Financial assistance for adoption?

My 19 year old sister is 4 months pregnant and she recently decided she cannot raise the child. She asked me if I could raise it, but I have 3 kids of my own and we are living off of only one income at the time, plus I am trying to finish up college. So, she has left it up to our mom and her dad (she is my half sister). They both work and just manage to pay their bills, plus they recently moved in with his father who has alzheimers. They have their hands full just taking care of him. On top of all of this, my mom is an alcoholic. I cannot stand the thought of that child growing up in the same environment that I had to grow up in. My husband is open to taking the baby as long as my sister can provide us with financial support to help raise it, but she can't. My question is this, are there government programs that provide financial assistance to adoptive parents? I would love to adopt this baby but just can't afford the extra cost of another child.

grapesgum

I agree completely with mommy2sq about kinship care. I do not think that adoption is appropriate or beneficial in this case. You could enter into a kinship care agreement with your sister with shared financial responsibilities. Also, families who have kinship agreements can qualify for assistance. Below is a link to information about support for kinship care by US state.

www.brookdalefoundation.org/rappstatef...

Good luck and bless you for wanting to keep your sister's child in your family.

mommy2squee

Perhaps the three of you should look into a long term kinship foster placement.

That way, if at some time in the future , you sister is able to take care of her childy, she will be able to resume custody, and in the meantime there might be support available from the state.

Good luck.

in COGNITO *

In this case I wouldn't recomend adoption. If things are tight now the fees and the add expense will make it even tougher.

You can still have custody. Children who live outside of their biological home automatically qualify for medicaid and many other services. Keep her a large part of the baby's life and maybe later she can parent him/her.

God bless

sillylittlemonkee

As far as I know their aren't any financial institutes that would help unless you need to apply for state benefits like food stamps, insurance etc... Unless the child is more with health problems or defects then there is SSI. If you have 3 kids already depended on your income you may already be eligible. Your sister will have to sign her rights away which will enable you to be fully responsibile for the child. You may get WIC too. Perhaps finding a family that wants to adopt would be an option to consider. Best of Luck!

Chizzy

wat

momontheedge

I commend your heart for this child. I do believe though that once you adopt, the child is yours to care for. I adopted my sons. There is no more responibility from the biological mother for these kids, however she also has no rights to them either. Each state is different though.

momofone

No there are not programs for people to receive $$ for adopting as you described your situation to be. Your sis can look to the gov't for $ and the father to help her raise her child though. I have never heard of "kinship" care, but from what it sounds like that is a great option too.If she is completely disinterested in that she can place her child in a loving adoptive home.

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