17 years

ID #WG8537

Britney is healthy. She makes friends easily. She is spiritual and enjoys the Youth Program at the foster parent’s church. Britney works hard to achieve goals she sets for herself. She has academic potential that she has not yet achieved. Britney enjoys reading. She prefers inside activities over outside activities. She enjoys talking with her school friends. She is very sociable. She has a job at The Dairy Queen which she enjoys. She also likes going to movies and shopping. She feels being a foster child is confining and restrictive. Britney struggles with having healthy relationships with males such as her foster father and male teachers. She has a good relationship with her female caseworker and therapist. Her caseworkers are all fond of her and feel she is essentially ‘a good kid’ who needs to be placed in a nurturing home with adoptive parent(s) who are nurturing, supportive, and accepting.

To adopt Britney or any other child with special needs, please contact Adopt America Network at 1-800-246-1731 or email us. We’re waiting to hear from you.

11 years

ID #WG8536

Jasmine is a very appealing child. Her caseworkers are all very fond of her. She has dark brown, shiny hair and brown eyes. She has prominent dimples and is always smiling. Jasmine’s foster mother offered the following description: “smart, learns quick, knows what is right and wrong….can be competitive….outgoing, she’s learning to listen well, bubbly, happy, usually singing….entertaining, will talk your ears off, friendly, very competitive, more of a follower than a leader”. Jasmine likes to sing, draw, play outside, ride her bike, sing in the school choir, and play games with balls. She enjoys playing computer/video games, and watching TV shows such as Sponge Bob, Hannah Montana, etc.

To adopt Jasmine or any other child with special needs, please contact Adopt America Network at 1-800-246-1731 or email us. We’re waiting to hear from you.

11 years

ID #WG8554

Sweet, giggly Amanda is a ball of eager energy. She looks forward to playing basketball in gym class every day at school, and can’t wait for after school when she gets to go outside or play with her foster family’s kittens. Amanda was born to be a care taker, she loves helping others and thinks she’d like to be a nanny or a veterinarian someday. Playing with her baby dolls or going shopping are the activities she most enjoys, and she hopes to be adopted by a family with younger children that she can help look after. With an infectious smile and a love for anything outdoors, this little girl is truly a gem. Amanda is sure to make her future family happy and proud.

To adopt Amanda or any other child with special needs, please contact Adopt America Network at 1-800-246-1731 or email us. We’re waiting to hear from you.

5 years

ID #WWKWG8388

Jazzmin is very strong willed. She likes to be energetic and social. She is making great strides with her development. She loves to smile and stay active, as most toddlers do! Jazzmin is very medically fragile and will need life long care. Right now she is able to make a few sounds. She has been able to stay positive through these tough times in her life. Jazzmin has a team of doctors at the Cleveland Clinic, and it is recommended that she continue her care with them.

To adopt Jazzmin or any other child with special needs, please contact Adopt America Network at 1-800-246-1731 or email us. We’re waiting to hear from you.

Bethann, or “Beth,”, loves to laugh and enjoys being with adults whom she can talk to and learn from. She likes to ride her bike, play basketball, kick ball, and go swimming and work with horses. She just recently started to volunteer at a program designed to allow physically handicapped children ride horses. She is eager to please, very attentive and loves to joke around. Beth is very interested in fashion and hair styles, and is enjoying learning to be a teenage girl. She loves to shop and can sometimes be best described as a social butterfly. She is in a special education program, where she takes pleasure in studying English and science, but does not enjoy mathematics. Beth would benefit from an adoptive family that will find joy in being with and talking to her, provide encouragement to her to do well in school, and help her with her homework. She would love to live in a home with other child. But most of all, Beth seeks the structured, consistent environment of a safe home and loving two parent family. An active family that will assist Beth is attaining independent living skills and a support system for her as she gets older and more independent. Beth is unique that she does not allow her disabilities to identify her and is always providing herself with new goals.

To adopt Bethann or any other child with special needs, please contact Adopt America Network at 1-800-246-1731 or email us. We’re waiting to hear from you.

12 years

ID #WG8451

Aphrodite is full of youthful exuberance. She is adorable and friendly young lady who loves Hannah Montana. Aphrodite can be found imitating Hannah as she sings and dances around her room. Aphrodite loves music and has creatively made up songs that she loves to sing. A new interest has begun to bloom, fashion, so shopping has become another favorite pastime. Aphrodite is doing well in school with the assistance of an aide as support. As Aphrodite looks to the future her hopes are to have a family to care for her, to have a pet that she can care for and to become a teacher to help other children. She needs a family who can provide her with unconditional love, patience, security, advocate for her therapeutic needs and support her educational needs. Stay in-state or tri-state area.

