INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION

Marywood is one of two agencies in Texas working in partnership with Maine Adoption Placements Services (MAPS). Marywood offers homestudy and post placement services and coordinates with MAPS to facilitate a variety of services for families interested in adopting internationally. Families interested in learning more are encouraged to come to an Adoption Information Meeting or call Marywood directly for more information.

Maine Adoption Placement Services began in 1977 through the vision of Dawn Degenhardt, an adoptive mother of nine children, along with a pioneer group of other adoptive parents and volunteers. These dedicated individuals believe that "all children deserve and need their own family". Their initial endeavor has now grown into multi-service agencies that serve families and children around the world. Through the efforts of MAPS staff and those agencies affiliated with them, more than 4,000 children have been placed in loving homes. MAPS provides assistance with program selection, dossier preparation, travel arrangements, placement and post placement services

Maine Adoption Placement Service was the first U.S. adoption agency to be invited to assist in placing Russian children. MAPS has since developed programs in China, Guatemala, India, Kazakhstan, Peru, Sierra Leone, the Ukraine and Vietnam.

Who may adopt? Those interested in adopting through MAPS may be single or married couples who come from the United States. Some may be adopting for the first time; others multiple times. MAPS is open to adoptive parents over 40, and those interested in adopting an infant, an older child, or a sibling group.

MAPS is well known for their professional, caring staff who are there to assist families at all stages of the adoption process. MAPS is committed to providing resources to families, offering networking opportunities, reunions and linkages to education and information about adoption.

	Tax Credits - You may be able to take a tax credit of up to $10,160 for qualifying expenses paid to adopt an eligible child. The tax credit is subtracted from your tax the year of your child’s adoption. It is subtracted from your tax liability. ( IRS Publication 968 is available at http://www.irs.gov/ )
	Military benefits ‚ active military personnel may qualify for adoption benefitsof approximately $2,000.
	Employee benefits ‚ adoptive families may qualify for adoption reimbursement through their employee. Check with your employer to see if they offer this benefit.
	Subsidy and non-recurring adoption reimbursement is available to families who qualify and who are adopting a child in the conservatorship of the State.