The post David & Lorraine appeared first on .
]]>Dear Birth Parent,
We first want to say that we are humbled by the courage, love, and strength that you are showing in choosing adoption. We hope you find peace and comfort in your decision. We want you to know that your child will be so loved and one of the greatest blessings to come into our home. Thank you for taking the time to get to know us and for considering us in your adoption plan.
A Little Bit About Us
David loves watching baseball, playing video games, and spending time with his family. He likes working on cars and loves to include the kids in what he is doing, and they love helping him. Lorraine loves music, reading, nature, and baking. The kids love to be involved in what she is doing, and she is currently teaching them to bake and play the piano. We usually have music playing whether we are outside on our farm or inside hanging out, with a dance party breaking out at some point. We also like to give our kids some one-on-one time with us. It makes them each feel extra special when it’s their turn to pick an outing or a game of their choice.
The kids all have their own interests and things that they love doing. Whether it be baseball, gymnastics, music, or animals, we strive to help them develop their skills and encourage them to be who they want to be. Our children love to learn through hands on experiences and play and we are happy to facilitate that. Our goal is to raise our children to be kind, to love others, and to be proud of who they are.
Our Life and Family
We live on a farm right next door to our best friends. We have a large extended family, many of which live near us, and we get together with them often. Lorraine has 28 nieces and nephews, some that have joined our family through adoption. The kids love getting together with their cousins and spending time together. Lorraine is known as the fun aunt and attends concerts, games, and other outings as much as she can. We love going traveling and going on vacations together and giving the kids the diversity of seeing different places. Everyone is so excited for us and can’t wait to welcome a new member of the family.
Our Promise
We are so grateful that you are considering us in your adoption plan. We know that there may be times where you need a little more contact and times where you need a little less, and we will work together with both. We want you to know that you are an important part of our lives and will continue to be an important part of your child’s life. Your child will be loved and cherished beyond measure and will always know that you love them too.
With Love,
David and Lorraine
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]]>Adoption and Taxes – What you need to know Read More »
The post Adoption and Taxes – What you need to know appeared first on .
]]>by Travis Shreeve, CPA
As an owner of a CPA firm and as a CFO of an adoption agency, I regularly get asked tax questions regarding adoption fees and donations. Here are the top three questions that I receive.
First, I’ve been blessed to see the blessing that adoption can be in all lives affected. From the child to the adoptive parents and to the birth mothers. It’s truly been a joy to see tough decisions made that have the capacity of bringing great blessings into people’s lives.
Tax should not be the primary motivator of such an immense decision, but it should help ease the cost of an adoption or a donation.
For adoptions finalized in 2023, there is a federal adoption tax credit of up to $15,950 per child. The tax credit is NOT refundable. Because it’s not refundable, it means that the credit can only be applied against taxes that you have (or would have) paid. This unused credit can be carried forward for up to 5 years.
There is a phase amount in credit amounts once your income exceeds $239,230 and it fully phases out at $279,230.
Qualified expenses include:
Donating to a 501c3 for an adoption can be a great blessing to a family looking to adopt. There are agencies that can put your donation toward an adoption and there are special agencies that create grants for applicants. They pay on behalf of families using those grants.
As long as you contribute to a registered 501(c)(3), you can deduct these as charitable contributions on Schedule A. The only limits on this contribution are limited to 60% of your adjusted gross income.
Often when a family member contributes directly to a specific adoption situation, they ask about the tax benefit of such a donation.
Unfortunately for the donor, these types of contributions are not tax deductible. An agency cannot issue a donation receipt to an adoptive family, not can they issue a donation receipt to an extended family member.
Yes, adoptive families may receive credit for some of the expenses (as outlined above) using FORM 8839, but not as donations. The same goes for extended family, except that extended family cannot use form 8839.
Travis Shreeve is a CPA and Partner With Shreeve Landry CPAs. He is also a CFO with A Act of Love Adoptions.
See Also
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]]>The post Taylor & Kramer appeared first on .
