karen S. Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05707926858515746431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110406723888252974.post-51803212143411107202018-06-17T05:20:00.000-07:002018-06-17T05:20:01.643-07:00How Good is Your Adoption Agency?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3z0to0sgZ4udoWIp6wj6eCZlMe5QgRj5nNbPSYN0aJqSk_p6JwUgPLJUNWJmA0WkY6fpoURD9GIFbYiI8uvSD2ts9JG5eI-A1c1wMIPraV7QDAfSwGpTbqCzaiX4t0vRpNBkCStm-vg2/s1600/P3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3z0to0sgZ4udoWIp6wj6eCZlMe5QgRj5nNbPSYN0aJqSk_p6JwUgPLJUNWJmA0WkY6fpoURD9GIFbYiI8uvSD2ts9JG5eI-A1c1wMIPraV7QDAfSwGpTbqCzaiX4t0vRpNBkCStm-vg2/s320/P3.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="256" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I often am asked if a particular agency is a reputable agency. The number one piece of advice that I offer is to always use a licensed adoption agency if you are considering placing a child for adoption OR if you are seeking to adopt.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Why?</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Over the years, I've seen countless expectant parents suffer heartbreak when they have innocently connected with an adoption facilitator online instead of a licensed adoption agency with a physical address in their area. The facilitator makes big promises and develops a phone relationship. But, there are no on the ground services to the expectant parent,such as referrals for housing or job assistance, or pregnancy support centers, or doctors or clinics in her area. And, no real pregnancy counseling. As a result, the expectant parent is often unprepared to make an informed adoption decision when she gives birth.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">This same issue of lack of training and on the ground services leads many expectant parents to "change their minds" about the placement in the hospital. The prospective adoptive parent she has been matched with then experiences the heartbreak of a failed adoption.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">So overall, I strongly encourage you to make sure that any adoption "agency" is truly that. A state licensed agency, not an adoption facilitator. For more information, the FAQs below will be helpful:</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Question</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">: What is a Facilitator?</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Answer:</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> A facilitator is a person or organization whose only task is
to make an introduction between expectant parents and adoptive parents,
in exchange for a large, nonrefundable fee paid in advance.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Question</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">: Are facilitators regulated?</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Answer</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">: In some states they are, but in most states, facilitators are
prohibited.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">***Note: Expectant parents considering adoption as well as
prospective adoptive parents should exercise <i><u>GREAT CAUTION</u></i>,
as it can be difficult to determine whether an entity is licensed as an
adoption agency or acting solely as a facilitator.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Question</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">: Are adoptions arranged by facilitators successful?</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Answer</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">: Adoptions arranged by facilitators often fail for many different
reasons. Facilitators do not have the training, skill, or experience to
ensure a safe and legal outcome.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Question</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">: What if they (facilitators) say they are experts?</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Answer</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">: While they do often present themselves as "adoption
experts", they are typically unsupervised and unregulated, and may have
little to no experience providing adoption services. They are not
required to adhere to set standards in terms of education or best <i>practices</i> in
most states, and thus have little accountability when it comes to providing
pre-adoption training and counseling or post-adoption services.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">***Note: The essential services that goes along with the adoption
process are best provided by experienced, licensed adoption professionals who
will promise to partner for the long-term success of a family and help meet the
often unpredictable, long-term needs of children. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Question</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">: If we
are to exercise great caution, then why are facilitators so popular and easy to
find?</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Answer</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">: There are many different reasons as to why prospective adoptive
families and expectant parents are using facilitators. A facilitator can expand
the pool of potential expectant parents who can be matched with an adoptive
family, which is attractive to adoptive families and pulls them in. Also,
in some cases it is difficult for older and/or "nontraditional"
families to meet the criteria established by local licensed agencies for being
matched with an expectant family; this may lead them to choose a facilitator
who will help them locate out-of-state expectant parents. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Some expectant parents considering adoption choose to work with a
facilitator out of desire for privacy. Sometimes their prenatal and/or
adoption-related expenses cannot be fully compensated according to the law of
their state. Simply, people go to facilitators because they do not understand
the difference between a facilitator and an agency, and do not know that they
are legally entitled to more comprehensive services. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Question</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">: Why is there so much advertising for facilitators and very
little for agencies?</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Answer</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">: This is one of the biggest risks, because they are so easily
available. Facilitators typically have enormous advertising budgets and pay top
dollar for search engine optimization. As a result, an expectant parent
or adoptive parent often finds a facilitator by performing a basic search
online, before consulting with a licensed agency or experienced adoption
attorney.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Many nonprofit adoption agencies are struggling to find the
resources for search engine optimization and online advertising, as they cannot
compromise the quality of services provided to adoptive parents and birth
parents, and are reluctant to raise fees to cover rising costs.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><i><u><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">***RECOMMENDATIONS***</span></u></i></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">~Better enforcement of existing laws</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> If a state such as California permits facilitators to operate,
we would suggest strict enforcement of licensing and training requirements as
