First and foremost, a heartfelt thank you to your family for your service to our nation! We recognize the numerous sacrifices you make to ensure the freedoms we all enjoy, and this is why we want to emphasize that adopting a child or baby doesn’t have to be an additional burden. Military families can absolutely expand their households through adoption, with various programs available to support leave and cover associated costs.
It’s important to acknowledge that military life can be quite different from civilian life. What happens if you receive deployment orders in the middle of your adoption journey? Or if you’re reassigned? These are critical factors to consider. However, the good news is that the adoption process for military families is not significantly more complicated than for civilian families.
Here’s what military families need to know before welcoming a new child through adoption. If you’re interested in other adoption types, you can explore our guides on a variety of options including embryo, open, closed, foster care, private, adult, international, transracial, step-parent, single-parent, Jewish, Christian, and same-sex adoption.
Types of Adoption for Military Families
The three primary types of adoption are generally consistent:
- Domestic Adoption: Also known as domestic infant adoption, this involves adopting a baby born in the United States by a family residing in the country. This process occurs when a birth parent legally consents to the adoption, and the adoptive family assumes legal responsibility for the child. Since military families frequently relocate, you’ll adhere to the laws of the state where you are stationed during your adoption.
- International Adoption: This entails adopting a child from another country. Due to the Universal Accreditation Act of 2014, you’ll need to engage with a Hague-accredited international child-placing agency, which should be based in the child’s country of origin.
- Foster-to-Adopt: When a family fosters a child and later decides to adopt them, it’s humorously termed a “foster failure.” In this scenario, the state retains legal custody of the child while they are in your care. If you choose to make the foster child a permanent member of your family, you can petition for adoption. Note, however, that travel considerations come into play since foster children cannot leave with you if you are relocated unless the adoption is finalized.
It’s advisable to work with a national agency during your adoption process, which can facilitate updates to your home study if you have to move.
Understanding Home Studies in Military Adoption
Home studies are a crucial step in nearly all types of adoption, so knowing the expectations and how to prepare is vital. A home study typically involves home visits and interviews, and it will assess the adoptive parent’s health and financial situation. You will need to provide autobiographical statements detailing your life experiences, undergo background checks (for anyone over 16 in the household), and submit personal references from several family members.
Can You Adopt While Stationed Overseas?
Completing an adoption while stationed overseas may require additional steps, but it is certainly possible. You will need to collaborate with an adoption agency to guide you through the process. Expect to travel more frequently; if adopting domestically while abroad, you must go to the child’s location for placement and manage your adopted child’s visa and passport needs.
If you and your partner are in a domestic partnership and one of you is deployed, the deployed partner must grant the other power of attorney to keep the adoption process moving forward. This legal authority ensures you can make necessary decisions, even if your partner is unavailable.
Financial Support for Military Adoption
Yes, financial assistance is available! Active-duty military personnel who adopt a child under 18 years of age (including stepchildren) may be eligible for reimbursement of up to $2,000 for each child adopted per calendar year. This is part of the Department of Defense Adoption Reimbursement Program, which allows for a maximum of $5,000 annually if adopting multiple children. Keep detailed records of all expenses, which can include agency fees, home study costs, and legal fees.
However, a few stipulations exist. The service member must be active when filing for reimbursement, and expenses incurred by a non-military-connected step-parent do not qualify. To request reimbursement, you’ll need to submit a DD Form 2675 within one year of finalizing the adoption.
Are There Reimbursement Options for Veterans?
Veterans who face service-connected infertility and choose to adopt can apply for reimbursements similar to those available to active-duty members. More information can be found on the Veteran Administration’s website.
Leave for Military Adoption
Military adoption leave may be an option once your child is placed with you, but be sure to communicate openly with your commanding officer. Regulations can differ by branch, so familiarize yourself with the specifics that apply to your situation. Visit your local Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) office or consult your commander to discuss available leave options.
Bring the regulations with you to support your request, as some individuals may not be aware of your entitlements.
Eligibility for Tricare for Adopted Children
Will your newly adopted child qualify for military healthcare? Fortunately, once you have a court order for placement and the child becomes your legal dependent (under 18), they are likely eligible for military health benefits. You will need to enroll them in the DEERS system, and your local DEERS office can assist with the process.
Considerations for Foster-to-Adopt in the Military
Many military members mistakenly believe they cannot qualify to be foster parents due to service commitments. In reality, most states permit enlisted personnel to foster, even while living on base. However, frequent relocations may impact your application. If fostering is something you’re passionate about and you don’t anticipate moving soon, take the plunge! Fostering can often lead to adoption.
Final Thoughts on Military Adoption
Military adoption comes with unique considerations. If you find yourself in the midst of the adoption process and receive deployment orders, don’t panic. You may be able to request a deferment of your deployment until after the adoption is complete. This is particularly relevant for single adoptive parents or one member of an adoptive couple who may qualify for a deferment of up to four months.
Once your adoption is finalized, the Department of Defense offers many benefits to ease your transition. Child development centers worldwide provide safe and affordable childcare for military families. Additionally, your installation’s family center can connect you with support groups for military families who are navigating the adoption process.
As you embark on this journey, remember the strong sense of community inherent in military life will extend to your new family member in many unexpected ways.
For more detailed information on the adoption process, feel free to check out this post on our site. For further insights into home insemination and related topics, visit Intracervical Insemination or explore other useful resources like NHS for pregnancy and other related queries.
Summary
Military families can successfully navigate the adoption process with the right information and support. From understanding types of adoption to securing financial assistance and leave options, being informed is key. Resources are available to help military families incorporate a new child into their lives while ensuring they meet the unique challenges posed by military service.