In the near future, I will be introducing legislation to incentivize child adoption in the Commonwealth through establishment of the Child Adoption Tax Credit.
 
Across Pennsylvania, thousands of children enter the foster care system each year under a variety of circumstances. After facing hardships in their home, these kids often wait years before finding a safe, loving family to bring them home permanently. In 2023, there were over 12,000 children in foster care here in the Commonwealth. Of that 12,000, only 2,000 kids were adopted. While every adoption should be celebrated, thousands more children continue to wait for their opportunity to join a loving family.
 
Adoption is one of the most selfless commitments a family can make. However, it can come with a steep financial burden. In a recent report from the National Council for Adoption, 97% of prospective adoptive parents said cost was a barrier, with 48% saying it was an extreme barrier. More must be done to incentivize adoption here in the Commonwealth, and this legislation will do just that.
 
To alleviate some of the financial burden facing prospective adoptive families, my legislation will allow resident taxpayers who adopted a child in the taxable year to apply for a refundable $1,000 tax credit in the year the adoption of their child was finalized.
 
Adoptive families face steep financial burdens that go along with adopting a child. These can include adoption fees, attorney fees, and the costs involved with raising a child such as childcare. Offering some financial support through this refundable tax credit helps ensure that these costs are never the reason a child goes without a family.
 
Every child in the Commonwealth deserves a permanent and loving family. I hope you will join me in cosponsoring this important legislation to promote adoption here in the Commonwealth.