Cost of Adoption UpdateA comparison of costs for domestic and international adoptions in 2006 and 2007, the cost of adoption uncertainties, and more
How much did adoptions cost in 2006 and 2007? More than 1,500 AF readers completed our survey on the cost of adoption—thanks to everyone for their valuable input!
Here's a breakdown of the total cost of adoption, before adoption-related employee benefits or tax credits:
- Domestic adoptions, on average, cost less than international adoptions.
- For most adopters, the average "cost" of an adoption was about $20,000-$25,000.
Financial uncertainties of adoption
DOMESTIC ADOPTERS:
38% of domestic adoptive parents had a false start, or worked with one or more birthmothers before a match that succeeded. Of those, 75% say unsuccessful attempts cost the family less than $5,000.
INTERNATIONAL ADOPTERS:
14% of international adoptive parents had one or more unsuccessful attempts, which might include switching countries or declining a referral. Of those, 51% say unsuccessful attempts cost less than $5,000.
Travel costs helped push up the totals for international adoptions; Russia and Guatemala rank as the most expensive countries for overseas adoption.
Affording adoption travel
Need help with expenses? We asked our AF reader panel to share tips for saving on travel, which is often the biggest adoption expense, given multiple or extended trips to a destination, domestic or international. Here are your suggestions:
- Ask airlines and hotels about discounts. “When booking our flight, we told the ticket agent that we would be flying back with a baby we were adopting, and got half off the ticket for our daughter,” says Cecy, of Ohio. “While in Nevada, I explained to a hotel manager that we had to stay until the state released us to take our daughter home, and this could be 10 days or more. They discounted our room for the entire stay.”
- Look into local accommodations. “If you’re traveling overseas, stay at a small bed and breakfast or guest house. Many parents stay at ‘Western’ hotels, which are nice, but pricey,” says Samantha, of North Carolina. “B&Bs are often cheaper, and you’ll see more local culture. Experience the country you are in—don’t pick up your child and go home."
- Limit the number of travelers. Melissa, of Illinois, says, “My husband and I traveled alone, leaving our sons with relatives, to save on the cost of tickets.”
Find more reader tips for savvy traveling at adoptivefamilies.com/travel.
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Comments
Overall, I thought the article was good. However, I was disappointed that there was not mention of the cost of adopting out of foster care. When we adopted our son, we were reimbursed for every penny we spent. We paid no attorney fees, court costs, travel expenses. After everything was finalized, we had everything covered and we had a beautiful child added to our family.
Posted by: Allison Thomas at 10:52am Jan 17
We adopted two children locally (in Nebraska). We received them as infants right out of the hospital. We paid approximately $6,500 for each of our children.
Posted by: Connie Fairchild at 11:35am Jan 17
I agree with Allison Thomas's comment. We adopted twin boys through Foster Care at the age of 8-1/2. We too had very little upfront costs, no attorney fees and no travel expenses. Expenses have been more than covered. We worked with an adoption agency which has an on staff attorney who is available and this was included in our expenses paid. In the end we ended up with two wonderful boys who found a great home and lot of hope in having a wonderful life and bright future.
Posted by: Wendy Olsen at 12:21pm Jan 17
We adopted a newborn baby girl locally (within our own state) and were able to be present for the birth and even stay overnight at the hospital with her in a room. We spent about $10,000 total. Our wait time was exceptially short we were matched with the birthmom right after we completed our homestudy. It was a great experience!
Posted by: Andrea Pankiewicz at 8:28am Jan 21
I fully agree with Allison's comment above - AF really needs to provide more space to domestic, older child adoption, particularly out of foster care. Our home study and ten (mandatory)preadoption classes have not cost a penny and have been a great way to learn parenting techniques, ask questions of experts and meet other adoptive parents. One can also adopt an infant out of foster care.
Posted by: Martha Ragland at 11:26am Mar 19
I'm thrilled for those of you that were able to adopt with such a reasonable amount of money, but ours cost approximately $42,000 for a domestic newborn, with the agency fee alone costing 20,000 and attorney fees costing $10,000, which included the birth mom's attorney and ours. We were very surprised at the cost at the end. Please don't mislead others that many adoptions cost so little. Our little girl is worth many millions, but we did not get out of our adoption cheap.