]]>Dear friend, thank you for considering our family. We are Kramer, Taylor, and Ellis, a fun-loving family who enjoys meeting new people who most often become our dear friends. We love spreading kindness, laughter, and showing our family and friends they are valued. We encourage individuality and self-expression; everyone is unique and we embrace diversity. We value people of different ethnicities and enjoy celebrating their culture. We hold you in high regard for considering adoption for your baby and potentially giving us the opportunity to add to our family. It has been our biggest dream to have children in our home through adoption. We have shared this dream from the beginning of our relationship over 10 years ago and it has continued to be a “true North” as we set goals to achieve it. We have prepared our home, finances, and lifestyle to raise children in a family that is happy, adventurous, loving, and ambitious.
Your part of the child’s story will be shared early, and our love for you and your role as a birth parent will be CELEBRATED in our home. You will always be cherished for the gift and sacrifice you made for your child. We are open and adaptable to your desire for possible connection with our family now and in the future. We have had a positive adoption journey with our daughter Ellis. Kramer's brother and his wife are adopted, we also have many close friends who are adopted as well. We have gained a lot of first-hand knowledge from our own experience and these important people in our lives on providing a solid foundation for our children and how to raise them; instilling love and teaching them their importance in this big world.
Thank you for considering us as adoptive parents. We hope to show you who we are as a family, with some of our playful side too.
We adopted Ellis in 2022 and she turned our world upside down in the very best way. She is the best part of our day. She wakes up with a smile and is ready to play! She loves our impromptu dance parties in the kitchen, going for walks, and reading stories. We love watching her learn and grow; she does something new each day! Ellis loves playing with her friends and cousins, we know she will be a great big sister.
We are close with both of our families and enjoy celebrating big and small milestones. We also like supporting our family members in their varied interests. Taylor’s brother is skilled at the keyboard, Kramer’s younger brother plays professional rugby, and our nephews do gymnastics. Both of our parents are great examples of positivity and love; we look-up to them and turn to them for advice when raising our family.
Kramer works in Finance and Taylor is in Software Development; we work hard to play hard. During our free time Taylor enjoys putting needle to thread and sews quilts and other projects for our home, and for gifts. Kramer enjoys mixing pigment and painting large canvases of color. Together we enjoy staying close to home, spending time with fun company doing outdoor movies and game-nights; some of our favorite games are Clue, Skyjo, and Bohnanza.
Our home is warm and secure, filled with laughter and joy. We are not Master Chefs, but we do enjoy cooking and trying new recipes. Together we enjoy making orange chicken, taco soup, and peanut butter bars. Our home is located near nature trails and a canyon that is full of beautiful and vibrant colors in the autumn months. It is a short distance from each of our families and our neighborhood is safe and full of young families with playmates for our children.
Ta-da! The end! We appreciate you getting to know more about our family and we hope this profile shows how much love and support will be given to your child. We have so much respect for your decision to consider adoption, and we look forward to connecting with you in the future. With us as parents, your child will be given every opportunity in life to pursue their dreams and reach for the stars. Most importantly, they will always be reminded of who they are, where they came from, and the love their birth parents have for them.
We wish you the best through this adoption journey. We hope to meet you soon!
Love, Taylor, Kramer, & Ellis
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]]>The post Advice to Adoptive Families About Post Placement appeared first on .
]]>By Laraine Moon, Jun 8, 2019
This week Laraine Moon shared great insights about post placement. His message was directed to adoptive families but even if you are considering adoption, you can benefit from this information.
You can watch Laraine's the video here:
Or you watch it on Facebook here
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]]>How to Find a Birth Mother for Independent Adoption Read More »
The post How to Find a Birth Mother for Independent Adoption appeared first on .
]]>When you are an adoptive family will have many questions. Having an adoption agency who can answer your questions at any time will make your experience easier and happier.
One such question you may have about adoptions is how to find a birth mother. There are many ways to locate a birth mother, but the best by far is through an agency, such as A Act of Love Adoptions.
