07/22/2019
One of the most common questions we receive is why are the adoption costs so expensive. This question is very complicated in the world of adoption because there are several types of adoption each varying in cost. Private and International adoption are more expensive than foster to adopt. Each path of adoption has it purpose, and we firmly believe God calls each individual on their journey. Our journey has been through private adoption. Our son's adoption cost approximately $30,000 plus travel costs to stay in Florida until approved through the ICPC process (the process that allows you take the child across state lines which has to be approved by both states). My husband and I fully funded our first adoption; however, due to this process, we are having to fundraise the money to pay for the adoption process of our son's biological sister. We stepped out in a leap of faith as we wanted our son to be raised with his biological sister. Our daughters adoption expenses is approximately $38,700 plus travel costs. The financial burden of adoption is a huge hurdle for most couples as many people do not have the full amount in savings either due to the quickness of the adoption process, infertility journey, or the overall dollar amount in general. Therefore, what goes into the adoption costs varies, but we wanted to share the breakdown of our adoption expenses:
$ 500.00 Application Fee
$ 300.00 Review and Approval of Non-Agency Home Study
$ 1,800.00 Adoptive Parent Advertising and Development Fee
$ 2,000.00 Adoptive Parent Coordination Fee
$ 2,700.00 Birth Parent Coordination Fee
$ 300.00 Birth Parent Interviews (In State)
$15,000.00 Agency Placement Fee
$ 1,500.00 Agency Termination of Birth Parents’ Parental Rights Fee
$ 1,500.00 Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children (ICPC)
$ 2,500.00 Court Costs, Administrative and Third-Party Expenses
$ 1,100.00 Final Adoption Fees Deposit
$ 9,500.00 Birth Mother expenses including Pre-natal and Post-natal care, safe housing, food, and phone for communications
All fees are held by the agency until the amount of money is due to the lawyers, courts, or paying the items listed above for the birthmother, which is govered by state law. The birthmother expenses is probably the most discussed amount, but as an adoptive momma, this amount is the most important. The fee is to help the birthmother get back on her feet. She is a superhuman in my book as she has to make one of the hardest decisions that any human would have to make. She needs to be loved on, ensure she is safe, and has the proper care to cope and understand the decision.
As mentioned above, due to the expenses, we are fundraising to help pay the initial fee of the adoption. We have been truly blessed as we have received $20,000 in grants, $3,900 in donations, and $1,300 from the t-shirt fundraiser. We are getting close, and we are so grateful for all of your support and love!!
