According to this article, the last time the adoption tax credit was refundable was in 2010-11.  While the American Tax Pay Relief Act in January 2013 made the adoption tax credit permanent, it did not include the ability to make it refundable.  This harmed low-income families unable to fully take advantage of the credit.  Legislation has just been introduced to make the adoption tax credit refundable thereby helping low-income families take full advantage of the adoption tax credit which will hopefully support and encourage more adoptions.