The cost of adopting can feel
overwhelming at first. It’s helpful to understand the kinds of costs you will
face as well as identifying possible sources of help in paying the costs. You
will find that there are many ways to manage the expense.
Range of Costs
The total cost of adopting varies from $0 to
more than $40,000, depending on a number of factors. The chart below outlines
some general categories of adoption and costs associated with the services
provided. The wide range reflects the multitude of factors that may affect
costs, including the type of adoption, the type of placement agency or
facilitator, and the child's age and circumstances.
Warning: these are ranges and
should be used with caution. For example, while independent adoption costs
range up to $40,000, most people pay $10,000-$15,000. In addition, very few intercountry adoptions cost as much as $30,000. You can
control the amount you pay by which country you adopt from.
|
Range of Adoption Costs
|
|
|
|
Foster Care Adoptions
|
$0 - $2,500
|
|
Licensed Private Agency Adoptions
|
$5,000 - $40,000+
|
|
Independent Adoptions
|
$8,000 - $40,000+
|
|
Facilitated/Unlicensed Adoptions
|
$5,000 - $40,000+
|
|
Intercountry Adoptions
|
$7,000 - $30,000
|
Source:
National Adoption Information Clearinghouse, http://naic.acf.hhs.gov
Let’s take a look at the specific categories of cost to
understand more about minimum costs and range variations.