Posted by: Katheryn at 7:42am Mar 20
I was astonished at the cost of these adoptions! We have adopted 3 children locally (within 30 miles from home) and have incurred less than $6,000 total! Our twins were in foster care and the state covered 100% of the expenses and our other son's adoption was only $5,850. We were able to be in the delivery room and brought him home immediately! It was a huge blessing!
Posted by: Holly Blankenbaker at 2:36pm Mar 24
My husband and I are thinking about adopting and was excited when reading about the low costs some of you had. Could you please explain if it was a local agency and how to get in touch with one?
Posted by: Pamela Hickman at 4:19pm Apr 5
I am amazed at the $ amounts. I inquired about fostering-adoption in Georgia and was sent a pamphlet saying "Foster parenting is not a substitute for adoption, nor should it be looked at as a means to adopt. It is extremely rare for the courts to terminate parental rights on a birth parent and offer a child in foster care for adoption. Generally, children who become adoptable will be older children and may have extremely difficult special needs before they reach a point where they can be adopted." We have contacted 3 adoption lawyers & agencies and have been repeatedly told $30k+. Where can we find out more info on these affordable adoptions?
Posted by: rebecca at 7:09pm Apr 7
Rebecca, many states have low-cost or no-cost adoption programs for waiting children who are in the foster system. Adopting from foster care is an excellent way to bring a child into your family-- however, the children available will be preschool age and older, mostly. Check adoptuskids.org and also nacac.org, also Google "The Heart Gallery." The brochure you quoted sounds very upsetting-- I can only think it came from an agency that deals only with fostering, not with foster-adopt or adoptions. Keep calling around and emailing until you get more appropriate information.
Posted by: Rachel at 6:48pm Apr 25
My wife and I adopted from Albania. But It doesn't matter what you pay. When you consider that people pay more for an SUV than some of these adoptions, you're perspective changes. Our daughter is beautiful and I would have paid every last dollar I have for her. But of course, the reality is you need means to adopt and adopting from Albania was certainly in the high end SUV range.
Posted by: Jason at 6:43pm May 10
I was amazed at the prices too. My husband and I have started the adoption process and have been told that it will cost about $25,000. We have tried to get loans for this and the banks do not want to talk to us. They will give out loans for cars and homes, but will not even listen to us when we tell them what the money is going to be used for.
Posted by: Donna at 12:42pm May 12
We are adopting from China. Our boy will be in our arms on June 23rd! It has taken over two years and $25,000. Costs are rising for travel and fees, just as all costs rise. We too thought it would be around 20k. It may be much more as we will spend money on the trip. What an incredibly unique experience! And our son's value is priceless.
Posted by: Melinda at 2:36pm May 17
We are adopting from foster care in Texas and to adopt each of the children, it will cost roughly $1500 apiece. However, we will be reimbursed this by the state. The kids we are in the process of adopting are 5 and 6 years old, so they are a bit older- but they are wonderful kids who need a home and love- and wonderful additions to our family!
Posted by: julie at 8:07am Jun 6
My husband and I have adopted and are again in the process of adopting through foster care. Our first adoption was of a five year old and was very quick at only nine months from placement to adoption. The adoption we are currently working on is of a two year old and has already been in the works for one year nine months and termination of parental rights has not happened yet so we may be looking at another year before finalization takes place. We have been reimbursed for all expenses through the private agency we are using. Although our second adoption is taking a long time and at times I get very frustrated, it has been a wonderful experience and there are so many resources available to foster parents. I would highly recommend adopting through foster care. Adoptive parents incure little or no costs and a beautiful child becomes part of your family. The best part of all is that your child lives with you through the whole process, you do not have to wait for referrals or travel to meet your child only to have to leave him/her at an orphanage for a period of time before taking him/her home.
Posted by: Dawn Bakre at 10:56pm Jun 6
My husband and I are interested in adopting, but we have no idea where to begin....all of these agencies, lawyers, fees, foster care....it's all so confusing! Any advice on how to begin?
