Connecting with Hillsborough County’s Homeless Youth

Did you know that last year we had 118 foster youth age out of our foster care system in Hillsborough County without an identified family? Through February of this year (most recent data available), we have seen an additional 67 youth age out of our system. These numbers are alarming and call for community action! Research shows that youth who fail to reach a permanent status with parents or other relatives/non-relatives by their 18th birthday are more likely to face poor economic and social circumstances as they enter adulthood. What we know is that youth aging out of foster care are underemployed, are more likely to become young parents, be involved in the criminal justice system, and are also at risk of homelessness. Although there are several wraparound supports available to youth aging out of foster care to include financial incentives, we still have a long road ahead of us to address this concerning problem. Eckerd had an opportunity to meet with representatives from the Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County and will be working with them, and others, to identify better solutions to this problem. Based on a count completed by the Homeless Coalition in 2011, there were over 200 unaccompanied homeless youth in Hillsborough County. How Can You Get Involved? The Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County will be hosting their first homeless youth forum on June 13, 2012 from 9:30am to 11:00am at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. This event will be co-moderated by Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner and Homeless Coalition CEO, Rayme L. Nuckles. On any given day there are hundreds of young people in our community who find themselves without a place to call home and this event promises to provide great insight to how our community can address this crisis. The Homeless Youth Forum will include a guest panel of homeless and formerly homeless youth who will tell their stories and answer audience questions about their experiences and how they are addressing the challenges they have faced. This event is free and open to the public. Space has been generously donated by the Straz Center for the Performing Arts at 1010 North W.C. Mac Innes Pl, Tampa, FL 33602. Seating is limited and advance registration is strongly recommended. If you wish to attend please contact Jeremiah Kerr at the Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County at (813) 223-6115 or jeremiah@homelessofhc.org

Adoption Scams

We have seen many episodes of adoption scams here in the US.  They are becoming more frequent because people are taking advantage of the compelling desires of potential adoptive parents to parent.  We are seeing far to many recently. Do your research on your adoption professionals.   Please educate yourself and beware of scams such as this shown on CNBC http://www.cnbc.com/id/46398186 and this one as well featured in the Idaho State Journal http://www.idahostatejournal.com/news/national/article_e5835250-5c5f-11e1-b886-001871e3ce6c.html

Gift of Adoption

Imagine the heartache of growing up alone without the safety and love of a family to call your own.

Consider the longing and desire you would have for something so fundamental and vital, yet so terribly out of your own reach.

Discover The Gift of Adoption Fund, a national charitable organization that inspires adoption by providing grants to qualified parents – giving children who need families a permanent home and a chance to thrive.

Through The Gift of Adoption, you can make adoptions happen. Even if you can’t open your home, you can open your heart and transform the life of a deserving child.

For more information about this truly wonderful organization, please visit www.giftofadoption.org.

2012 Jimmy Kynes Pro Bono Service Award Winner

Jeanne T. Tate has been selected to receive the 2012 HCBA Jimmy Kynes Pro Bono Service Award. On April 26, 2012, Jeanne will be recognized by the circuit court judges of Hillsborough County for her volunteerism and dedication to our vulnerable children. Congrats Jeanne!!

Adoption Tax Credit – Update

As a follow up to an earlier post, the North American Council on Adoptable Children has released the following statement:

“President’s Budget Includes Extension of the Adoption Tax Credit

Under current law, the adoption tax credit is not refundable in 2012 or beyond and, beginning in 2013, would apply only to people who incur qualified adoption expenses in the process of adopting a child with special needs. However, President Obama’s fiscal year 2013 budget proposal would make the tax credit permanent for all adoption types, and maintain the maximum credit regardless of expenses for families who adopt children with special needs. In addition, the budget proposes making the adoption tax credit refundable for both 2012 and 2013.

Congress has not yet introduced legislation that would extend refundability of the credit, but NACAC is working to enlist members of Congress to sponsor such a bill and will alert our network as soon as there is legislation to lobby for.”

