Adoption Information & Resources for Military Families

Military One Source: A comprehensive listing of articles with information, links, agency information,
etc.

http://www.militaryonesource.com/MOS/FindInformation/Category/Topic/Issue.aspx?
IssueID=181&TopicID=22&MaterialTypeGroupIDOpened=-1

Adoptuskids.org: A website and guidebook written for military adoptions, with input from
military families who have gone through the adoption process.
http://www.adoptuskids.org/images/resourceCenter/militaryGuide.pdf

Child Welfare Information Gateway: Follow the links under "Adoption" for lists of agencies
and state adoption laws.
www.childwelfare.gov

National Military Family Association: Information about military adoption subsidy, health
care, and leave policies.
http://www.militaryfamily.org/your-benefits/adoption/

International Adoptions
U.S. Department of State: Provides the latest news, as well as a country-by-country guide to
the requirements for adopting children from more than 60 countries.
www.adoption.state.gov

In 2008 the U.S. signed the Hague Convention, which regulates adoptions between participating
countries. If you are adopting from a Hague Convention country, you must use an accredited
adoption agency and attend an adoption education class. For more information, including a
listing of Hague Convention countries, visit the Department of State's Web site at
www.adoption.state.gov.

Did You Know?

Adoption Leave for Armed Forces Members: Public Law 109-163 allows the Unit
Commander to approve up to 21 days non-chargeable leave in a calendar year in connection
with a qualifying adoption, in addition to other leave. If both parents are in the military, only one
member shall be allowed leave under this legislation.

See MCO 1050.3J Ch5.1.c.10 for complete information

Financial Assistance for Military Families: Military subsidy: A subsidy of $2,000 per child (up to
$5,000 per calendar year for multiple adoptions) is available to military families who choose to adopt.
The subsidy is available once the adoption is finalized and only if the adoption is arranged through a
qualified adoption agency. The subsidy reimburses specific adoption costs including placement fees,
legal fees, and medical expenses. However, the subsidy does not reimburse travel expenses.

For more information, read the DoD Adoption Reimbursement Policy at

www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/134109p.pdf

Adoption Tax Credit: www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc607.html

Terminology: Nearly 400 thoroughly cross-referenced entries describe and explain in clear
terms all the basic information needed to understand adoption.
http://encyclopedia.adoption.com/