Posted by: Anissa at 9:59am Aug 20
I am in the process of finalizing my son's adoption from foster care. It has been a very positive experience. The mandatory classes not only prepared my for what I may encounter with a child who has been in the "system", but also forged wonderful friendships with other foster-adoptive parents from my class. My son was 9 months old when he was placed with me. Now at 22 months, he is my world. Although I would pay anything for him, my adoption expences will be around $500. Because he is not classified "special needs" his adoption expenses will not be reimbursed directly. However I will be able to use the adoption credit for my taxes. For anyone who is interested in the foster-adoptive system, don't be afraid of the process. It is a long, drawn-out process, but worth it. Remember, while others are wating for a referral or birthmother to pick them to become parents, you will be a parent during your wait.
Posted by: Gina at 9:32am Sep 3
Comparing the costs of International Adoption to Domestic Adoption through an agency to Foster Care Adoption is like comparing Apples, oranges, and grapes. In international adoption, there are fees that are not necessary in most domestic or foster care adoptions. Things like Visas, In-Country Fees, donations to incountry orphanages or foster parent fees, dossier document fees, International travel costs, immigration fees etc. These things are coupled with adoption agency fees. Domestic adoptions through adoption agencies also have to be funded by adoptive parents. Most agencies are private or non-profit and need to be paid to operate by their customers. In many cases, foster care adoptions are funded by their state, county, city or some type of government agency. So, the services that are provided are paid for by some type of public funds. So, I am not sure what the point of this chart carparing three totally different types of costs is telling us. I would have paid 10 bazillion dollars for my son from Guatemala....but comparing the costs we paid to that of any other type of adoption program seems a bit irrelevant to me.
Posted by: Jill at 12:59pm Sep 3
I'm disturbed by the post that states, "We paid approximately $6,500 for each of our children". Children are not commodoties. I'm assuming the person was talking about the money that was spent on adoption fees.
Posted by: Mary at 4:11pm Sep 3
We adopted our son through Foster Care. It is a very emotional roller coaster. It is very hard for the courts to terminate rights and usually it takes 2-3 years for the process to be finished. But you can go through your local states adoption agency in our case in South Carolina it is Region One Adoptions, and go through the parenting classes and everything at no cost, and they will pay up to 1500.00 of court costs, and DSS picks up the rest, and you don't actually Foster really. You wait for an available child and then you may Foster only that one child until you have the final court hearing. BUt even then you sometimes have to get your own private attorney which can cost 2500.00- 11,000 dollars depending on how fast the DSS attorney is working. But check with your local DSS office and they can give you advice or call your state agency and ask for their local states adoption agency and contact them. Hope this was of help, if not fell free to email me. thanks Julie McIntyre
Posted by: Julie McIntyre at 8:58am Sep 4
Our son was born 3 hours away from us (WI) in Chicago, IL. The fee was still quite high ($20,000)and the owner of the agency negotiated with us- which was unbelievably uncomfortable. Since we had to stay in Illinois for 11 days and worked with 2 agencies we ended up spending almost as much as if we'd adopted internationally!
Posted by: Kellie at 9:22am Sep 4
I know everyone has different stories but this whole process is frustrating. It feels like because we are infertile and want a baby they are punishing us by charging un reasonable prices. Does anyone know of a reasonable adoption agency in MA. My husband and I are trying to adopt a newborn. Thank you!
Posted by: Krista at 10:27am Sep 17
Please be wary of adopting from the foster care system. I was a foster parent for a newborn African-American baby girt (she came to me right out of the hospital) I am a caucasian female. The L.A. County Department of Social Services is not only inept, but engages in systematic racism and fraud. I had the baby for 7 months and was a stellar foster parent. I had three different social workers and the baby had three different attorneys during that time. The first two social workers told me I would likely be able to adopt, as the parents were homeless and unable to care for the baby. Paternal relatives were contacted early and did not want to take her. When the third social worker was assigned to my case (after about 5 months) the whole plan changed, as she had an agenda that did not include biracial adoption. She strung me along and lied about her case plan while putting heavy pressure on a paternal aunt who did not want the baby. AFter 7 months of being this baby's only parent, she was taken abruptly from my home without even meeting the aunt prior to being placed with her. This violated my rights and the baby's rights. I am a master's level, licensed clinical social worker who works in a different court system. even with my knowledge and clinical training no one in the system would listen to me, including administrators in dcfs and the judge. The baby ended up in another state with a convicted felon. I had to hire my own attorney to get her back in the state. The worker then placed her again with the aunt who sent her out of state! As far as I know she is being bounced around to various relatives, while the court is allowing the aunt to adopt her "on paper." It is the most heartbreaking thing that ever happened to me. Beware! I am now considering private non-profit adoption and it will be worth every penny to know I have ethical trained professionals helping me.