Adoption Tax Credit

Attorney Danelle D. Barksdale

We’d like to introduce you to Danelle D. Barksdale.  Danelle is a Board Certified Adoption Attorney with over 13 years of experience in adoption law. She practices exclusively in the area of adoption throughout the State of Florida and in conjunction with out-of-state placements that involve choice of law and Interstate Compact issues. She represents adoptive parents in adoption finalizations and represents several adoption agencies in private adoption placements. She handles a wide variety of adoption-related issues, including issues arising from contesting birth parents. Danelle is a member of the prestigious American Academy of Adoption Attorneys and the Florida Adoption Council.

Danelle graduated from Rice University in 1989 with a degree in Psychology. In 1992, she received her law degree from the University of Florida College of Law, where she graduated with honors and was a member of Law Review. Danelle has been practicing law for over 18 years and has handled innumerable adoption, surrogacy and reproductive law cases.

Danelle has been active in her career with the Hillsborough County Bar Association, The Florida Bar, and the Hillsborough Association of Women Lawyers. Danelle volunteers with the Bay Area Volunteer Lawyers Program and has been recognized for her volunteer work in the area of adoption. She received the Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in 2008 and the Jimmy Kynes Award for Outstanding Pro Bono Service in 2007. Danelle has served on the 13th Judicial Circuit “B” Unlicensed Practice of Law Committee (1997-1999) and has held board positions with private and non-profit organizations.

Danelle is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, signifying that the legal community ranks her “at the highest level of professional excellence”.

Helpful Adoption Tax Credit Info

Federal Adoption Tax Credit—The IRS has released the 2011 form needed to claim the Federal Adoption Tax Credit, Form 8839. The IRS has also updated the instructions that accompany form 8839. Notably, the IRS has created a table (pg. 4 of the instructions) detailing what documentation is needed when filing for the credit, based on the type of the adoption. The IRS is also committed to updating the website regularly with future developments on the credit, including legislation enacted.

To learn more visit: http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/article/0,,id=235825,00.html

Paul

We are hoping to help Paul become adopted. We are excited to present this opportunity to you and hope you will help spread the word.

Paul was born on February 17, 2009, in St. Petersburg, Florida. He spent the first two years of his life in foster care until his birth mother made a private adoption plan for him. A wonderful adoptive family has been identified for Paul and he is now healthy, active and thriving in his new home. Paul’s new family adores him, including his three-year old brother who was also adopted. His adoptive parents, Joshua and Renee, cannot wait for Paul to become a permanent member of their family; however, they are in need financial assistance to help finalize their adoption of Paul.

The cost of adoption in the United States can be staggering for many adoptive families. Heart of Adoptions Alliance, Inc. provides financial assistance to families who are hindered by the lack of available resources for an adoption. Corporations and individuals who have a heart for adoption can greatly assist with this need by making a tax free donation to Heart of Adoptions Alliance, Inc. These monies are provided as interest-free loans, and on occasion, grants  to adoptive parents.  When the adoptive parents file their year-end tax returns, they apply for a tax credit for their qualified adoption expenses. When this credit is received with the couple’s tax refund, they repay the original loan. The repaid loan is then used to help other families wanting to adopt so more children benefit. Heart of Adoptions Alliance, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) corporation and all donations are tax deductible.

We are hoping you will join our giving circle: a group of people who we believe will help this adoption dream come true. Our goal is to raise $3,000 by December 15, 2011. Please send your tax deductible contributions to Heart of Adoptions Alliance, Inc, 418 W. Platt Street, Tampa, FL 33606 or via Pay pal to jeanne@jtatelaw.com. THANK YOU

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE.  REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE

Adoption Tax Credit

Interesting article on the delays caused by the IRS regarding the Adoption Tax Credit:

http://www.accountingtoday.com/news/IRS-Faulted-Adoption-Tax-Credit-Refund-Delays-60845-1.html