Agencies locate birth mothers who may have the same feelings toward adoption and fit your interests in adoption, using a vast network of resources that other options may not have.
Adoption Tip: Adoption can be an extensive and complicated process, for that reason having an agency who knows the process like A Act of Love adoptions, can make a difference. Get a free information packet here >>
The best way to connect to a birth mother is through an independent adoption.
An independent adoption is a form of adoption where the biological and adoptive families have a level of access, to varying degrees, of each other's personal information, as well as having an option of contact between the adopted child and parents and the birth mother.
This form of adoption has become more popular in the United States in recent years, giving birth mothers the opportunity to remain in contact if they choose with the adoptive parents.
There are openness options, like exchanging pictures, letters and visits.
Many birth mothers have enjoyed the communication with the adoptive parents and receiving information of their birth children.
Research has shown a lot of positives in the lives of children who have open adoption policies with their birth mothers.
“If anything, openness appears to help kids understand adoption; relieve the fears of adoptive parents; and help birth mothers resolve their grief, according to researchers Harold D. Grotevant and Ruth G. McRoy.
“Many of the fears about open adoption do not seem to be a problem,” said Grotevant, a professor at the University of Minnesota and co-author with McRoy of Openness in Adoption: Exploring Family Connections.” (Carney, E. Understanding Open Adoptions. 2017)
This form of adoption shouldn’t be looked at as a panacea for the needs of children, though. It is not without its foibles.
Some research has shown that children with open adoptions between their adoptive and birth mothers can experience issues with self esteem and some do not.
Consider your options carefully and proceed with consideration. Getting details from an agency on what you could do to connect with an adoptive family is always a good choice.
The answer is, “it depends.” This is decided on by the adoptive and birth mothers together, often with the help of an agency or an attorney.
The openness of the adoption must be managed through a contract or a written agreement, otherwise the adoptive parents retain the rights to how much contact, if any, the birth mothers may have. Levels of contact depend on the interests of the parties involved.
Some have had a little contact as exchanged letters and pictures with no physical meetings, where others have frequent, in person contact or even close, friendly relationships.
Birth mothers do not have to have continued contact if they choose not to. However, research has shown that children who do have contact with their birth mothers after adoption have a greater sense of self worth.
Do what you think is best, of course. The process of adoption is meant to take stress and difficulty away, and to increase the opportunity for the child to have the best possible life.
One of the greatest challenges for parents in an open adoption is the reactions of their own friends and family; people have stigmatized the idea of an open adoption to the point that they frequently will fear it without cause.
Do your research, get familiar with what you want, and be strong in your decision. If you choose Act of Love Adoptions as your agency, they will help you in this process and be a support to you through any issues you face.
Take adoption seriously. When you are considering adoption, be sure to employ the help of an agency who can make the process simple and easy. Act of Love is here to help you every step of the way. For more information, contact Act of Love today.
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]]>Dealing with Unwanted Pregnancy Read More »
The post Dealing with Unwanted Pregnancy appeared first on .
]]>Sometimes, when you are dealing with an unwanted pregnancy, you can feel like you have to do everything on your own. You can feel alone, stressed, anxious about what is coming next. You don’t have to face those sleepless nights and fearful moments alone, though.
There are solutions for your unique challenge, and A Act of Love Adoptions wants you to know that you are not alone in this journey. We are here to help you through this difficult time and to come out stronger and happier than you were before. It all starts with you, and the choices that you make next in your unwanted pregnancy.
The first thing you need to know when dealing with unwanted pregnancy is what resources are available to you. In many situations of unwanted pregnancy, financial strain can be a real and difficult challenge.
There are doctors appointments, check ups, new health concerns, and on and on. What do you do next? Facing this challenge, for many, is highly stressful, and can wear you out. A Act of Love Adoptions provides resources for interested parties to know what to do next, when to do it, and how to do it.
By connecting your desires with your resources, you can lower stress and eradicate feelings of anxiety. And when you’re dealing with an unwanted pregnancy, those are two emotions you can really do without.
