BRIAN KEMP: Adoption reform needed in Georgia

National Adoption Awareness Month has ended but the need for adoption reform has not.

Every year, hundreds of babies are abandoned at local hospitals and thousands more are stuck in the foster care system. Loving homes and eager families are available but red tape, antiquated rules, and ever-rising costs stand in the way.

Earlier this week, I introduced legislative framework to streamline the adoption process and reduce costs on Georgia families. Through common sense — and long overdue — adoption reform, we can fulfill our biblical calling to “defend the weak and the fatherless.” We can ensure that all Georgians are given the opportunity to grow, learn and live.

To lower costs on Georgia families looking to adopt, I propose an increase in the adoption tax credit from $2,000 to $6,000. The tax credit will be available for five years with no income cap, and can be used for ALL adoptions — not just the adoption of a qualified foster child. Contributions made by an employer will not be taxed or restricted.

To protect hardworking Georgians, I will back legislation that requires private adoption agencies to cap fees and establish trust accounts — similar to what is used in the legal community — to house adoption expenditures until a child is permanently placed with their new parents. This prevents questionable practices and ensures transparency and accountability throughout the entire system.

To reduce the number of days that abandoned babies spend in the hospital or in foster care, my proposal calls for a collaboration between DFCS, nonprofits, and adoption attorneys to “Pre-Approve” families. By streamlining the process — while maintaining high standards — we can lessen the burden on hospitals and state agencies while cutting wait times for children and their new families.

As governor, I will sign existing legislation into law that improves the adoption code and places more children into Georgia households. I will also sign legislation that mirrors the federal Religious Freedom and Restoration Act to ensure that people of faith — and adoption agencies with religious ties — will not be forced to violate their deeply held beliefs.

Several lawmakers in the Georgia General Assembly are working on legislation to modernize adoption laws in the Peach State. I applaud these men and women for their passion and hard work. We must stand with them.

It’s time to get serious about adoption reform and take real steps forward. No more delays, excuses, or political maneuvering. It’s time to put Georgia children — not the status quo — first.

Brian Kemp is the Georgia secretary of state.