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Family Living Well Money

The Cost of Adoption

Did you know that adopting can be incredibly expensive? Whether you’re interested in supporting adoption or adoption yourself, here are some ballpark numbers regarding different types of adoptions as well as a few programs that help cover some of the costs.

Foster Care

Cost: $0-$2500

By working with the foster care system, men and women are able to apply to become foster parents. They take classes to prepare and then receive a call to care for children in need. Generally speaking, foster parents don’t know how long their placements will be with them, but their job is to care for children until they are reunited with their birth parents or are able to be adopted.

 

Licensed Private Agency Adoption

Cost: $5,000-$40,000+
A licensed private agency adoption is when birth parents give up all parental rights. The agency works with potential adoptive parents and matches child to family. Unless an open adoption is desired, generally the adoptive parents do not know birth parents.

 

Independent Adoptions

Cost: $8,000-$40,000+

In this process, adoptive parents work with an attorney instead of an agency. Generally adoptive parents are active in finding a birth mother.

 

Facilitated, Unlicensed Adoptions

Cost: $5,000-$40,000+

Unlicensed adoptions are similar to licensed private adoptions, but this process does carry a few more risks for adoptive parents.

 

Intercounty Adoption

Cost: $7,000-$30,000 (or beyond)

Adopting from other countries is a calling that many people feel. Adoptions from overseas are often very costly and have fees and travel expenses that are not factored in up front.

Adoption resources:

Show Hope

Both Hands

The Adoption Exchange

National Adoption Foundation

The Matching Assistance Program

Abba Fund

Adoption can be costly, but the cost is no match for the opportunity. If you are adopting or know someone who is, it is a good idea to check to see if your church or another local church, is willing to help you do some fundraising.

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