Adoption may not be your first thought when dealing with unwanted pregnancy. Perhaps you’ve heard stories regarding adoption that have turned you off to the idea. When choosing adoption as an option for dealing with unwanted pregnancy, you always want to make sure the source you’re turning to is government back, and legally protective of the child, the birth parent, and the hopeful adoptive parents.
A Act of Love is one of the most respected, influential agencies serving the adoption community in the entire US. With this measureable, statistical backing of proof, A Act of Love ensures a safe, simple experience for adoption to those dealing with unwanted pregnancy.
Choosing the right family to adopt a new child is an important factor for those dealing with unwanted pregnancy. How to you vet the candidates properly? What factors go into choosing the perfect candidate, and when do you know you’ve found “the one” who is the best fit? A Act of Love Adoptions’ has years of experience to backup these important decisions for adoption.
Getting the right people at the right time is easy when you use A Act of Love, because their trained, professional staff know what to look for, how to screen candidates effectively, and will make sure those dealing with the unwanted pregnancy are properly taken care of during this transitional period of their lives.
You’ve got enough to worry about without the possible stresses of adoption weighing on your mind; let us do the hard work for you.
Dealing with unwanted pregnancy can be intimidating under some circumstances, but you don’t have to worry when you have A Act of Love Adoptions on your side. We help those dealing with unwanted pregnancy locate a good family, seeking to adopt, who can provide the child with opportunities for a better future. The procedure for adoption is transparent every step of the way.
A Act of Love shows you your options for adoption, connects you with the necessary data, and organizes the child’s passage to new parents. We believe child deserves a happy life. Our professionally trained staff make sure the process goes smoothly, and results in a happy ending for everyone involved.
As a future birth parent at A Act of Love Adoptions, you would have the opportunity to choose the adoption plan that worked best for your unique circumstances. No one would make a better decision for the placement of a child than a well informed parent, which is why our supportive, loving staff inform you about all your options, every step of the way.
Each person on our staff will do what it takes to support you in your decision for adoption. The staff consists of people from all walks of life: parents, adoptive parents, and skilled professionals whose extensive experience in adoption is at your disposal.
A Act of Love treats everyone like family, and we will welcome you with open arms if you choose adoption for your unwanted pregnancy. If you’re looking for love and support while you deal with an unwanted pregnancy, we’re here for you. Let A Act of Love help you move away from stressed and into peaceful in this exciting time.
Sometimes, when you are dealing with an unwanted pregnancy, you can feel like you have to do everything on your own. You can feel alone, stressed, anxious about what is coming next.
You don’t have to face those sleepless nights and fearful moments alone, though. There are solutions for your unique challenge, and A Act of Love Adoptions wants you to know that you are not alone in this journey.
We are here to help you through this difficult time and to come out stronger and happier than you were before. It all starts with you, and the choices that you make next in your unwanted pregnancy.
The first thing you need to know when dealing with unwanted pregnancy is what resources are available to you. In many situations of unwanted pregnancy, financial strain can be a real and difficult challenge. There are doctors appointments, check ups, new health concerns, and on and on. What do you do next? Facing this challenge, for many, is highly stressful, and can wear you out.
A Act of Love Adoptions provides resources for interested parties to know what to do next, when to do it, and how to do it. By connecting your desires with your resources, you can lower stress and eradicate feelings of anxiety. And when you’re dealing with an unwanted pregnancy, those are two emotions you can really do without.
Adoption may not be your first thought when dealing with unwanted pregnancy. Perhaps you’ve heard stories regarding adoption that have turned you off to the idea. When choosing adoption as an option for dealing with unwanted pregnancy, you always want to make sure the source you’re turning to is government back, and legally protective of the child, the birth parent, and the hopeful adoptive parents.
A Act of Love is one of the most respected, influential agencies serving the adoption community in the entire US. With this measureable, statistical backing of proof, A Act of Love ensures a safe, simple experience for adoption to those dealing with unwanted pregnancy.
