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First off, a heartfelt thank you to your family for your service to our nation! Your sacrifices allow the rest of us to enjoy the freedoms we often take for granted. Fortunately, adopting a child or baby is not a sacrifice you need to make. Military families can welcome a new member through adoption, and there are numerous programs designed to assist with leave and financial aspects related to military adoption.
However, being in the military means your life may differ from the norm. What if you receive orders and need to deploy during the adoption process? Or what if you are suddenly relocated? These are valid concerns, but rest assured that the adoption journey for military families is not vastly different from that of civilian families. Here’s a guide on what military families should consider before expanding their family through adoption.
If you’re interested in other types of adoption, check out our guides on embryo adoption, open or closed adoption, foster care, private adoption, adult adoption, international adoption, transracial adoption, stepparent adoption, single parent adoption, Jewish adoption, Christian adoption, and same-sex adoption.
What Types of Adoption Are Available for Military Families?
The three primary types of adoption are largely consistent across the board:
Domestic Adoption
Domestic adoption, also known as domestic infant adoption, involves adopting a baby born in the U.S. by families residing in the country. This process requires the birth parent to give legal consent to the adoptive placement. Because military families often relocate, you must follow the laws of the state where you are stationed at the time of applying and completing the adoption.
International Adoption
International adoption is the process of adopting a child from another country. As per the Universal Accreditation Act of 2014, you must collaborate with a Hague-accredited international child-placement agency if you’re pursuing this route. Choose an agency based in the country from which you wish to adopt.
Foster-to-Adopt
In this scenario, a family fosters a child and then adopts them, affectionately termed a “foster failure,” which is a positive outcome! The state retains legal custody of the child while they are in your care. If you decide to make the child a permanent part of your family, you can petition for legal adoption. Keep in mind that travel can complicate matters, as foster children cannot accompany you if you are relocated unless the adoption is finalized.
To ease the process, consider partnering with a national agency. This way, if relocation occurs, updating your home study can be more straightforward.
How Do Home Studies Differ in Military Adoption?
Home studies are an essential step in nearly all types of adoption, so understanding the requirements and how to prepare for one is crucial. The process typically includes home visits, interviews, and inquiries into the adoptive parents’ health and income. Prospective adoptive parents must provide autobiographical narratives, undergo background checks for everyone over 16 in the household, and supply personal references from three or four family members.
Is Adoption Possible If I’m Stationed Overseas?
Yes, it may require a few additional steps, but you can still complete the military adoption process while living overseas. Collaborating with an adoption agency will help you navigate this complex path. Expect to travel more frequently—if adopting domestically while overseas, you’ll need to visit the child’s location at the time of placement and manage the child’s visa and passport requirements.
For couples in a domestic partnership where only one partner is deployed overseas, the deployed partner should grant the other power of attorney to keep the adoption process moving forward. This allows the non-deployed partner to make necessary legal decisions.
Is Financial Assistance Available for Military Adoption?
Absolutely! Military personnel who adopt a child under 18 years, including stepchildren, may be eligible for reimbursement of expenses up to $2,000 per child each calendar year through the Department of Defense Adoption Reimbursement Program. This program offers up to $5,000 annually for multiple adoptions, so keep thorough records. Qualifying expenses include agency fees, home study costs, medical expenses, and legal fees.
However, there are some stipulations: the service member must be on active duty when filing for reimbursement, and expenses incurred by a non-military-connected stepparent do not qualify. When you’re ready to request reimbursement, ensure you submit DD Form 2675 within one year of finalizing the adoption.
Are There Reimbursement Programs for Veterans?
Veterans experiencing service-connected infertility can also apply for reimbursement for qualifying adoption expenses, similar to active-duty families. More information is available on the Veterans Administration’s website.
Do Military Members Get Leave When Adopting?
Military adoption leave is available after an adopted child is placed in your care, but maintain open communication with your commanding officer. Regulations can vary by service branch, so familiarize yourself with the guidelines relevant to your situation. Visit your local Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) office or speak to your commander about your options and available time off.
Having the regulations handy when discussing leave is beneficial. Although you deserve it, there may be individuals unaware of your entitlements.
Are Adopted Children of Military Parents Eligible for Tricare?
Will your newly adopted child qualify for military healthcare? The good news is that once you have a court order for placement and the child becomes a legal dependent, they may be eligible for military health benefits. Ensure your child is enrolled in the DEERS system, and your local DEERS enrollment office can assist with the logistics.
Can You Foster to Adopt?
Many military members believe they cannot foster due to service commitments, but in many states, that’s simply not true. Enlisted personnel can foster even while living on base. That said, frequent relocations could negatively impact your foster application. But don’t be discouraged! If fostering resonates with you and you don’t anticipate moving soon, consider taking that step. Once you start fostering, the path to adoption often becomes much smoother.
What Other Considerations Are There for Military Adoption?
Militaries face unique challenges during the adoption process. If you are in the midst of adopting and receive deployment orders, your first instinct may be panic. However, you might have the option to request a deferment of deployment until after the adoption is complete. A single adoptive parent or one partner in a couple can qualify for a deferment of up to four months.
Once the adoption is finalized (yay!), several military benefits can simplify your life. The Department of Defense oversees many child development centers globally, providing safe and affordable childcare for service members at nearby installations. Additionally, your installation’s family center can connect you with support groups for military families who have adopted.
As you know, one of the greatest rewards of military life is the sense of community. This camaraderie extends to your new family member in ways you may not yet imagine.
For more information on adoption and family planning, check out this article on Home Insemination Kit, which offers valuable insights. Also, visit Make a Mom for comprehensive resources on home insemination. For further details regarding pregnancy, refer to this excellent resource from the NICHD.
In summary, military families can adopt successfully with the right information and support. By navigating the unique challenges of military life while leveraging available resources, you can welcome a new child into your family.
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