Cost of Adopting a Child

For some couples, having a child is only an elusive dream, something they long for, but for one reason or another, find just out of there reach. It's hard to capture the desperation and despair these couples feel when finding themselves unable to have a child of there own. For some of them, usually after years of trying, They choose the path of adoption.

There are millions of children who desperately need good homes, but oftentimes, cost can be a deterrent for couples wishing to adopt. When trying to adopt a child from one of the local state agencies, you'll find that costs are significantly lower compared to what they would be if you went through a private agency. Some children, depending on circumstances, can be approved for Adoption Assistance Resources, which is a program that helps defray the costs of an adoption, if the child has special needs. Again, the fees you will be faced with in your quest to adopt a child, vary from state to state, agency to agency. Unfortunately, there are a huge amount of costs associated with adoption. Starting with the adoption fees, home studies that must be done to assure the state or agency that your home is suitable to bring a child into, parenting classes, which will give you information and training on parenting, Transfer costs, if you adopt a child from another state or country you are responsible for having that child brought to you, Attorney fees, and yes, you'll want an attorney to make sure that every I is dotted and t crossed, in your adoption. You'll also spend money in your initial search for the child you wish to adopt. Of course, once the adoption is final, there will also be the expense of raising a child, doctor visits, counseling services, clothing, decorating the child's room, etc.

Right about now you may be asking, 'so just how much will adoption cost me?' There really is no exact figure to be given, until you start the adoption process. However, general figures can range according to where and how you choose to adopt. If you adopt a child from a state agency, the associated costs could be anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000 dollars, If you choose to adopt a child from another country, it could range anywhere from $7,000 to $40,000, however, if cost is a concern, financial assistance is available. To find out if you qualify, you would have to check with your adoption agency. Be sure and apply for any and all subsidy's that the government offers. Also, check with your adoption agency about the laws on adopting in your state and receiving financial aid.

There are many different avenues of financial help available to you in your adoption. Starting with personal loans, employer benefit's, even loans or gifts of money from family members can help in defraying the cost. You may also be able to claim a tax credit of $5,000 per child on your income tax return, even if your adoption is not finalized. Some agencies offer sliding scale fees, do some investigating to see which agency has the best fee's and available financial help, before making a decision. So as you can probably tell, there's really no way to calculate the exact cost of adoption, until you begin the adoption process. Costs vary extensively between agencies and states. The least expensive way to adopt is through your local foster care system. Check with the department of human services in your area for information. There are many children in foster care that have been taken from abusive, neglectful homes and need a family to provide a stable, loving home for them. In the end, the benefits you'll receive in the form of love, far outweigh the cost of adoption.