One of the common questions that comes with child adoption is how much it will cost. It may seem like a price can’t be put on a child, but there are many people and agencies that are involved throughout the process. Costs depend on whether you are adopting domestically or internationally. Domestic costs can include legal representation for both the adopting family and the birth parents, counseling, travel, and more. These child adoptions can cost between $25,000 – $50,000. International costs can include applications to U.S. citizenship, legal costs, medical and document translation costs, and travel. International adoptions can cost between $30,000 – $80,000. Don’t be alarmed at the overall costs, when broken down, you can see how it adds up and how to budget for it.
Legal Counsel and Court Costs
Throughout the process and for the finalization of the child adoption, whether domestic or international, there are costs that the adoptive family typically pays for. During the pregnancy and for the finalization, both the birth and adoptive parents are entitled to legal representation. When the birth parents are included in the finalization, they may have their own separate counsel. All of the attorney costs, including filing fees are typically paid for by the adoptive parents.
International adoptions have their own legal costs, including court filings, immigration applications, embassy medical, visa, and passport fees. If the adoption is finalized in the United States, the adoptive parents need to hire an attorney to complete the process.
Home Study Costs
At the beginning of the child adoption process, the adoptive family is required to pass an adoption home study. FCCY recommends that the home study is completed by our agency, but it can also be completed by a social worker. The process will include criminal background and child abuse checks for all adult household members, medical exams, and possibly blood work and immunizations. After the child adoption is finalized, there are supervisory reports that need to be completed as well to ensure everyone is adjusting properly. Ask us about the fees and how many visits are needed
Birth Parent Costs
When a birth parent decides on adoption, they should work with a counselor who can guide them through the process, help communicate with attorneys, and manage medical needs. Birth parents also need prenatal care and the hospital costs will commonly be paid for by the adoptive parents. Adoptive parents can often use their own insurance to cover medical costs, but the birth mother’s costs are not covered by insurance.
Travel
During the process, it might be necessary to take multiple trips to meet the birth parents and possibly to finalize the adoption. Travel costs can add up quickly when considering an international child adoption. Even domestically, if a child is adopted from another state, flights and hotel costs are things to factor in. By keeping the child adoption within Pennsylvania, you can save on some travel costs.
Emotional Costs
Child adoption can be a long process, from the time when you begin looking for a child to the time when the adoption is finalized. Even though it’s not something you can factor into your financial budget, the emotional costs is something that needs to be considered. If you are adopting by yourself, there is only yourself to consider. However, if you adopting into an existing family, consider the feelings of the other kids and how they will adjust. Many times, a counselor is needed to talk through the struggles with. This is a cost that can be factored into your budget.
How FCCY Can Help
From the very beginning, throughout the process, and even after, Family Care for Children & Youth will be there to help guide you. At our initial conversation, we will discuss our fees and any costs that you may have questions about. Whether you are planning on an international or domestic child adoption, we can ensure you that we will prepare you as best as possible for the journey ahead. Starting a family is a life-changing event and we want to make sure you are financially ready as well as emotionally. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services and we’ll work together to make your dreams of having a family a reality.
With experienced, compassionate and dedicated professionals, we'll work with you in order to find the best solutions. Whether you know a child in need of emergency services, or you are looking to provide a home for those in need, call us today!
The mission of Family Care for Children & Youth, Inc. is to be the best social service agency committed to providing an excellent standard of care and culturally competent services while communicating compassion, empathy, and hope for the future.
OUR HAPPY FAMILIES SAY IT ALL
Check out our success stories below
"THEY CARE ABOUT THE CHILDREN AND ARE VERY THOROUGH"
My husband and I always tell people that talk to us about wanting to foster or adopt about our agency. We enjoy working with this agency because the staff not only care about the careful placement of a child but also about us as a family. Our agency is available and quick to respond to us whether we have an emergency or just a question. They care about the children and are very thorough to ensure the children and the foster family are getting what they need.
Alice Cedrone
"WE ENJOY GIVING BACK"
Fostering is very positive experience not only for ourselves but also for the child’s well-being. We enjoy giving back. Providing a loving, nurturing home to a child gives the child an opportunity to have a normal childhood as possible.
Millie Flores
"WE WOULD RECOMMEND FCCY"
Picking FCCY to work with has been the best thing my husband and I could have done. We have had only positive experiences with this agency. The case managers are so good and give you total support as a foster parent. We would recommend FCCY to others looking into foster care.
P. Kyler