Archives for December 2023

How Will Artificial Intelligence Improve the Adoption Process?

The answer to whether AI can help the adoption process is almost certainly yes, but many New Jersey adoption lawyers are measured in their optimism. Trial runs in various states have largely been unsuccessful as of 2023 with perhaps the exception of Family-Match in Florida. AI cannot predict human behavior, and while AI-powered predictive analysis most certainly can be a powerful tool for adoption agencies and social workers, there are implementation challenges and ethical concerns that must be overcome.

What Is Artificial Intelligence?

AI is a computer field with a primary goal of solving cognitive problems that are often linked to human intelligence. While the term AI can evoke heady sci-fi concepts, it is generally much more mundane in practice. Consider a social worker who must evaluate potential foster families for a hard-to-place child. It can be an enormous task, and if AI could effectively pare down the decisions to be made, the social worker could be much more effective and efficient in finding matches that work. Adoption professionals have long used software tools to match preferences. AI is ideally more than that. In this context, it is, according to one expert, the usage of science to predict long-term success.

The Adoption-Share Example

Thea Ramirez is currently at the forefront of this discussion. She is the CEO of the non-profit Adoption-Share, which developed an algorithm — one of the few adoption algorithms on the market as of 2023 — based on research conducted for online dating. The name of the algorithm is Family-Match, and, while there was a great deal of optimism for it initially, that appears to have been short-lived.

Tennessee canceled its trial run prior to launching it due to incompatibilities with its own system. Georgia, which is where Adoption-Share is based and, as far as what is known, provided it the greatest access to state-controlled data, ended the trial within a year. Virginia made the largest financial commitment to the nonprofit, ran a two-year trial and then opted not to continue with it.

Florida is the one state that continues to use it beyond the trial run by funding it with taxpayer money. But Florida is an interesting case. The child welfare system there is privatized. Neither the agencies that use the algorithm nor Adoption-Share itself are forthcoming with data, and an AP investigation revealed widespread dissatisfaction among the social workers using the system.

What Are the Ethical Concerns?

One of the core ethical concerns is access to private information and how algorithms use that data. The AP investigation revealed that Georgia allows Adoption-Share to track gender, sexual abuse and whether a child identifies as LGBTQIA+. Such information is generally tightly controlled and restricted in how it can be used. The AP also found that in Tennessee, the algorithm asked potential families if they were “unconventional” or “uncreative” and whether they “seek God’s help.” Social welfare advocates have expressed concerns that, as a society, we are using children as guinea pigs and that these tools may worsen racial disparities in the adoption process and discriminate against families.

A More Positive Outlook

The concerns and failures associated with Adoption-Share reinforce the need to methodically implement AI into the adoption process, with checks and balances in place. That said, there are already tremendous successes with AI within the business world that should provide us hope. One of the great challenges of the adoption system is the mountain of information that there is to climb, and AI, when used in a calculated and ethical manner, can allow people to focus on the human decisions that really matter.

Legal Help for Adoption in New Jersey

If you need legal assistance with adoption and are located in New Jersey, Cofsky & Zeidman is here to help. Our law firm has extensive experience navigating both private and agency adoptions. To schedule a consultation with one of our New Jersey adoption lawyers, contact us online, or call our Haddonfield office at (856) 429-5005 or our Woodbury office at (856) 845-2555.

What To Know About Adoption Costs

Today, there are five million adopted children in the country. While the emotional rewards of adoption are priceless, the financial expenses can be a huge obstacle for prospective parents. However, managing these adoption costs is possible and can be more affordable than you may think.

What Are the Costs of an Adoption?

If you are considering adopting a child, you will want to know the expected costs. The type of adoption can make a big difference. For example, private agency adoptions in the U.S. can range from $30,000 to $60,000. Along with that, if you decide to seek an independent adoption, you can expect a cost between $25,000 and $40,000. International adoptions can be more expensive, reaching beyond $50,000. And, adopting a family member can reduce costs to $3,000.

Before bringing a child into your home, you will undergo a home study. This process evaluates your suitability as an adoptive parent. The required background checks, childcare training and administrative expenses can range from $1,000 to $3,000. Sometimes, the adoption agency will cover those fees. If they do not, you will be responsible for the total costs.

There may be additional expenses. For example, you may have to cover services for birth parents, including counseling and medical expenses. If you select an open adoption, you could also be responsible for travel expenses for the birth parents. When you are aware of these potential expenses, you can plan better for the adoption.

How To Reduce Adoption Costs

Adopting through foster care can significantly reduce adoption costs. With over 400,000 children in foster care who are searching for permanent homes, there is a need for adoptive parents. Incentives and subsidies are often available, especially for those willing to adopt older children or those with special needs. Even with subsidies, prospective foster parents will need to cover some costs.

You may want to explore all potential tax breaks and employer benefits. Some employers offer reimbursement for adoption expenses. In 2023, adoptive parents can exclude up to $15,950 in employer-provided adoption expense reimbursement from their taxable income. Additionally, qualified adoptive parents with a modified adjusted gross income below $239,230 can receive a tax credit for qualified adoption expenses.

Along with that, there are other ways to manage your adoption costs. They include:

Research Grant Opportunities

If you’re considering adoption, it’s worth looking into the various grants and financial assistance programs available to support adoptive families. Both governmental and nonprofit organizations offer grants to help cover adoption expenses. When you apply for these grants, you can get additional financial support for adoption costs.

Create a Budget

You will want to create a budget. These details can give you all the potential expenses related to the adoption process. You will want to add the agency fees, legal costs, travel expenses, home study fees and any other expected costs to your budget. You can avoid any unexpected strain with a clear picture of your financial obligations.

Adoption Loans

Loans from financial institutions could be a viable option if you are considering adoption and need financial assistance. Some credit unions and banks offer specialized loans with favorable terms specifically designed for adoptive families. However, you always want to carefully review the terms and interest rates before committing to any loan.

Why You Need an Adoption Lawyer

A New Jersey adoption attorney will make sure you have a fair and legally sound adoption process. With their understanding of state laws, they can help you with the costs of adoption. If you plan to pursue a private adoption, an attorney will act on your behalf to protect your interests. Along with that, they will provide solid legal advice regarding agreements or other binding contracts, which can protect you against exploitation.

Reach Out To a New Jersey Adoption Attorney

If you want to know the costs of an adoption, you may want to talk to an experienced attorney. At Cofsky & Zeidman, we can help you understand what to expect regarding the costs of adoption in New Jersey. Schedule a consultation by calling 856-429-5005 today.