The US Tax Refund for Adoption

Now is the time to adopt. In fact, for 2011 and 2012, the tax refund is pretty impressive. It's not a tax deduction, it's a refund. Which is much, much better.

Now, by the year 2013, the powers that be are predicting that the tax refund will decrease. So, again. Now's the time.

Here's the deal:

You qualify for the adoption tax credit if you adopted a child and paid out-of-pocket expenses relating to the adoption. The amount of the tax credit you qualify for is directly related to how much money you spent on adoption-related expenses. If you adopt a special needs child, however, you are entitled to claim the full amount of the adoption credit, even if your out-of-pocket expenses are less than the tax credit amount.

You may claim an adoption credit of up to $13,360 (for tax year 2011) per eligible child.

Adoption Tax Credit Amounts

2013: $5,000 or $6,000 for a special needs child (projected)
2012: at least $12,170 (will be indexed for inflation), non-refundable
2011: $13,360 (will be indexed for inflation), refundable

Little Girl from Colombia...

She's so cute, isn't she?

She's eight years old, and loves to dance!

Now, there's more to LPA Adoption than just China, you know.

So, we've got children from other countries, too. No doubt about it. But some of the countries are really tricky with their rules about photos on the web. And since we want to follow the rules, here's what we can tell you.


We know of three children with OI who are in Eastern Europe. They are all girls: ages 11, 8 and 6 years old.

There is an 11 year old boy from Eastern Europe with possible Primordial dwarfism.

There is a 4 year old girl from Eastern Europe who is undiagnosed. She has a big smile and beautiful black hair and dark eyes.

Another girl from Eastern Europe - she's 2 years old, blonde hair, blue eyes. She is also undiagnosed.

And one more boy, three years old from Eastern Europe - he has a great big smile, big eyes, and black hair. He is also undiagnosed.

The good news is that we have pictures and info on all of these kids. You just have to ask for the info specifically.

More children from China...

These children definitely have some type of dwarfism or are short statured in some way, but we're not exactly sure of their diagnosis. We do know, however, that they really would love to be adopted.

Here is a nine year old girl:

Here is an almost eight year old girl:

Here is a 4 1/2 year old boy:

Here is a 9 year old boy (we think he *might* have achondroplasia, but that is not confirmed):

Here is a six year old boy, with possible achondroplasia, (and who happens to like to wear pink):

Here is a six year old boy, who we think may have SED:

Wait a second....What's LPA?

LPA. Well, it's the best organization around town, that's what. LPA stands for Little People of America, and has been around for over fifty years. It is a dwarfism support organization which provides the opportunity for social interaction, parents and peer support, and medical support. LPA not only does these things, but is involved with disability rights and advocacy, and provides grants and scholarships for education and medical help. Oh, yeah - it does adoption stuff, too.

For more information, click on this link:

Little People of America

Children with OI from China...

Osteogenesis Imperfecta is a condition causing extremely fragile bones. All people with OI have weak bones, which makes them susceptible to fractures. Persons with OI are usually below average height, or are short statured.

Here are some children in China who are short statured and have OI.

This little girl is 7 1/2:

This boy just turned 10:

This boy is 5 1/2:

This little girl is 4 years old:

This little girl is 4 years old:

This little boy is 7 years old:

This little boy is also 7 years old:

More children from China!

Right now, we have 24 children available from China. Yes, 24! So, here are some more adorable pictures.

This sleepy little one year old boy has achondroplasia:

This eleven year old boy has achondoplasia:

This 5 year old boy has achondroplasia:

This 3 year old boy has achondroplasia:

This little boy just turned five a few days ago, and has achondroplasia:

Limited Time for this little girl...

This little girl needs to be adopted RIGHT NOW. She will be fourteen in October. Once she turns 14, that's it. She doesn't get another chance at an adoptive family.

We think she has SED. She is said to have an open nature, is active, and loves to sing. She also gets along with the other children at the orphanage and her nannies.

I'm especially hoping for this little girl. There is limited, limited time.

Children from China!

China is one of my favorites.  (Don't tell the other countries, though - I don't want them to feel bad).
But really, China is very cool because they have a pretty organized adoption program, and the general timeline of adoption is around 1 year, depending on how slow or fast you are with your home study, etc.  If you have a home study already, then the wait would generally be less than a year - around 6 - 9 months or so.

So, without further ado, here are some great children who need to find their families:

A nine year old boy with achondroplasia:

A five year old boy with achondroplasia:

An eight year old girl with achondroplasia (it's the only picture we have):

An eleven year boy with achondroplasia:

The First Post

So, the LPA Adoption Committee now has a blog.  About time I finally join the 21st technological century.

The purpose of this blog will be to inform you, the reader, about need to know information in the world of adoption, especially the adoption of children with dwarfism.  This blog will include pictures of children available for adoption, grant information, happy family stories, and explanations of how to adopt.  Well, at least a general picture.  If you speak to people who have adopted before, they'll tell you that it is a very unique, rewarding experience.  So, check back often, so you can find your future son or daughter.  Or, should I say, future son(s) and/or daughter(s).  We're very optimistic!