To adopt Aphrodite or any other child with special needs, please contact Adopt America Network at 1-800-246-1731 or email us. We’re waiting to hear from you.

Many taxpayers claiming the expanded adoption credit are slowing down their refund by not attaching required documents to their tax returns.  Ensure your clients know what they need to do to get the Adoption Tax Credit to which they are entitled.  To find out more on requirements and other important information go to www.irs.gov, key word “Adoption Credit.”

The Affordable Care Act raised the maximum adoption credit to $13,360 per child for tax year 2011. The credit is refundable; your client may be eligible even if no tax is owed for the year.

The Adoption Tax Credit is based on reasonable and necessary expenses related to a legal adoption, including adoption fees, court costs, attorney’s fees and travel expenses. The amount of the credit could be limited by your client’s income.

In addition to filling out Form 8839, Qualified Adoption Expenses, eligible taxpayers must include with their 2011 tax returns one or more adoption-related documents. Use this chart or refer to the Instructions for Form 8839 for a list of acceptable documents. This documentation requirement, designed to ensure that taxpayers properly claim the credit, means taxpayers claiming the credit will have to file paper tax returns.

If your client adopted a special needs child, they may qualify for the full amount of the Adoption Tax Credit even if they paid few or no adoption-related expenses. If claiming the credit for a special needs final adoption, your client only needs to submit the final adoption order or decree and the state’s determination of special needs or subsidy agreement.

It could take up to three weeks to get a refund, even with proper documentation attached to the return.

Families claiming the credit can still use IRS Free File to prepare their 2011 tax return and Form 8839, but the tax return and Form 8839 must be printed and mailed to the IRS, along with all adoption credit-related documents.

12 years

ID #WG8435

Natasha is an affectionate child, who basks in lots of love and attention. Due to her global developmental delays and health issues, Natasha lives in a therapeutic residential placement where she receives various therapies and supportive services. Although Natasha’ speech is limited, she uses some sign language to communicate her wants and needs. Natasha continues to show progress in all areas. Natasha is now able to walk independently and enjoys playing on the swing and slide. Natasha’s favorite snacks are yogurt and oatmeal. She also likes to listen to music and sing. Natasha needs a committed, loving family who will advocate for her ongoing medical, developmental, and educational services that she requires.

To adopt Natasha or any other child with special needs, please contact Adopt America Network at 1-800-246-1731 or email us. We’re waiting to hear from you.

17 years

ID #WG8355

Meet Nicole! This sensitive, compassionate, nurturing young woman with the sweet disposition has some definite goals in mind. She has a beautiful voice and loves to sing in the church choir; she keeps herself busy at school with theater and concerts. This girl is incredibly organized and prefers to keep things neat and tidy. Nikki is kind, loving, fun, playful and considerate and she’ll even find time to help with the cooking and cleaning at home. In ninth grade, this self-disciplined, hardworking teen benefits from an IEP (Individualized Education Plan). Nicole is very mature and is comfortable with adults; she enjoys hanging out with friends as well. This responsible youngster likes sports and was the manager of her school’s football team. Talented Nicole speaks Spanish, too! Nicole has siblings with whom she needs to remain in contact. The caseworker prefers a home where Nicole can be the only child, or the youngest child. A Spanish-speaking parent would be nice, or parents who will embrace Nicole’s culture; but all family types will be considered. The ideal family will be active, family-oriented, loving and structured, with clear expectations. Financial assistance may be available for adoption-related services.

To adopt Nicole or any other child with special needs, please contact Adopt America Network at 1-800-246-1731 or email us. We’re waiting to hear from you.

7 years

ID #WWKWG7802

Evelyn is a sweet child and an absolute delight. She is always smiling and laughing and she loves listening to music. Evelyn is good-natured. Evelyn is lovable, happy and never gives up. Her smile lights up the room! Evelyn thrives with one on one attention. Evelyn requires a loving family who has time to devote to her and her special medical needs. Evelyn is a medically complex child with developmental delays and requires around the clock care. She will also require lifelong care. She is non-verbal and has limited mobility. Evelyn will require a dedicated and patient family who has time and understanding of her medical needs. Evelyn will do best with a supportive, patient and loving family who will challenge Evelyn to surpass all expectations for her.

To adopt Evelyn or any other child with special needs, please contact Adopt America Network at 1-800-246-1731 or email us. We’re waiting to hear from you 

“I like cheerleading, track, tackle football, basketball, soccer, food fights, having fun, hanging out with friends, anything active, movies, pets (!!!), art, school, science, helping, cooking, hide and seek, riding bikes, and music. Well, anyway, I like a lot of things, but I love hanging out with my friends and family and also I love a lot of pets like guinea pigs, cats, and dogs!!” Savannah is a healthy young lady who is very creative and enjoys arts, crafts, cheerleading, and gymnastics. Savannah is a collector of everything and generally has lots of “girl stuff”. She does struggle academically due to her inability to focus. Savannah has excellent verbal skills. Savannah desperately needs a family who will preserve and care for her. Savannah’s positive attributes need to be encouraged. Savannah will need to have on-going contact with her brother, who is also in care.