Posted by: sandy Foster at 6:26pm Oct 12
I just wanted to post because of all of the people talking about adopting through foster care. I believe expanding your family through this route is a wonderful thing, but people need to be aware of what they are getting into when they consider this more affordable option. It can be an emotional nightmare. I'm not sure about other states, but I do know that in Texas they are very stringent on who can adopt through the foster care system. You have to take 40 hours of Pride classes, have your house inspected by the fire marshal along with many other things....which is all great but very frustrating at times. My husband and I did all the hoop jumping asked of us and when we got to the point of having our homestudy done and being approved we found out that we ran a high chance of raising a child for up to two years and then loosing them to the birth family. The main goal of the foster care system is not to take children away from parents but to reunite them if the home life returns to a safe place. I've known two separate coworkers that learned this the hard way. Both had newborns placed with them shortly after birth and were told the likelihood of the birth family reclaiming their child was very slim. Susan raised her little girl for 18 months when the courts took her away and gave her back to her birthfamily. And Michelle received a phone call on her little girls 2nd birthday stating that the birth mother had cleaned up her life and wanted her daughter back. They went through a very expensive court battle and ended up loosing the daughter they had raised from birth. When my husband and I heard these stories I asked the social worker we were working with and she confirmed that it does happen more then you think. We could specify we only wanted a child whose parental rights were already legally terminated, but that could take a long time for an infant or toddler, unless they are special needs (which right now we can not do). So we are now going down the adoption road through a non-profit agency and our adoption cost will be around $18,000. Which we are more then willing to pay in order to guarantee us that the child we raise will be our forever child. If you go through an agency, please make sure you find out if the cost they quote you is the total cost......many give a low estimate and if you end up having a failed adoption you have to start over.....that is where it can get pricey. But what ever road you go down do your research and just remember that you are not BUYING or PAYING for a child......they are not a car.......they are precious little lives that you are willing to invest your heart, home and finances into in order to make a loving family. Good Luck!
Posted by: Melissa at 10:45am Oct 16
Please be careful when trying to adopt thru the foster care system. My husband and I entered into a Fost-Adopt program with the expectation that we would be able to adopt the children we fostered. We had twin newborn boys that we had for 11 months when the paternal grandparents decided they wanted them and were able to get custody as they were blood relatives. We than received a 3 month old who we were told had no relatives that wanted him. After 14 months with us a paternal aunt and uncle came forward and wanted custody. In court both times, we were told that blood is thicker than water. After those experiences we withdrew our name from the program as it was too heart wrenching to try again.
Posted by: Michele Toms at 10:35am Oct 22
I am a grandmother who had a grandson in dependency. He was a very adoptable child and nine months old. Very cute. I want to share this side of the story. When they took him, they had every intention of adopting him out for the title IV money. I turned in all the background info and they sat on it then they tol me they couldn't find it. I had to go do the background checks again and they never called when the results came in. Meanwhile I was trying to get visitation and they told me I had no rights. I ended up picketing to get my paperwork turned in and obtain some visitation. It worked sort of. We had to get a home study done through court order. By this time they had my grandson five months. The homestudy worker lied throughout the homestudy and tried to force me to build a fence then denied me based on the lies she told. It was my word against hers and I had no recourse. And you know what....they did this to one of their own. I was a state certified chemical dependency counselor who once worked in family court. I became an activist. I am now a registered lobbyist in the State of Washington. My grandson is now back home in in-home dependency but I cannot even begin to tell you what I had to go through to get that accomplished. Know this-that every foster child has a story and it is not always the story that you are told by DSHS. Nor is it always true that extended family do not want the child. They are screening them out left and right with false accusations and petty reasoning. The child you adopt out of foster may have a trail of tears following that only God himself knows because I can tell you this, you will not get the straight story from the baby thieving government. Those reimbursements are often paid for in part by the families who lose them through social security funding. What a travesty - to have false accusations, the loss of a child, and have to pay for it. On the other end of the spectrum, foster parents who are being used by the government to support their title IV robbery are often victims too. It is all a racket. Please don't support it. Jan Smith Washington State Extended Families
