Tuesday, October 25, 2016

USCIS Fee for Certificate of Citizenship Will Increase on December 23, 2016

Fee Changes from USCIS Hague and Non-Hague Petitions and Certificate of Citizenship

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On Monday October 24, USCIS published its final rule outlining changes in their fee schedule for services, including those for several adoption-related services.  You will note small fee increases for I-600/600As, I-800/800As, and a near-doubling of the fee to obtain a certificate of citizenship (N-600), which increases to $1,170.  The fee increases go to into effect on December 23, 2016. If you are filing any adoption related petition, be sure to reference the new fee schedule.  All this is very disappointing given the broadly expressed opposition to increasing the N-600 and that Congress even made their objections known.
 
Click here for more information.

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Help Us Ask for Change

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Dear Families and Friends of Adoption:

The National Council For Adoption has a blog to help families and friends through adoption understand the ramifications of the new Proposed Intercountry Adoption Regulations.  If you find it helpful and you want to encourage others to join us in giving voice to orphaned children around the world, please share this on your own social media. 

With encouragement,
Robin

*A very special thanks to our friend Nicole Skellenger, of MLJ Adoptions, who significantly supported the drafting process on this blog post!

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What’s Happening?

Recently, the Department of State (DOS) proposed new regulations that may significantly impact international adoption. Since 2004, international adoption has declined dramatically (by almost 75%). If the regulations pass, they have the potential to drastically change and further decrease the number of international adoptions, cause some adoption agencies to close leaving families with less options, and potentially lengthen the processing time of adoptions that do take place.

While NCFA supports some of the themes these proposed regulations set out to address, like improved education and high ethical standards, the impact of the proposed rules is worrisome to adoptive families and adoption professionals. Yet, we have an opportunity to ask for change! These rules are proposed and are not yet binding. Everyone may provide comments between now and November 7th to provide feedback on any concerns you may see.

Learn more.

Thursday, October 6, 2016

How to Obtain a Social Security Card for Your Adopted Child

How to get a Social Security card and prove U.S. citizenship for a foreign-born adopted child

 

Parents of adopted children born outside the United States need Social Security numbers for their children. The law recently changed and these children "automatically" become U.S. citizens. But here's the problem. The child does not have any proof of U.S. citizenship and Social Security requires proof of U.S. citizenship for the child. You only have immigration documents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). What do you do now?

Bring us the documents issued by DHS when the child arrived in the United States. We'll assign a Social Security number, but the record will not show the child is a U.S. citizen. Later, when you get your child's U.S. citizenship document, bring it to us and we'll update your child's record to show his or her U.S. citizenship. If your child already has a Social Security number, the number does not change when we update the record.

You can use your child's birth certificate to prove his or her age, but you still need an identity document for the child. Social Security must always see the original document or a copy that is certified by the agency that issued the original document. Documents you can use when you apply for a card for an infant or young child include:
  • The adoption record
  • A United States DHS immigration document
  • Doctor, clinic or hospital records
  • Daycare center or school records
  • Religious record (e.g., baptismal record)
In addition, when you apply for a card for a child, we must also see proof of your identity and that you are the proper applicant.

The Child Citizenship Act of 2000, effective February 27, 2001 grants an adopted child, immigrating to the United States, "automatic" citizenship. The parent may apply for proof that the child is a U.S. citizen. If you want the Social Security record to show that your child is a U.S. citizen, apply for a Certificate of Citizenship from DHS or a U.S. passport from the Department of State for your child. We can use either document as proof of your child's U.S. citizenship.

If you want to complete the application for a Social Security number before you visit a local office, go to Application for a Social Security Card.

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Megan Has Left The Building! It’s Been A Great 6 Years.

Megan%20Gardinier%20bye%20edits%202016 On behalf Hopscotch Adoptions, Inc., we would like to express our immense appreciation to Megan Gardinier, for her service, leadership and contributions in furthering our mission in serving vulnerable children, from around the world.  Megan’s dedication and commitment to the staff, Board of Directors, families and children has been remarkable and remains invaluable.

Not only have we enjoyed six wonderful years with Megan, ‘holding down the fort’, we know our families have appreciated her and will miss her too.  Thank you to the many that have taken time to express kind words to her this week – this meant the world to her and us too! 

Many of you already know Sherry McGregor.  So, fear not, Sherry has taken over Megan’s big shoes and we know you’ll love working with her too. 

Good luck Megan!!! Team Hopscotch.

P.S. If you are wondering where Megan ran away too….. she is pursuing her dream as a hair stylist.  If you’re in town and need a trim or blow-out, you can visit her at Ego Hour. A fabulous salon and they are lucky to have her!

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Heart of the Matters Website and Courses are Updated and Refreshed


October 2016

Course Spotlight: Because They Waited




  • Quality: 10 hours of Hague compatible education

  • Refreshed:  Renewed with updated resources

  • Convenient: Mobile access


The Because They Waited™ education system is online with modules covering topics pertinent to individuals adopting a baby or an older child, internationally or through foster care.  Modules present "The Science" in a user friendly format, followed by "The Parenting" which offers concrete parenting tools.   "Wrap Up and Resources" as well as study materials are also provided for each topic.

Topics covered include:
Promoting healthy brain development
Sensory processing and sensory integration
Parenting to a child’s "real age" vs. chronological age
Understanding the internal alarm
Building attachment
Race and Culture

Contact us at info@heartofthemattereducation.com for a copy of the table of contents for Because They Waited.

More quality adoption education 

   

Heart of the Matter Education  816 246-1100
info@heartofthemattereducation.com
www.heartofthemattereducation.com