well as advertising disclosure restrictions. If the state prohibits
facilitators from operating, especially if this is accomplished through close
monitoring of fees paid, more rigorous enforcement by the state Attorneys
General and stricter oversight by ICPC offices would significantly limit the
activities of facilitators in those states.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">~Advertising disclosure laws</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">We recommend both state and federal laws mandating that print and
Internet advertising by facilitators disclose both the state(s) where the
entity is located and whether they are licensed to operate in the state where
the advertising appears. This would give prospective adoptive parents and
expectant parents more information to decide whether to work with a particular
entity. It would also ensure that individual state standards are met.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">~Research and die diligence on the part of adoptive parents</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">
Prospective adoptive parents should check with state licensing to determine
whether an agency or entity is a licensed child-placing agency. If it is
an out-of-state entity, the adoptive parents should check with state licensing
where the entity is located, and be certain that it has the ability to provide
or arrange for all the services necessary for an ethical and successful
adoption. Some adoptive parents will still choose to work with
facilitators to expand their search for an expectant mother, but they must be
aware of the risks and benefits involved.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">~Full Compliance with the ICPC</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) aims to
safeguard children placed for adoption across state lines, with requirements
for sending agencies and the receiving state's ICPC office administrator.
Children can only be placed across state lines after the receiving state has
determined that it does not violate their best interests. Prospective
parents adopting a child from another state must ensure that their agency is
capable of meeting and fully complying with all ICPC requirements.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">~Expectant parents must know their rights</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Expectant parents should be aware
that they will typically receive a higher level of service from an agency that
has a physical presence in their state. Local agencies can provide
in-person, ongoing options counseling from a social worker with knowledge of
resources in the community, and can also ensure that the expectant parents'
emotional, legal, and medical needs are met before they are called upon to
select adoptive parents or make an adoption plan. Expectant parents may
also be more likely to receive the information agreed upon about the child
after the placement if an agency is used, and will now who to turn to if they
need post-placement counseling. If expectant parents choose to work with
a facilitator instead, they should request a higher level of service and expect
in-person counseling by a licensed child-placing agency working with the
facilitator. They should have the opportunity to meet with an attorney in
their state as well as the laws in the state where the adoptive parents
reside. They should also have the opportunity to meet potential adoptive
families before they select a family to parent their child.<br />
<br />
<b>~Improved oversight of adoption fees</b><br />
</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">State laws should require full
disclosure of all fees paid by an adoptive family for an adoption
placement. There should be full oversight of these fees mandated by the
state Attorney General's Office. State laws for limits on fees should also
be enforced, and states with no limits should review their laws.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: 13.5pt;">This post is an excerpt from <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Adoption Advocate</span></i> No. 70: The Role of Facilitators
in Adoption, <span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Published April 2014 by Karen S. Law, Esq. and
Teresa M. McDonough, ACSW, </span><span style="background: white;">Nicole
Callahan, Editor, Chuck Johnson, Editor: </span><a href="https://www.adoptioncouncil.org/publications/adoption-advocate-no-70.html">https://www.adoptioncouncil.org/publications/adoption-advocate-no-70.html</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="background-color: #54a8c0; color: #333333; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: 18px; line-height: 27px;">Drafted by Brittany Alness, staff member of the Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC.</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: 13.5pt;">Disclaimer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">This web site and the information
contained within have been prepared by Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC for
informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This
information is not intended to create, nor does receipt of it constitute an
attorney-client relationship. Viewers should not act upon information found
here without seeking legal counsel. All photographs shown on this blog are depictions
of clients and are not actual clients of this law firm. Copyright Karen S. Law,
2018.</span></i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Law Offices of Karen S. Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05707926858515746431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110406723888252974.post-74311818610684944112018-05-26T14:13:00.001-07:002018-05-26T14:13:25.875-07:00Our Adoption Story<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 11.75pt; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">
Over the years we have had a number of clients; the happiness that shows on their faces once they have received the news that they are being matched with a child, is an experience like no other. We asked a client of ours to share her story. Due to privacy, there will be no names mentioned, but here in her own words is what she has to share with all of you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 11.75pt; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRDLnh9s8zYNq5XC724kcYnIiNiIGfvx3dnMQY6URslGBmFAonSdPN-jML0gDVyZt1Pv6PtlSES9ej2sM1yxMlUI3k1nPpBn-e7GhSvN-vQ9cZc0IosbNpAtmCCZONsv50bSFJfMu6SgI/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRDLnh9s8zYNq5XC724kcYnIiNiIGfvx3dnMQY6URslGBmFAonSdPN-jML0gDVyZt1Pv6PtlSES9ej2sM1yxMlUI3k1nPpBn-e7GhSvN-vQ9cZc0IosbNpAtmCCZONsv50bSFJfMu6SgI/s400/images.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 11.75pt; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">
"It was
a surprisingly warm day in early April 2017. That morning, my husband and I
were debating whether to catch a Washington Nationals game. Instead, we took a
phone call from our adoption agency that would change everything.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 11.75pt; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We
learned that a baby girl had been born the day before less than an hour from
our home and her birth mother was interested in meeting us. We had just a few
hours to decide whether we wanted to move forward with this case. The agency
told us as much as they could. So much was unknown including the baby’s race
and family medical history. However, we did know that she would most likely be
in the NICU for several weeks to care for a treatable medical condition.
