Benefits of adopting Hamilton County's waiting children

When you adopt a child through Hamilton County Job and Family Services, you provide a safe, nurturing and loving home to a waiting child or sibling group. Some of these children have been waiting a long time for a home just like yours.

And it's not just a win for them - it is for you, too, because you grow as a parent and a person simply through the new relationship you will have with your child.

There are other benefits, too!

Bonding through common interests

You can search for and find children in Hamilton County and across Ohio who share your interests. Children in our care represent a variety of interests and hobbies including: sports, theatre, computers, animals, music, writing and a host of others. They are all waiting for families who will share in and nurture those interests - and help them realize their dreams, too!

With older children, no diapers!

Maybe sleepless nights aren't your thing. It's OK. By adopting children ten years old or older, you could be sharing in other interests more quickly like camping, traveling, music or sports.

Siblings

Imagine adopting a sibling set - two or more at once! Siblings often share a powerful bond. Adding that to your home provides them with a place to grow up together in a loving home, and doubles your parenting!

Affordability

Training classes and the homestudy are completed without charge to you when done through HCJFS. Most court costs and fees are minimal, and may qualify for reimbursement if the company or organization you work for offers adoption reimbursement. Check with your Human Resources representative.

Financial Aid for college

If you adopt a child after their 13th birthday, those children will not have to include their parents' income in their financial aid applications. This is part of the Expanded Access to College Financial Aid for Former Foster youth.

And if you adopt a child after their 16th birthday, they may be eligible for the Education and Training Voucher Program. This program offers funds (up to $5,000 a year) to foster youth and former foster youth use for tuition, books or qualified living expenses when they attend colleges, universities and vocational training schools.

Monthly financial support

When families adopt one of Ohio's children in care, they may qualify for a monthly subsidy to help offset costs. Subsidies are negotiated on a child-by-child basis, since every child has unique needs and some funds may not be available after a period of time.

Post Adoption Services

Sometimes, you may find a need after finalization that you were not aware of at the time. HCJFS post-adoption services is here to help so that you and your child can transition smoothly into your new life together. Staff can assist you with questions after finalization - simply call 241-KIDS (241-5437) and request a referral for post-adoption services.

Community support

When you adopt, you can look to a variety of people for advice and guidance: your family worker and your child's worker, to name a few. Faith communities and community adoption support groups also offer help. Check with your place or worship or search support group listings online.

You can also talk with members of the Southwest Ohio Family Care Affiliate (SWOFCA), a group that offers support for parents experiencing a variety of issues and concerns. For more information about SWOFCA, call Deb McMullen at (513) 946-1842.

Federal tax credit for special needs adoptions

Families may qualify for a federal adoption tax credit if they adopt a child with special needs from our agency. Families must simply provide documentation of the state's adoption subsidy for the child as proof of special needs. The tax credit maximum may change from year to year. Check with your tax professional or visit www.irs.gov for more information.