“Hey there. I’m Diana. I’m a writer and social media manager at American Adoptions. I was adopted as an infant in 1991 through an open adoption.”
6
Jan
2017
Our Open Adoption Story – Harry & Sherry
“Both of our two children have been adopted through open adoptions, and even after 25+ years, I’m absolutely convinced that it was the right decision. “
2
Jan
2017
10 Ways to Entertain your Kids on a Snow Day
As a kid, snow days are magical. You get the day off from school, and there’s a blanket of white stuff that has completely transformed your world. As an adult, they can be a little less so. You know the realities of driving in that …
30
Dec
2016
2016 Adoption Tax Credit
With tax season around the corner many of our families are wondering what the Adoption Tax Credit is and how it works. Below we have provided a brief explanation of the Adoption Tax Credit, the updated amount available to families for the 2016 tax season, and an infographic to help families understand how the Adoption Tax Credit works.
What is the Federal Adoption Tax Credit?
The Federal Adoption Tax Credit can help families offset the costs of qualifying adoption expenses, making adoption possible for some families who could not otherwise afford it. Families who adopted a child, or tried to adopt a child, and paid qualifying expenses may be eligible for the credit.
With the passage of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 the Adoption Tax Credit became a permanent part of the tax code. However, the tax credit is not refundable, which means that only those individuals with tax liability (taxes owed) will benefit.
The maximum adoption tax credit for 2016 is $13,460. The Adoption Tax Credit limit is based on modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) and is recalculated each year based on current cost of living. For the 2016 Adoption Tax Credit, the maximum amount available will begin to phase out for families with MAGI above $201,920 and will be unavailable to families with incomes around $241,9200 or above.
23
Dec
2016
2016 Holiday Photo Contest Winners
The votes are in and these are the 3 winning photos of our Annual Holiday Photo Contest. Congratulations to Asher, Elijah, and siblings, Andrew, Isabella, and Madelyn!
21
Dec
2016
Ideas for Keeping the Kids Entertained All Winter
Well, winter has officially arrived. Last week, an arctic blast took over most of the country, sending temperatures plummeting and blanketing some areas with snow. So, how are we going to entertain the kids while the temperatures are frigid and there is snow on the ground? Here are some ideas for outdoor winter fun.
16
Dec
2016
How to Embrace Your Child’s Biological Heritage
Transracial adoption is when an adoptive family adopts a child who is of another race or ethnic background. This type of adoption is more commonplace than it’s been in decades’ past. Helping a child adjust to life in an entirely new country takes time and work. But just as important as it is to make them feel welcome, it is equally as important to help them learn about where they came from.
Adoptive families should make a strong effort to educate themselves on their child’s heritage. There is so much they can learn – traditions, holidays, customs, language. When they share this knowledge with their child, they help him or her create a strong sense of self. Here are some ways to help your child foster a love for their heritage:
12
Dec
2016
Waiting through the Holidays: Advice for Hopeful Families
With so many holidays on the way, it’s officially time to get into the holiday spirit! But if you are waiting for an adoption opportunity, it can be harder to enjoy the festivities.
To all of our waiting families out there, here are just a few things to keep in mind this holiday season:
9
Dec
2016
How Miss Texas is Using Her Platform to Spread Adoption Awareness
When Shelby Jenkins was only months old, her birth mother left her at a caretaker’s house — and never returned.
Luckily, after more than a year in the foster care system, Jenkins found herself adopted by two loving parents. Despite her rocky start in life, Jenkins became a skilled dancer, graduated from high school and college and even cinched a Miss Texas US International title. Today, she’s teamed up with Adoption Share and Adoption is Beautiful as an adoption ambassador, sharing her story across the country and spreading awareness about the realities of adoption.
7
Dec
2016
2016 Annual Holiday Photo Contest
Each year, the American Adoptions family grows bigger as more and more families are created through the miracle of adoption. Over the years, our agency has had the sincere pleasure of assisting thousands of families along their adoption journey. We love to celebrate the season by sharing the beautiful faces of adoption through our Annual American Adoptions Holiday Photo Contest!