Stepparent adoption is the process of adopting the child of your spouse to raise as your legal son or daughter. According to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, stepparent adoption is the most common type of adoption, and each state governs the rules associated with completing the process. Depending on the state you live in, you may need attorney services, a completed home study and a criminal background check. Some adoption grants are available to help offset the cost of these expenses.
Gift of Adoption
The Gift of Adoption Fund began in 1996 by adoptive parents Gene and Lucy Wyka, with the sole purpose to help others adopt. The Gift of Adoption Fund helps parents who are struggling to complete an adoption and need some financial help to finish the process. It is open to American families, regardless of how many biological or adopted children are already in the home. Grant awards range in amount from $1,000 to $7,500 depending on financial need.
National Adoption Foundation
The National Adoption Foundation is an organization that seeks to provide financial resources to make adoption affordable for families. Established in 1994, its mission is to support families and to educate the public and policymakers about the importance of adoption in the lives of children. The National Adoption Foundation provides several types of financial resources, including grants for all types of adoptions. There are no requirements for income and grants are awarded between $500 and $2,500 four times per year.
Lifetime Adoption Foundation
The Lifetime Adoption Foundation offers financial help for families completing adoptions within the United States. The program focuses on the adoption of African-American children, sibling groups and children with special needs. Grants are awarded from $1,500 to $4,300 for each adoption, and families are chosen based on an explanation written in their own words about the importance of adoption and why the grant money would help their situation.
