Pennycuick Introduces Measure to Incentivize Child Adoption In Recognition of National Adoption Month

HARRISBURG - Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) announced that in recognition of National Adoption Month, she introduced Senate Bill 1084 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.

"Adoption is one of the most selfless commitments a family can make. However, it can come with a steep financial burden," said Pennycuick. "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 my legislation will do just that."

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.

To alleviate some of the financial burden facing prospective adoptive families, the 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.

Senate Bill 1084 has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.

CONTACT: Lidia Di Fiore (215) 541-2388