The number one answer back to me was, "How much does it really cost to adopt?" So I'm going to tell you; from popular international programs to domestic. These aren't exact figures, because every agency/attorney/situation is different, but they are close enough to give you a good idea.
Keep in mind these numbers are before tax credits, employer benefits, or grants. You may have a small heart attack while looking at these, but thousands of regular people (like us) adopt every year. It can be done. There are many programs out there that help with costs.
While it seems like a small fortune, these costs keep things legal, legit, and according to Holt International, include but are not limited to: "costs for personnel, administrative overhead, training, education, legal services and communications, working with government and agency authorities, legal fees, and passport and U.S. visa fees in the child's country. The fees also cover costs related to the care of your child prior to adoption, including - but not limited to - costs for food, clothing, shelter, medical care, foster care, orphanage care, and any other services provided directly to your child. It also includes any mandatory donations required by child welfare authorities. This fee may also cover child welfare projects in your child's country of origin."
Each country varies in fees, but this should give you a good idea. Whether you're preparing to adopt or just curious about how the process works, here are some facts to get you started:
Photo by: The Adoption Guide
India $20,000-$35,000
It takes 2-3 years to bring a child home. Couples must be married for at least 5 years.
Related: 12 questions to ask before adopting a child
Photo by: Holt International
China $20,000-$40,000
China has a very long wait time of around 4-6 years, with strict income guidelines and a law of one parent being 35 or older.
Photo by: The Adoption Guide
Bulgaria $25,000-$35,000
Most children are over the age of 5.
Married couples and singles can adopt.
Related: 10 tips on choosing an international adoption agency
Photo by: The Adoption Guide
U.S. Foster Adoption Up to $5,000
The costs depend on who you work with for the adoption (agency, social services, attorney). In 2009, the average wait of a child from foster care to adoption was 30 months.
Photo by: The Adoption Guide
U.S. Domestic Infant Adoption $25,000-$40,000 or more
Usually a short wait time, but costs vary depending on agency or private attorney.
Related: 5 questions you should NEVER ask a woman
Photo by: The Adoption Guide
Russia $40,000-$60,000
Parents must make 2-3 trips over.
Russian government focuses on the mental and physical health of prospective parents
Photo by: The Adoption Guide
Haiti $15,000-$30,000
Mostly older children, one parent must be 35 or older to adopt.
Photo by: The Adoption Guide
Poland $25,000-$35,000
Parents must take two trips. First trip approximately two weeks, second trip one week.
Related: 20 things ALL women do but hate to admit
A few weeks ago I asked on Facebook what questions my friends and followers had about adoption.
- By Diana Stone
http://shine.yahoo.com/parenting/much-does-adoption-really-cost-205600886.html
