How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Child in the U.S.?

how much does it cost to adopt a child u.s. parent who want to adopt child adoption

By Fatima Virrey , Parent Herald Sep 06, 08:30 pm

Photo: (Photo : Photo by Juan Pablo Serrano Arenas from Pexels)

"How much does it cost to adopt a child?"

"Will it cost me too much if I choose to adopt?"

"What are the ways for me to adopt without spending too much?"

These are the most common questions from parents who plan to adopt a child in the U.S.

Although the first question would probably be about the readiness in adopting, these are the questions that come dawning after.

Child Welfare Information Gateway says that there are adoption-specific expenses that parents will shoulder. These expenses will depend on the kind of adoption that parents who plan to adopt would choose.

How much does it cost to adopt a child from foster care?

Among the other types of adoption, adopting from foster care carries lesser expenses. Child Welfare and Information says that the Federal and State have assistance programs. These programs help in lessening the financial obstacles that parents who plan to adopt might encounter.

This assistance is provided to encourage parents to adopt children who have special needs or circumstances.

There is federal adoption assistance of a state adoption assistance that adopting parents could avail, depending on where they would qualify. Further details may be found at the Child Welfare and Information website.

How much does it cost to adopt a child through a private agency?

When parents who plan to adopt lean towards asking for the help of a private agency, the child welfare system is already out of the picture.

This kind of adoption may range from 20,000 U.S. dollars to 45,000 U.S. dollars.

The amount stated would depends on the agency and the adoption circumstances.

Some of the fees which will be covered by this cost are:

home study
legal fees
court fees
preadoption counselling for birth parents
post-adoption counselling for birth parents
birth parent medical expenses
birth parent legal expenses
preparation and training
social work services
interim care for the child
postplacement supervision

All of these fees may still vary since some agencies adjust their costs, depending on the adopting family's income

How much does it cost to adopt a child through independent adoption or intercountry adaption?

If the parents who plan to adopt will choose to look for a private attorney, the adoption costs around 15,000 to 40,000 U.S. dollars.

This estimated cost may still increase, in case there will be complications during the birth process.

Another option that parents have is an intercountry adoption. In this option, costs are expected to be higher. An estimate of 20,000 to 50,000 US dollars is given to parents who plan to adopt.

Some of the fees which are included in intercountry adoption are:

escort fees
medical care
translation fees
passport and visa processing
counselling and support

These fees are not fixed and may vary depending on the country of the child and other circumstances.