A Push to Extend the Adoption Tax Credit
By: Deedra Wilson
Updated: November 16, 2012
500 of those are eligible for adoption, but without an adoption tax credit, some of those kids will never get a permanent home.
The adoption tax credit expires at the end of the year.
So now there is a major push to renew and keep a credit that helps make adoption a lot more affordable for families.
"Very much so, it's been a long time coming, said William and Deborah West."
They won't be going home to Monticello the same this day.
They along with 19 other families were recognized during a special ceremony, at the Pulaski County Juvenile Justice Complex, for adopting children needing a loving and safe place to call home.
"Words can't express how excited we are."
William and Deborah have two biological children and have adopted four more, which can get costly.
"Very, clothes are huge."
Just one of the expenses added to the West's budget, and why they are hoping the adoption tax credit, which expires at the end of the year is extended.
"Not only does it help us and gonna help us, but it also makes it affordable for anyone else who is gonna look at adoption."
Five hundred children are waiting to be placed in good homes and the states $12,000 cash refund per child, is a huge incentive for families.
"It allows us to entice folks a little bit to adopt those harder to place kids, particulary sibling groups and older kids, said Amy Webb with the Department of Human Services."
Congress will take up the issue of taxes at the end of the year.
This is one tax credit Congressman Tim Griffin said he will push for.
"We certainly want to have more adoptions, so I support it, and I'm optimistic that we will get something worked out."
Nationwide more than 100,000 children are waiting to be adopted.