Choosing the right family to adopt a new child is an important factor for those dealing with unwanted pregnancy. How to you vet the candidates properly? What factors go into choosing the perfect candidate, and when do you know you’ve found “the one” who is the best fit?
A Act of Love Adoptions’ has years of experience to backup these important decisions for adoption. Getting the right people at the right time is easy when you use A Act of Love, because their trained, professional staff know what to look for, how to screen candidates effectively, and will make sure those dealing with the unwanted pregnancy are properly taken care of during this transitional period of their lives.
You’ve got enough to worry about without the possible stresses of adoption weighing on your mind; let us do the hard work for you.
Dealing with unwanted pregnancy can be intimidating under some circumstances, but you don’t have to worry when you have A Act of Love Adoptions on your side. We help those dealing with unwanted pregnancy locate a good family, seeking to adopt, who can provide the child with opportunities for a better future.
The procedure for adoption is transparent every step of the way. A Act of Love shows you your options for adoption, connects you with the necessary data, and organizes the child’s passage to new parents. We believe child deserves a happy life. Our professionally trained staff make sure the process goes smoothly, and results in a happy ending for everyone involved.
As a future birth parent at A Act of Love Adoptions, you would have the opportunity to choose the adoption plan that worked best for your unique circumstances. No one would make a better decision for the placement of a child than a well informed parent, which is why our supportive, loving staff inform you about all your options, every step of the way.
Each person on our staff will do what it takes to support you in your decision for adoption. The staff consists of people from all walks of life: parents, adoptive parents, and skilled professionals whose extensive experience in adoption is at your disposal.
Act of Love treats everyone like family, and we will welcome you with open arms if you choose adoption for your unwanted pregnancy. If you’re looking for love and support while you deal with an unwanted pregnancy, we’re here for you. Let A Act of Love help you move away from stressed and into peaceful in this exciting time.
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]]>Forever Home for Foster Children in Limbo Read More »
The post Forever Home for Foster Children in Limbo appeared first on .
]]>The sibling group was to have been adopted by their foster family but DCF said the should go to their biological grandfather instead. The decision was made after an article came out in a local paper, The Wichita Eagle.
Judge Kevin Smith said DCF’s decision has placed all three children in potentially serious harm. He is expecting the secretary of DCF to attend the next hearing. The judge upheld his earlier decision that the children should be adopted by their foster family, while continuing to have visits with their grandfather.
The secretary replied by saying that the agency wanted a 30 day continuance to consider the grandfather’s concerns about his grandchildren’s future. He has sought for two years to adopt his grandchildren. Judge Smith says the Eagle article “did not contain all the facts.”
The grandfather believes the foster family was selected because they are a married white couple living in a home in the suburbs, while he is a single black man living in a fourplex. He has been allowed to have the children on weekends and for other weeks when they were with a different foster family.
The attorney for the foster family said that DCF never determined the grandfather was the appropriate placement for the children. It was not until the article came out that DCF began consideration of placement with the grandfather. The attorney went on to say that every professional involved in the case concluded that the foster family was the best placement for the children.
The involvement of the children’s biological parents is the most compelling reason not to place with the grandfather. The rights of the biological parents have been terminated due to neglect and abandonment.
The court has appointed a special advocate for the children to build a relationship with them and advocate for their needs until the decision has been made.
Sources:
http://www.kansas.com/news/local/article205395119.html
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]]>Oklahoma Adoption Bill: Aiming for a Come One, Come All Adoption Policy Read More »
The post Oklahoma Adoption Bill: Aiming for a Come One, Come All Adoption Policy appeared first on .
]]>They believe the bill, sponsored by Greg Treat of the Senate, will be a jump start to adoption services that are not faith-based. The legislation will not restrict the establishment of agencies who are not faith-based, but will provide protection to faith-based agencies who, in some states, are required to place children in families that are in direct conflict with the principles of their faith.
This has forced the closing of such agencies, leaving children in limbo.
The legislators and clergy alike want to avoid what they call “tragic results” by laws passed in states like Massachusetts, Illinois, and California. The adoption laws passed in these states have required ALL agencies to live under the same laws, placing children in families that are living in opposition to certain faith’s principles.
