[Para]

Hi,
I am an adoptive parent of a sibling group. Right now the kids are young, but I'm wondering if our government has made funds available for adoptive children to attend college for free or at very low cost?

I just don't know how we could afford to send them all to college unless we have some sort of financial help.

Surely there are adoption scolarships available right?

If not-what can i begin to do to change the system?

Thank you!

[jedatu]

I don't feel it is the governments responsability to send adopted children to college. The fact that our government offers a $10,000
tax credit is generous. Adoption is expensive, but this is a choice we make. It certainly does not entitle you to free college tuition.
Where do you think the money would come from? It comes from taxes. I don't think it is Americas responsability to send your kids to school when most people can't afford to send their own. This whole idea would be unfair to people with biological children. Biological children do not come free or arrive with a scholarship in their lap.

I don't know what is available or not, but you are better off investing money into a mutual fund or something.

Don't take this the wrong way. I understand why the government helps with special needs children. I just don't think adoption in general entitles you to free money. I think if people keep expecting handouts, adoption is going to get a bad name.

[Georgia Mom]

Congratulations on keeping a sibling group together. If you go to this website, www.nacac.org (North American Council on Adoptable Children), and click on adoption subsidy, you will see a link called "college tuition waiver and scholarship programs." Many states do have special programs for children who are adopted out of the foster care system. I am guessing that is your situation. As you will see, every state has different guidelines, and many states offer nothing at all. For instance, to my knowledge, Georgia does not, but we do have the Hope Scholarship, funded by lottery money. If any child maintains a "b" average in certain core subjects, their college tuition is paid for at a state colege or university. No tax dollars are used.

I suppose we could debate whether parents should accept adoption subsidies or Medicaid, too. I personally think if parents are willing to adopt waiting children, that they should be afforded every break. JMHO.