To adopt Savannah or any other child with special needs, please contact Adopt America Network at 1-800-246-1731 or email us. We’re waiting to hear from you.

18 years

ID #WWKWG7668

Elizabeth, who likes to go by “Lizzie”, is a friendly and bubbly young lady who likes coloring and swinging, and enjoys “taking care of” a favorite doll and stuffed dog. Lizzie thrives on positive attention from peers and adults. She prides herself on working hard to earn “Bratz Bucks” for rewards and usually responds well to positive reinforcement. Lizzie is playful and loves to laugh. She has a good sense of humor and thrives from individual attention. Lizzie enjoys playing with dolls, coloring and jumping rope. She also likes having her hair done. Lizzie is gentle towards animals, and enjoys being around them. A family in Michigan that is willing to support ongoing contact with siblings is important. Lizzie needs a family that is patient and committed to helping her reach her full potential.

To adopt Elizabeth or any other child with special needs, please contact Adopt America Network at 1-800-246-1731 or email us. We’re waiting to hear from you.

16 years

ID #WB8556

Phillip is very outgoing and curious; he is intrigued by new experiences in life. Phillip has a passion for drama and entertaining others. He excels in small groups where others tend to praise his interests. Phillip tends to be more open when allowed to express his ideas without criticism and is in what he perceives to be a safe environment. Phillip also does very well when permitted to express himself artistically. He enjoys all types of crafts. Phillip is very intellectually smart for his age and has shown great improvement academically in his structured educational setting.

To adopt Phillip or any other child with special needs, please contact Adopt America Network at 1-800-246-1731 or email us. We’re waiting to hear from you.

14 years

ID #WWKWB8538

Justice would like families to know, “I really like to make people laugh!” He is a very friendly, happy and social young teen. Justice notes, “I really like sports and my favorite thing to do on the weekend is play basketball outside!” He does well with one on one attention and talking about his accomplishments. Justice enjoys video games, Legos and swimming. He reports, “My favorite food is pepperoni pizza and my favorite animal is a dog!” Justice likes helping around the house by vacuuming, sweeping, doing laundry and keeping his room clean. When Justice grows up he says, “I would like to be a football player!” Justice is learning how to improve his understanding of social cues and how to interact in social situations. He is working on developing a consistent night time routine. Justice can struggle with taking responsibility for his actions and is learning to be more thoughtful of his actions. He is learning how to respect the personal space and boundaries of others. Justice may need assistance as he grows into adulthood. Justice says, “I would like to have a forever family that will go to the beach, to amusement parks and to Arkansas on vacation!” The adoptive family would benefit from having experience in parenting children who have experienced difficult pasts. The family must be very patient, provide a high degree of structure within the home and provide constant supervision to ensure Justice’s safety. Justice would benefit if there were few or no younger children in the adoptive home. It will be important for the family to seek out and continue any support services that would be beneficial to Justice’s well being. Justice has a close relationship with his siblings, who have been adopted by another family, and regular contact should be maintained between them.

To adopt Justice or any other child with special needs, please contact Adopt America Network at 1-800-246-1731 or email us. We’re waiting to hear from you.

9 years

ID #WB8527

Ezechial is very smart and on track cognitively and developmentally and loves school. He sometimes has acting out behaviors at school and wants to be in control of all situations. He would do best in a home with experienced parents who have a lot of patience and attention to give him. Ezechial is a smart and inquisitive little boy. He enjoys playing outside and loves sports, especially football. He has a good sense of humor and loves school. He likes to play with any type of toys, but is most interested in sports. He also enjoys watching TV. Ezechial needs a committed, caring and experienced family.

To adopt Ezechial or any other child with special needs, please contact Adopt America Network at 1-800-246-1731 or email us. We’re waiting to hear from you.

12 years

ID #WB8508

Jose is a soft spoken and personable child. He is a busy boy, who has many ideas on how to entertain himself like bike riding and playing video games. He enjoys playing basketball too, and has the high energy level to do very well in the sport. When Jose grows up he wants to be the super hero, “Iron Man” capturing the bad guys and saving the good. Jose will only eat pizza and cheeseburgers and does not realize that super heroes eat their veggies. Jose’s favorite subject in school is gym, but he can read and write well in his structured learning environment. He loves to have the full attention of his caregivers at all times. Jose hopes to be the only child in the home where he is adopted, however the company of a pet dog would be great! Jose is very bonded to his brother and must maintain contact with him after he is adopted.

