Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to complete my adoption? Each families timeline will be different, and their ability to compile the required documentation. A as a rule of thumb the majority of adoptions for mixed ethnicity children can be completed within one year.
Do you work with families in other states? Yes. If you live in South Carolina, the social worker at JHA may complete your home study. If you live in another state, your home study can be completed by any licensed home study agency in your state of residence. It is then reviewed by the social worker at JHA and an Attorney in Kazakhstan.
Is it possible for single parents to adopt? Yes. Single women are accepted by the Republic of Kazakhstan for adoption. In most cases single males are not accepted as adoptive parents by most countries.
Is travel required? Why can't our child be brought to us? The laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan requires both parents to appear in the courts of their country. Some regions in the Republic of Kazakhstan require two trips; the first to see the child and the second to bring the child back to the U.S.
Are the children healthy? Children in foreign orphanages may have medical conditions that have been partially diagnosed or are totally undiagnosed. Most countries provide detailed information on the child's health, any known conditions and information on vaccinations. Children adopted internationally must be tested for AIDS and Hepatitis B. Also, children must be examined by a U.S. Embassy approved doctor for the issuance of a visa. Many medical conditions which cannot be corrected in another country may be a minor correctable medical problem here in the U.S. JHA encourages families to have the medical reports and/or videos reviewed by medical adoption specialists here in the U.S. We will work with you and your physician to obtain answers to any questions or concerns you may have.
What will happen when I get there? You will be met and fully escorted throughout your entire stay by one of JHA's foreign agents. These people are fluent in English and you will find that you are in very competent hands. All arrangements will be made prior to your arrival in the country and most families find the process smooth and comfortable. You should be prepared for minor inconveniences which can happen on any trip such as late plane arrivals, jet lag, food orientation, etc. Major delays or problems are very rare.
What is a home study?
The home study typically consists of orientation and training classes; a written personal history of each adult in the family; and personal interviews conducted in the family home, and sometimes in the adoption agency, by a social worker assigned for that purpose.
ORIENTATION:
The orientation helps you to understand the home study process in your specific state and acquaints you with adoption resources in your community.
TRAINING CLASSES:
These are often the same classes that prepare foster parents for parenting children who have special needs. They help you begin to learn how to deal with the issues that surround special needs adoption; gain understanding of the grief, abandonment, and betrayal a child often feels; and learn how to cope with a child's needs. You learn why advocacy is crucial, and more importantly, how to do it.
PERSONAL HISTORY:
A comprehensive history is developed on each adult living in the family home. Questions are asked about family of origin, education, experience with children, feelings about education for ones own children, employment status, and future plans. Other questions may address daily routines, friends, neighborhood and community, and religious preference.
Married couples are asked questions about how they met, how long they have been married, the strengths and weaknesses of their relationship, how decisions are made, etc. Single persons are asked questions about their support systems; significant others; availability of child care resources; and so forth.
Children in the home are also interviewed (depending on their age and level of understanding) regarding their feelings about an addition to their family and what adoption means to them.
The social worker's job is to assess the family's capacity to parent a child with special needs and to help the family identify what special needs they are able to handle. The written assessment done by the social worker is a crucial element of the final home study document.
HEALTH REPORT:
A medical history, including a physical exam within the past 12 months are required for all prospective parents. TB tests are required for every member of the household. A medical condition that is under control (e.g., high blood pressure, diabetes) usually does not prevent being approved to adopt. However, a serious health problem that effects life expectancy might.
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK:
All adults in the household complete forms that are sent to a state police check center and child protective services. Some states or counties require local police clearances, as well as FBI fingerprint checks. Folks who have been convicted of harming children cannot adopt.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT:
You will be asked to list the amount of your family's income. Some states may require a copy of an income tax form, a pay check stub, or a W-2 form. You do not have to be wealthy or to own your own home to adopt. Even if you receive some type of assistance, you are eligible to adopt as long as you have adequate resources to provide for your family. Financial assistance in the form of subsidies are often available when adopting children with special needs.
PERSONAL REFERENCES:
You will be asked for names, addresses and phone numbers of three or four individuals who can attest to your experience with children, the stability of your marriage and/or household, and your emotional maturity.
What is the adoption tax credit?
The Adoption Tax Credit is applied to federal taxes and allows adopting and adoptive parents to deduct certain adoption-related expenses from their federal tax bill.
In 2004, the upper limit of the tax credit was increased to $10,390 per child and it applies to private agency and attorney adoptions, international adoption, and the adoption of children from the U.S. foster care system.
Federal Tax Credit Information http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p968.pdf
Dependency Exemptions, Tax Savings Information http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/children/adoption/helpc.html
State Tax Credits up to $10,000 http://.state.yourstate.us
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Journey Home Adoptions, Inc.