Additionally, there would be some complications in terms of terminating paternal
rights.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 11.75pt; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">That’s
when all our training paid off. The year leading up to our adoption was an
important time of learning and preparing for our new role as adoptive parents.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 11.75pt; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We had
originally started the adoption process about a year before and after we had ended fertility
treatments. When we realized that being biological parents would not
be possible for us, we talked about why we wanted to have kids and what our
life goals were. We decided that in the end our goal was to be parents.
Adoption was not our first choice, but that didn’t make it second best. In
fact, we learned that entering this amazing community of adoption was more
impactful that we could have imagined.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 11.75pt; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTjFJKrWoT7rW0WkvI8zcEljZR4jp5mtkd3_uSX1Z-gE1ZeRHVQoyGrBFWPUwW-fT7zNQGuIKqGPVIziFz65V9lll0F3afn0FJA051PYA0XZ4oUedUYNN8S1l9KX57OoV72Xk_8vkncjv/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTjFJKrWoT7rW0WkvI8zcEljZR4jp5mtkd3_uSX1Z-gE1ZeRHVQoyGrBFWPUwW-fT7zNQGuIKqGPVIziFz65V9lll0F3afn0FJA051PYA0XZ4oUedUYNN8S1l9KX57OoV72Xk_8vkncjv/s400/images.jpg" /></a>We did
our initial interviews with our adoption agency during the summer of 2016 and
quickly worked to complete our home study process. We zipped through the
paperwork in just two weeks. An in depth excel chart and nightly meetings at
the dinner table helped us to burn through it. We knew that so much of the
adoption process was out of our hands, so we wanted to be quick with what WAS
within our control. Meeting with the social worker and attending in person and
online training helped prepare us to be adoptive parents and make the
decisions that we would need to make regarding health challenges, family
medical history and drug exposure status. Our home study was completed in the Fall of
2016 and we began the waiting game.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 11.75pt; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYHFQniU1uavO2FFFHZAK5cGwysRmC5EudfdZTJzCpNGrPTohgn8C0tyyp07RHqcelvllIju19ZV7DziqUs02cSavnjdY3oEIc0ffP19KeGL070BuTpmymf8kxlp_Qi65lLDftPQJlxSB/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYHFQniU1uavO2FFFHZAK5cGwysRmC5EudfdZTJzCpNGrPTohgn8C0tyyp07RHqcelvllIju19ZV7DziqUs02cSavnjdY3oEIc0ffP19KeGL070BuTpmymf8kxlp_Qi65lLDftPQJlxSB/s400/images.jpg" /></a>Our
advice for other families is to stay hopeful. The question with adoption is not
a matter of if you will have a child but a matter of when. We were overjoyed
and overwhelmed when we became parents in April 2017. Our little girl is now 1
years old and we look back on our journey with such joy. There were certainly roller coaster moments but we always felt surrounded by experts from our
adoption agency and our lawyer Karen S. Law who held our hand and worked the steps
for us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 11.75pt; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Our
adoption story is our favorite story to tell so we are sharing it in the hopes
that it helps another family on the journey to parenthood".<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h1>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 27px;"><br /></span></h1>
<h1>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 27px;">Drafted by an actual client of the Law Offices of Karen S. Law with the assistance of Brittany Alness, staff member of the Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC.</span></h1>
<h1>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Disclaimer</span></h1>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This web site and the information contained within have been prepared by Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This information is not intended to create, nor does receipt of it constitute an attorney-client relationship. Viewers should not act upon information found here without seeking legal counsel. All photographs shown on this web-site are depictions of clients and are not actual clients of this law firm. Copyright Karen S. Law, 2018.</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Law Offices of Karen S. Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05707926858515746431noreply@blogger.com4