Posted by: Jan at 6:48pm Nov 5
hi, i would like to adopt an indian littler girl. i do not have do not make alot of money to afford so much posses fee. i need to someone to help me see if my dream would come true. if gob wants it that way. i have three children 22,14,11. a girl and two boys. i always wanted to have a girl after but could not have another one. if anyone has any comment or suggestion about want can i do please do not hestate to write to my attention. thank you Jacqueline Bueno
Posted by: jacqueline bueno at 9:52am May 11
i live in nyc i looking for a newbron babygirl
Posted by: missy at 6:22pm Jul 14
@Jacqueline Bueno I recently attended foster/adopt class & to my understanding if you want to adopt a native american child YOU must have a CDIB card or proof YOU are a member of a native american tribe. In accordance with the indian child welfare act. Your local FP agency should be able to guide you in the right direction - in washington state they said they were in desperate need of these parents
Posted by: yoshi at 10:31pm Aug 17
Oh my God!!! All of you are the reason why foster care is no longer a safe place for a mother in need to place her child. I placed my daughters in foster care while dealing with a severe case of depresion after I gave birth. It took my longer than the 16 out of 24 months to even begin to put myself back together...The state of NE moved to terminate my rights on them grounds out of placement for to long..That was it... I never beat, abused, or neglected my girls. I was just in a bad place, and had little support from anyone. I chose to place my kids in foster care until I could get my mind right...They never came home again. The foster family adopted my girls and are good people, but my heart is broken forever. I am a good person and thought I was doing the right thing for my family at the time. Foster Parenting should not be looked at like a cheap way to get a baby..That is not what its intended to do ...And if any of you that see it that way ended up with my girls I would cry for them everyday. I am grateful that the people who adopted them entered the program to foster, and when asked if they wanted to adopt they thought about it because they did not think it was going to be an option. Babies should not be bought ..traded... or leased they should be loved and foster parents are only meant to do that until the mother or other family member can care for them WHENEVER that is possible.... These post make me sick and sad.. Sad that people out there are waiting to cause other people pain so they can be happy, and thinking thats a good way to become a parent
Posted by: Denise Smith at 3:55pm Nov 17
Denise Smith I agree with you. It seems like a lot of people think that Foster Care will ensure you get to adopt for cheaper. It's disgusting. Yes, some children do need to be adopted but a lot of them are in temporary care until their families can get them back. On the other end of that some foster parents can be very horrible people who are in it for money, that's also disgusting.
Posted by: Corie Sutton at 10:51am Nov 29
Katheryn, The cost to adopt out of foster care is virtually nothing. The state provides full health insurance until the day the child turns 18 and monthly subsidies ranging from $300-$1,000. Domestic adoptions can cost anywhere from $5,000- to the price you paid. Many infertile couples are becoming foster parents and adopting out of foster care since it is so affordable and realistic!! If you'd like your next child to come a bit cheaper, get registered as a foster care parent. The training in some states takes as little as 1 8 hour day a week for 6 weeks
Posted by: Terri at 1:31pm Dec 13
I m sorry but 2 years is a long time to keep a child in limbo not knowing where they fit in the world nor is it the governments responsibility to pay to pay for a full time babysitter for your children until you are ready to take responsibility for them. The state has a plan that all parents must follow and will provide many chances for them Spend one week dealing with the problems these children have from years of abuse, neglect and abandonment from their parents.
Posted by: jennifer at 1:47am Feb 18
Hello, i am us citizen and i had applied green card for my brothers and his family 4 years ago who lives Nepal. He had approval letter. unfortunately, he passed away two weeks before. So, i am thinking to adopt his two daughters as a orphan adoption. but i don't know the cost. Anybody has any idea?
Posted by: netra at 8:57pm Jun 24
Why is adopting children so expensive? We r gunna take care of them anyway..
Posted by: Sophia at 3:17pm Jul 3
wow I never knew it cost so much money to adopt a child... me and my husband wanted 4 kids from Bolivia and after reading every one storyon this site, i will not be adopting anymore... i would rather go get invtro in mexico... or pay some one to have kids for us.
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