To adopt Jose or any other child with special needs, please contact Adopt America Network at 1-800-246-1731 or email us. We’re waiting to hear from you.

13 years

ID #WB8516

Marcos- Talk about progress in leaps and bounds, which is exactly how Marcos reacts when he is excited! Marcos has made great progress in just the last 2 years. He has learned to eat and communicate. He can now use complete sentences, with prompting, and LOVES to eat. He really gets excited about going out to restaurants. Marcos is part of a committed support system. He learns from his older siblings and by following their speech and behavior. He minds ‘pretty well’, according to his foster mother. She may have to prompt him more than once, but still gets tickled when he imitates her “stern” voice. Marcos understands he can be a charming fellow. He will let you know when he is upset about something, but is making progress in expressing himself more appropriately. He responds well to rewards and positive reinforcement. If you have a sticker, he has the time! Marcos really likes to watch cartoons of almost any kind and his favorites are his cartoon movies. He can repeat the whole movie and even imitate their movements. Marcos also enjoys going out to movies and will talk along with them as well. He plays with action figures of any kind, but one of his best pals is his stuffed frog. Marcos is not afraid of physical activity and looks forward to the family’s nightly walks. He is very observant and will notice if they take a different direction. Marcos also enjoys going to church with his family and does very well during services. He is often inspired and actively participates in church services. Marcos is an affectionate child and likes hugs and kisses. He participates is a specialized program at his school and is making great strides with phonetic reading. This last year has shown his greatest improvement. Marcos’ family will need to develop a daily routine. This is very important with minimal changes and Marcos may require a lot of preparation when big changes are coming. He has an excellent memory so follow through is especially important. He loves to be loved and will return affection happily. In the last year he has demonstrated just a small part of his promise and potential, with the right team he could go GOLD!

To adopt Marcos or any other child with special needs, please contact Adopt America Network at 1-800-246-1731 or email us. We’re waiting to hear from you.

14 years

ID #WB8517

Michael is a caring young man. He enjoys spending his time playing computer games. Michael is helpful and nurturing towards young children. He exhibits great leadership qualities amongst his peers. Michael can have some difficulty managing and expressing his emotions in an appropriate manner. He can become frustrated and act out negatively towards others. Michael is learning how to respect his peer’s personal boundaries. At school, he can have some trepidation staying on task and will need guidance to help him perform to his fullest potential. Michael needs a family who will provide him with a loving and stable environment. The family must provide clear, consistent directions and a structured home environment. The adoptive family must be encouraging of Michael’s leadership qualities and help him channel them productively. Michael would benefit from a family who has experience parenting children who have had tumultuous pasts. It would be best if Michael was the only child in the adoptive home. The family must advocate for Michael’s emotional, developmental and educational needs and provide him with any support he may need in the future. 

To adopt Michael or any other child with special needs, please contact Adopt America Network at 1-800-246-1731 or email us. We’re waiting to hear from you.

18 years

ID #WB8500

Ryan is a beautiful child with an incredibly resilient spirit. He has beautiful blue eyes and a smile that instantly warms your heart. Despite major medical challenges, Ryan has a positive outlook on life, which makes him a delight to be around. He loves to watch movies and one of his favorite movies is the “Goonies”. He also considers himself to be a bit of a computer wiz, and is very adept at playing his computer games. He loves being in the company of other children and gets along great with his peers. He is generally a happy young man. Ryan just recently was on the honor roll at his school. This little fighter deserves a loving family that is prepared to meet his needs, and willing to access resources to supplement their efforts. The reward will be having Ryan bring a special joy and purpose to their lives.

To adopt Ryan or any other child with special needs, please contact Adopt America Network at 1-800-246-1731 or email us. We’re waiting to hear from you.

5 years

ID #WB8488

Angel is a very sweet and affectionate little boy. He is pleasant to be around and loves affection. Angel has a very extensive medical history for such a young child. He was born with a rare chromosomal abnormality and has gone through numerous surgeries. As a result he will require follow up with a cardiologist and plastic surgeons. Angel currently has a J feeding tube. He suffers from global delays and receives physical, occupational and speech therapies. Angel attends a pre-school handicapped program and has made some recent developmental gains. He sits without support, pulls himself from sitting to standing position, he crawls throughout his home or cruises in his walker and will try and climb on anything! Angel loves toys that spin, vibrate, light up or make music and has learned how to activate them. Angel has become more verbal now and has a limited sounds. His socialization skills are delayed; however he is a very engaging child who expresses pleasure through cooing, smiling and giggling and displeasure through crying. Angel needs a very loving and committed family to help him meet his challenges.

To adopt Angel or any other child with special needs, please contact Adopt America Network at 1-800-246-1731 or email us. We’re waiting to hear from you.