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Despite the tax credits and reduced agency fees available
to adoptive families, the cost of adopting a child, especially
internationally, can seem staggering. Total expenses range
from $10,000 - 30,000, depending on the child's country of origin
(domestic adoptions are generally less expensive) and special
circumstances.
Little Flowers Foundation was established with the hope
that no loving Catholic family open to adopting would be discouraged
by its inability to meet the financial obligation. Our mission
is to assist these families with financial need, making adoption
possible for them by helping to fill the gap between what
they can afford and the adoption's total cost.
Any prospective adoptive family can apply to LFF for a grant.
Usually the application process involves filling out a written
application in which an LFF representative ascertains:
- how far the family has proceeded with an adoption
- a description of the child being adopted, including medical/special
needs, age, and nationality
- information about the agency or attorney conducting the
adoption
- the family's religious affiliation and intention to raise
the child in the faith
The couple is then asked, when ready, to submit to LFF a
statement listing the following:
- the total cost of the adoption
- the amount the couple is able to pay
- other sources of aid and how much aid is expected from
them
- the amount being requested from LFF
Grants are approved on a case-by-case basis, and LFF's ability
to assist families is solely reliant on the success of its
fundraising efforts. Since funds are limited, priority may
be granted to those with the greatest financial need and those
adopting children with special needs (such as developmental
delays, disabilities, older children, sibling groups, children
needing surgery in the US, etc.). However all Catholic families
with need are encouraged to apply.
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