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Family Forward Program Helps Families to Drive Down Costs, Save Money on Adoption Expenses

COLUMBUS, OHIO –In conjunction with November’s celebration of National Adoption Month, Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague and Ohio Department of Children and Youth Director Kara Wente are reminding Ohioans that the Family Forward program can help ease the financial burden for families seeking to adopt.

“Prospective parents face numerous financial hurdles when navigating the adoption process, and far too often, those costs deter families from opening their hearts and homes,” said Treasurer Sprague. “Through Family Forward, the Treasurer’s office can make those costs more manageable in order to help more Ohio families take shape.”

Launched in 2021, Family Forward is a program administered by the Ohio Treasurer’s office that helps families manage the costs of adoption. In many cases, Family Forward can help prospective parents finance the upfront costs until they are able to take advantage of the state and federal adoption tax credits.

“Adoption is a blessing for both the family and youth, but there is no question that expanding a family can have an impact on household finances”, said Director Wente. “It takes heart to adopt a child or sibling group and we don’t want the cost to stop them.”

Through the program, individuals and families may be eligible for reduced interest loans that can be used for qualified adoption expenses up to $50,000 for five years. 

Qualified adoption expenses include, but are not limited to:

  • Adoption agency expenses
  • Court expenses and legal fees
  • Expenses incurred on behalf of the birth mother
  • Health and psychological examination fees
  • Home studies
  • Travel expenses

An applicant must be an Ohio resident, provide an approved home study letter or show proof that requirements set forth by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services have been met, and receive approval for a qualifying loan from a participating financial institution.

“Family Forward is just one of many resources available to adoptive parents,” said Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Director Matt Damschroder. “You can learn more about the variety of resources available, including the new Adoption Grant Program that provides up to $20,000 to adoptive families, at FosterandAdopt.Ohio.gov.” 

“Helping families who want to adopt make it a reality isn’t the job of just one agency,” said Ohio Department of Children and Youth Director Kara Wente. “We appreciate the efforts of Treasurer Sprague and others who are taking the time to ask how they can help.”

To learn more about Family Forward and find participating financial institutions, visit https://www.tos.ohio.gov/familyforward/.

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