When nobody knows your sorrow: On parenting a child with mental illness: “Parenting a child with mental illness stretches and twists and tears you in ways others can’t begin to understand” reprinted from Times of Israel on NOV 26, 2017.
Monday, January 27, 2020
Adoptee Citizenship Act–ACTION NEEDED!
The Adoptee Citizenship Act of 2019 (H.R. 2731 / S.1554) will provide automatic acquisition of United States Citizenship for certain internationally adopted individuals, and for other purposes. It would in part close the loophole for most adult adoptees who do not currently benefit from the Child Citizenship Act of 2000.
The passing of the Adoptee Citizenship Act will alleviate many of the devastating first-hand accounts we heard from several adult adoptees of what a struggle it has been to have never been granted citizenship years ago. Can you even imagine growing up in the USA from infancy, and literally not being able to prove to your employer that you are eligible to work in the United States when you are 45 and the head of your household? Or, imagine a single mistake involving law enforcement resulting in deportation back to a country you left as an infant, where you do not speak the language, a culture that is unknown to you and you could not possibly obtain work to support yourself? Imagine the despair and terror you would experience. This is the reality for the adult adoptees this bill is meant to protect.
Hopscotch and many other child placing agencies are committing 2020 to strongly advocating for this bill be passed. We can’t do this without your help. The bill will die again without your support.
Do you have a moment to type a few words of support or share your personal story? If so, this link can take you directly to your congressmen and women message board!
Sunday, January 19, 2020
Adoption Tax Credit 2019
Claiming the Federal Adoption Tax Credit for 2019
Updated January 2019
For adoptions finalized in 2019, there is a federal adoption tax credit of up to $14,080 per child. The 2019 adoption tax credit is NOT refundable, which means taxpayers can only use the credit if they have federal income tax liability (see below).
The credit applies one time for each adopted child and should be claimed when taxpayers file taxes for 2019.
To be eligible for the credit, parents must:
- Have adopted a child other than a stepchild — A child must be either under 18 or be physically or mentally unable to take care of him or herself.
- Be within the income limits — Income affects how much of the credit parents can claim. In 2019, families with a modified adjusted gross income below $211,160 can claim full credit. Those with incomes from $211,160 to $251,160 can claim partial credit, and those with incomes above $251,160 cannot claim the credit.
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