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Adoptive parents can receive up to $20K in grant money due to new executive order

By WHIO Staff

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By WHIO Staff

Parents who adopted children since the beginning of this year may be eligible for up to $20,000 in grant money from the Ohio state government.

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Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed an executive order to launch the Ohio Adoption Grant Program, which will provide up to $20,000 to parents adopting a child.

Parents who finalized their adoption since January 1, 2023, are eligible for the grant money and can apply at AdoptionGrant.Ohio.gov. Applicants will be asked for two forms of identification and documentation related to the finalization of the adoption in addition to proof of foster and special needs, if applicable.

The grant is for parents who adopted children under the age of 18 through “privately arranged adoptions, as well as adoptions made through a public children services agency, including by foster- and kinship-caregivers,” a spokesperson for the governor’s office stated.

The grant, however, is not applicable to adoptions made by stepparents, the spokesperson continued.

The grant program replaces the existing state adoption tax credit and offers three levels of one-time payments:

  • $10,000 to anyone, except a stepparent, adopting a youth.
  • $15,000 if the parent was a foster caregiver (including kinship caregivers) who cared for the child prior to adoption.
  • A $20,000 grant to families that adopt a child with special needs, as determined by a qualified professional.

“While the $10,000 grant is available for most adoptions, additional dollars are available for foster caregivers who adopt a child they are caring for, as well as for instances where the child has a special need,” Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Director Matt Damschroder said. “More than 3,000 youth in foster care are awaiting adoption, and this grant will support those welcoming a new member of their family.”

“Every child deserves a safe, permanent, loving home,” said Governor DeWine. “Whether you’re adopting from the foster care system, or through private adoption, the Ohio Adoption Grant will help offset the cost of growing your family.”

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