Many parents worry about how to meet the rising cost of adoption. Don’t give up without exploring all your options. Perhaps you can borrow money from a family member, work two jobs, or make use of the credits, benefits and subsidies listed below, courtesy of the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse (NAIC).

State Tax Credits: Several states have enacted state tax credits for families adopting children from the public child welfare system in that state. Contact your state adoption unit (see p. 00 of this Guide).

Adoption Subsidies: Children with special needs may qualify for an adoption subsidy to help parents pay for ongoing therapies or treatment. Adoption subsidy agreements must be negotiated with the placing agency before the child’s adoption is finalized. More information is available on the web sites of the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse (www.calib.com/naic/pubs/f_subsid.htm) and the North American Council for Adoptable Children (www.nacac.org/subsidy_factsheets.html).

Nonrecurring Adoption Expense Reimbursement: After families have finalized the adoption of a child with special needs from the public child welfare system, they may be able to apply for reimbursement of expenses related to the adoption, which may include home study fees, travel expenses to meet the child, attorney fees, etc. Each state sets a maximum cap, which cannot exceed $2,000 per adoption.

Employer Benefits: Many employers provide benefits for families who adopt (including paid or unpaid leave when a child arrives in the home, reimbursement of some portion of adoption expenses, assistance with adoption information and referral services, etc.). Corporate human resource departments will provide employees with information about the availability of such benefits. For a list of employers who provide benefits, call the National Adoption Center at 800-to-adopt.

Adoption Loans: Contact the National Adoption Foundation (203-791-3811) for information on their unsecured personal loan program and a home-equity loan program for adoptive families.

Other Resources: Read "How to Make Adoption an Affordable Option," a comprehensive booklet from the National Endowment for Financial Education "for people who would like to consider adoption but are reluctant because they believe that the process is too expensive." It is available on the web at www.nefe.org/ adoption or from NAIC, 330 C St. SW, Washington, D.C. 20447 (888-251-0075; www.calib.com/naic).