Frequently Asked Questions
Are Their Eligibility Requirements for Adoption?
International Adoption
Specific countries and international agencies have different requirements for age, marriage, family size, and other criteria, but the very basic requirements of international adoption are the following:
- One parent must be at least age 25
- You must be a USA citizen or married to one
- You must satisfy your state's adoption law requirements
- You must be approved by USA Citizenship and Immigration Services to bring a child into the USA
- You must meet the age, marriage, and family size criteria of the particular country where you wish to adopt
- Parents must be at least eighteen years of age
- Parents must pass a Child Abuse and Neglect Clearance
- Parents must be USA citizens or permanent residents
- Foster care adoptions only: Parents must complete specific trainings through a state child or family agency such as CYFD
There are children here in the USA as well as children in foreign countries. There are children available through the foster care system. There are children of all cultures and ethnicities. There are children of all ages, from infants, toddlers, small children, and even teenagers. Lastly, there are children with special needs as well as sibling groups.
How Long Is the Adoption Process?
The time it takes to complete the adoption process varies. It can take anywhere from just under 1 year to 36 months depending on whether you adopt domestically, internationally, or through the foster care system. International adoption usually takes longer than other adoptions, whereas foster care adoptions take the least amount of time to complete.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt?
Each type of adoption varies in cost. Typical adoption expenses include home studies, fingerprints, country fees, legal fees, post placement fees, and travel. Foster care adoptions are of no cost to prospective adoptive parents except for any travel throughout the state or country. Domestic adoptions can range from $5,000.00 - $40,000.00+ depending on the agency, but in New Mexico, on average range between $10,000.00 and $15,000.00. International adoptions range from $7,000.00 - 30,000.00+ depending on which country a family is adopting from. For a domestic or international adoption there is a tax credit of a maximum of $12,150.00 upon finalization of your adoption.
Is Financial Help for Adoption Available?
There are many different sources of financial assistance for adoptions such as grants, loans, and credit lines. The following link provides excellent resources for financial assistance: Financial Help.
Do You Recommend One Agency over Another?
For domestic agencies it is important that you choose an agency that is in line with your beliefs whenever possible and it is also important to find out if they are an accredited agency. By checking with CYFD Central Adoption Unit in New Mexico you can receive a listing of approved agencies.
For international agencies, it is best to go with an agency that has been established for a significant amount of time and has a good reputation with the countries where they work. It is vital that you know that the international agency you are working with is accredited by or associated with the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families or the Joint Council on International Children's Services. Some examples of properly accredited, well established international adoption agencies are Holt International, Bethany Christian Adoptions, Dillon International, Christian World Adoptions, Heritage Adoptions, and Children's Hope International.
How Will the Adoption Ministry at Desert Springs Church (DSC) Help to Support an Adoption?
DSC has partnered with the ABBA Fund to help DSC adopting parents financially. You can apply for short term, no interest loans which usually can be paid back once an adoptive family receives their federal tax credit.
Currently the Adoption Ministry team meets biweekly and wants to help you in anyway possible. The team has many knowledgeable members that also work in the field of adoption or have adopted themselves and can be a great resource to you.
The Adoption Ministry also has a Bimonthly Fellowship group made up of those that have adopted or are planning on adopting that get together for fellowship and support.
For more information, please email adoption@desertspringschurch.org.
Are There Any Eligibility Requirements for DSC Financial Help?
Yes. You must be a member of DSC and meet with the Adoption Ministry team before applying for DSC financial aide. For more information, please email adoption@desertspringschurch.org.
If I Do Not Want to Adopt, Can I Support a DSC Couple That Is?
Yes. We can partner you with a DSC couple that is trying to adopt. You can help them financially and spiritually. For more information, please email adoption@desertspringschurch.org.