Have you ever "utilized" your state rep?

[kdibattista]

DH and I are trying to explore all our resources for adoption costs (there is really nothing out there ) and as a last resort I decided to check with our state rep to see what he could come up with. I've never done that before and was quite surprised at how helpful they are. I'm waiting for a return call from him to see what, if anything, he can do.

Just curious... has anyone ever called upon their rep for anything?

P.S. We also contacted our senator and her office was less then helpful... told us to check with our agency. Well gosh, thanks, why didn't I think of that

 

[Pixiedust34]

We are using a handful of state reps right now. Speech therapy services offered at the public school for ds are slated to end in March. We are hoping that pressure from the state reps might have the school reconsider its decision. Most of the reps we've contacted have been very helpful and supportive.

As an adoptive parent, I know that adoption costs are a lot. If you are open to having an older child, have you considered a foster-to-adopt program? I hope that you find a adoption agency that meets your needs. I'd recommend ours, but I think they work only in MD and LA. Our children were adopted from South Korea when they were babies. All the best to you on your adoption journey!

 

[POB14]

DH and I are trying to explore all our resources for adoption costs (there is really nothing out there )

You are aware that there is a $10,000 tax credit available for adoption expenses, right? I know that doesn't help up-front, but if you know the adoption will be final this year, you could adjust withholding to account for the credit.

Also, Wendy's has a list of resources for potential adoptive parents. (For those who are not aware, Wendy's founder Dave Thomas was adopted, and set up a foundation, although they do not provide grants directly to individuals.) More is available if you are considering special needs, of course.

As to your actual question, don't hesitate to use your reps, that's what they are there for. Don't be surprised if they are completely ignorant of adoption, though. You might also contact your state child protective agency (called DCFS here), to see if they know of anything.

Good luck!

Edit: PS: Hi Pixiedust, cute kids there. Ours are Chinese. I'll have to figure out how to get a picture on here sometime.

 

[cardaway]

I guess I don't understand what you are looking for in contacting a state rep. What information could that office possibly do for you that a dedicated agency couldn't do better?

 

[CEDmom]

I guess I don't understand what you are looking for in contacting a state rep. What information could that office possibly do for you that a dedicated agency couldn't do better?

A state rep might be aware of grants and loan programs that an agency might know about. While I've never used a state rep I think it's a good idea since they do work for us. Another thing, as far as the tax credit goes don't get too excited about that too fast. It's all based on income and while east coast salaries might seem like a lot in other parts of the country they really aren't since housing and taxes are generally more as well. When we adopted the credit was $5000 and we didn't qualify. One last thing, some banks to grant loans for adoptions. We took a home equity loan out because we didn't want to deplete our savings. Hope all works out for you.

 

[Snoopymom]

I wrote letters to ours to complain about the ASFA which was supposed to reduce the time it takes to place a foster chiild into an adoptive home and finalize the adoption, but I never got any responses. I can't imagine a state rep doing anything but recommending your local Child Protection Agency's office of adoptions. Good luck!!!!

 

[kdibattista]

I guess I don't understand what you are looking for in contacting a state rep. What information could that office possibly do for you that a dedicated agency couldn't do better?

What am I looking for? $35,000. In all seriousness, our agency is headquartered in Georgia and we are in Pennsylvania. I'm looking for my state rep to possibly find any grants and/or financial aid available to me that I cannot locate myself. Is it a needle in a haystack... probably. But their office didn't think it was an unusual request and quite frankly, I'm open to anyone out there who may be able to help me bring my daughter home.

 

[kdibattista]

P.S. Thanks to everyone for their responses. We are aware of the tax credit (and I did take the time to request both the senator and rep look into increasing the tax credit to $15,000 as has been a possibility). We will probably have to refinance or do a HELOC but I want to exhaust any other resources first.

Thanks again!!!

 

[phorsenuf]

I have. When my son got hurt in basic training they tried to discharge him saying it was a pre-existing condition (tore acl), He didn't want to be disharged, he wanted to stay in. I contacted our Senators and Congressmen and they were great! As soon as a letter was sent to my sons' CO saying he (my son) needed to sign something saying they could work on his behalf the army decided it wasn't pre-existing afterall, fixed him up good as new and now he's heading to Afghanistan. he plans to re-enlist even!
They were so nice and so helpful. I would call on them again if I ever needed to!

 

[POB14]

Another thing, as far as the tax credit goes don't get too excited about that too fast. It's all based on income and while east coast salaries might seem like a lot in other parts of the country they really aren't since housing and taxes are generally more as well. When we adopted the credit was $5000 and we didn't qualify.

The income limit now is $199,450 (adjusted gross, so a couple of deductions apply, though most don't).