Choosing a Military Couple to Adopt my Child
As a birth mother with Adoption Choices of Kansas, you will have the option to choose the adoptive family who will adopt your child. Choosing a military couple is an option and despite fear of this rugged lifestyle, may actually provide a more stable and structured life for your child.
Although military couples may be away from their home of residence for a long period of time, typically their bases are a home away from home and their child can still live with them as they move from place to place. The child can get first-hand experience of what military life can be like. Children may be inspired by their parents for being in the military, and could grow up to serve their country in the future.
Today we want to talk about eight key factors a military family will consider and how they can affect the adoption. Knowing that military couples take these actions might make you feel more secure about choosing them as adoptive parents!
(The list comes from militaryonesource.mil)
Learning about adoption. Adoptive parents take the time to learn the entire adoption process. They might have a cutting edge on information and adoption news!
Moving. It’s easier to complete the process at one duty station. If you move during the process, you may have to repeat some costly steps. Getting deployed could put things on hold.
Living overseas. Look for an agency used to working with U.S. citizens living abroad. Living overseas also can complicate required criminal background checks. Your agency or military law enforcement office at your overseas duty station may be helpful here.
Traveling issues. You’ll likely need to travel if adopting from another state or country. This can pose an issue for service members who don’t have flexibility. Discuss this early with your agency to come up with a backup plan.
Reducing expenses. Thanks to the Department of Defense Adoption Reimbursement Policy, you can claim up to $2,000 per child and $5,000 per calendar year in reimbursement for certain adoption expenses.
Obtaining leave. Service members may to eligible for 21 days of non-chargeable adoption leave.
Getting health insurance. Children are automatically covered under TRICARE, but after a certain amount of time—the time period varies based on your TRICARE plan—the parent must submit an enrollment application to maintain coverage.
8. Getting a tax credit. Families adopting a child may qualify for a tax credit (up to $14,080 in 2019 per child) to help offset adoption costs. If you can’t use all the credit in one year, it may be carried forward for up to 5 years” (militaryonesource.mil).
These factors do not have to come as a hindrance. Moving and living overseas may be a huge challenge for a child, but it can come with rewarding benefits like experience. There is counseling available if needed and there may be other family members available to assist with taking care of your child if needed. The best part about choosing a military couple is the experience that a child will receive. Military members are always honored and highly respected. Raising a child as a military couple is extremely rewarding and your child will have a wonderful story and experience to tell when he or she grows older.
Growing up in a military community can have its challenges, but the end result is well worth it. With stories and experiences to tell along with being exposed to the military can allow your child to grow up in a disciplined and heartwarming family. Your child will also be able to use what they learned while living in the military in the future.
Adoption Choices is proud to support the military. If selecting a military couple is best for you, we can help. Adoption Choices of Kansas serves birth parents statewide and beyond, please call us or text us to learn more! Call Us 877-903-4488 or Text Us 316-209-2071
Author Bio: Hello! My name is Jason and I am an Editorial Intern for Adoption Choices for the Summer of 2020! To read more about Jason, click here!!
Reference: “Eight Things to Know about Military Adoption.” Go to Military OneSource, www.militaryonesource.mil/family-relationships/parenting-and-children/adoption/considering-military-adoption-eight-things-service-families-should-know.
