One of the biggest obstacles facing couples looking to adopt can be cost. With the skyrocketing cost of international adoptions through private agencies, it can be hard to decide where to go.  Fortunately, there are many other options, and funding opportunities, for would-be parents.

Local agencies are typically the most affordable option for adopting, and many health insurance companies have begun to make clauses that include the costs of adoption. In many communities, you will likely be able to fundraise to help bring a child home and the support of the community will be more involved in the adoption process. Included here are a few options for adopting and what your costs will be.

International Adoption

With celebrities from the Pitt-Jolies to Sandra Bullock making international adoption “cool,” many parents are looking to other countries to find their future children. While there are indeed children elsewhere who need homes, the costs for this adoption route can be astronomical. If you are looking to adopt out of country, you could be facing fees anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000.

Private Adoption Agency

For couples looking to adopt a newborn within the United States, the costs are still high, but may be slightly less. If you choose to work with a non-profit adoption agency, you will likely face fees from $10,000 to $20,000. Many people do choose to go this route, as it can match you with birth parents and you may have a better understanding of the child’s background.

Attorney Adoption

Others looking to adopt may seek out a lawyer and do an attorney adoption. These adoptions will cost you anywhere from $20,000 to $30,000. It is understandable that the cost of the lawyer’s time is greater, but you do have a greater safety net this route. You can be sure all legal proceedings have been executed properly and you do not have to face the risk of losing a child later.

Foster Adoption

Nearly as affordable as waiting child adoption, foster adoptions work within your local state and city and could cost as low as $1,000. Foster children are kids who have been surrendered to the state but may not be cleared for adoption yet. Fostering children means they will live with you in your home and you will provide all care, while the state covers health insurance and cuts you a check each month for basic living expenses.

While the goal of foster adoption is to place children who may someday become eligible for an adoption, some children will be reclaimed by their legal guardians and removed from your home. You will run the risk of losing a child you have grown attached to within this system.

Adopt a Waiting Child

By far the most affordable option, waiting child adoptions are the cheapest route for adopting a child and could cost you nothing! “Waiting children” are kids who have been surrendered to the state by their guardians and are fully cleared for adoption. The downside is you may not be able to adopt a newborn, but older children have many advantages in joining your family.

Categories: General