Failure by these agencies to comply with those laws has created legal challenges, closed and impeded openings of adoption agencies and adoptive parents have been reluctant to enter into agreements with adoption agencies for fear of these regulations forcing agencies to close or become bankrupt.
Birthparents have also been affected, not knowing how to select a family or an agency. Clergy and legislators believe if this bill is passed into law, birth parents can be guided to choose an agency that is in line with their own values and beliefs.
Government leaders in other states such as Virginia, Michigan, North and South Dakota and Texas have moved to proactively reaffirm the right of faith-based agencies to serve their community and the children of their community in ways that honor their conscience.
Oklahoma lawmakers believe that instead of adopting a one size fits all policy and imposing it on every adoption agency, they and these above mentioned states are promoting a “come one, come all” approach, where any licensed organization is welcome to help children in a way that is in accordance with their belief system.
Sources: http://newsok.com/article/5587394/advocates-ok-adoption-bill-aimed-at-helping-children
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]]>Traci Adoption Film: I Lived on Parker Avenue Read More »
The post Traci Adoption Film: I Lived on Parker Avenue appeared first on .
]]>David loved his life but always wondered about his birth parents, and was curious about how they came to decide on adoption for him.
Once David graduated from high school and started attending college, he decided he was ready to meet his birth parents. Realizing that this may cause some worried feelings for his adoptive parents and extended family, he writes each one of them a letter and gives it to them to read at a family dinner. Each one tearfully reads his letters of love and gratitude and offer their support of him in his decision to go meet his birth parents.
David decides he would like his adoptive parents to be with him at the meetings but chooses to travel alone to the state where his birthmother and birthfather live. He meets his birth mother first. It is a wonderful reunion as he meets a biological younger sister that instantly takes to him.
His mother tells him of going to an abortion clinic and walking in through protesters shouting things at her. One thing she remembers hearing is your child has ten fingers and ten toes. As she lay on the table, waiting for the doctor, she realizes this baby is alive and deserves a chance.
She then makes the decision she will choose life. She and the birthfather decide on adoption. When David is born, the decision to move forward with adoption was extremely difficult, but both parents felt like it was the best option for their child. The two stayed together and had a daughter and then ended up splitting.
The birthfather’s new wife never knew her husband had a son that was placed for adoption until David asked to meet his father, Brian. Brian had the difficult task of telling his new wife and they welcomed David to their home for the meeting. It went just as well as the meeting with David’s birth mom. Brian expressed what a relief it was to meet David and to have this secret he had been keeping off his shoulders.
This is a beautiful story of adoption, where love is felt throughout this adoption circle. Tears will likely be shed as you watch this story, but it is well worth the emotion and will make you feel good!
To watch the film go to: https://www.ilivedonparkerave.com/
Or watch here
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]]>The post Brian & Diana 2 appeared first on .
]]>5 Things we love about our family
Our Community
Our Home
Our active lifestyle, things we enjoy
Fun Facts - Diana
Fun Facts – Brian
Fun Facts – Preston
Fun Facts - Parker
Pictures
AZ Family | We travel 3-5 times a year to visit Diana’s father and brother in Arizona. They are looking forward to their granddaughter/niece visiting soon! |
Boys and Cousins | Preston, Parker and his cousins Hannah and Meghan. Our family has a total of 10 cousins, they love to spend time together. |
Diana Boys and Dogs | Diana, with Preston, Parker and our two dogs Ollie and Diego. We visit Cannon Beach, Oregon annually, where the boys (including Brian) spend their days building sand castles and the dogs get to run around the beach. |
Fireside | Sitting around the campfire at Cannon Beach with the boys grandparents, getting ready to eat s’mores! |
Home | Our happy home, we are so thankful to be living in a quiet, safe and diverse neighborhood. |
Ollie and Diego | Our two dogs Ollie and Diego snuggling, they are both very sweet and gentle dogs. |
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]]>