Policy / Support Adoption and Foster Care Policies

Support Adoption and Foster Care Policies

Southern Baptists affirm adoption as a central theological theme that provides practical application in our families and communities. We adopt because when we were most destitute, we ourselves were adopted into the family of God. The Baptist Faith and Message states that children “are a blessing and heritage from the Lord,” whether by birth or by adoption. In addition, the resolution “On Adoption And Orphan Care” states that in the gospel, we have received the “Spirit of adoption,” meaning “we are no longer spiritual orphans but are now beloved children of God and joint heirs with Christ.” (John 14:18; Rom. 8:12-25; Gal. 3:27-4:9; Eph. 1:5).

Adoption strengthens families, communities, and our nation. When vulnerable children without families are adopted into loving families—whether through foster care, domestic adoption, or intercountry adoption—we are all better off. Children within loving families live healthier and more successful lives compared to those in the foster care system, when considering graduation and employment rates or incarceration and homelessness. Research has shown that the government saves between $65,000 to $127,000 for each child who is adopted rather than placed in long-term foster care.

Adoption is very expensive, costing as much as $60,000 to $70,000. The ERLC was thrilled to successfully advocate for a refundable Adoption Tax Credit in 2025, through the passage of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act (or One Big Beautiful Bill). While this provision does not fully offset the tremendous expense of adoption, the $5,000 refundable portion of the credit can assist families when they go to file their taxes. Over 60% of adopted children are adopted by middle- and lower-income taxpayers, and almost half of children adopted from foster care live in families with household incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. In 2020, almost 70% of all people who claimed the adoption tax credit earned $100,000 or less each year.

Furthermore, the ERLC was pleased to see the Trump administration’s executive order on adoption and foster care. The order directs more resources to vulnerable children and directs HHS and the White House Faith Office to promote cooperation with faith-based foster care partners and investigate states that discriminate against faith-based adoption and foster care agencies. It is essential that faith-based agencies be able to freely serve children and families without imposition from governments that oppose their beliefs.

The ERLC will continue to push for policies that support vulnerable children and direct necessary resources to families who are currently or will go through the foster or adoption care process.