Affording Adoption
There is no question that adoption can be an expensive proposition. Many families are discouraged from pursuing an initial interest in adoption when they hear that the average adoption costs between $20,000 to $35,000. Comparing costs from one agency to another can also be confusing, as most agencies differ in their explanation and presentation of adoption costs.
Lutheran Social Services of New England is a faith-based agency and, as a ministry of the church, our adoption services and fees are reflective of this relationship. Still, despite our subsidized fee structure, most families need to plan and save for their adoption. We understand and can help explain how grants, loans, employer benefits, tax credits, and subsidies can help with adoption costs.
The following resources, compiled by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will help prospective adoptive parents understand the costs involved in adoption and how to make it more affordable.
Adoption General Information
Packet 2: Funding Adoption
Child Welfare Information Gateway (2004)
An overview of the costs of adoption and sources of financial assistance.
Adoption Assistance by State
American Public Human Services Association and Child Welfare Information Gateway. Answers to 13 questions on State adoption assistance policy, medical assistance, and post-adoption services.
Costs of Adopting: A Factsheet for Families
Child Welfare Information Gateway (2004)
Cost estimates for domestic and inter-country adoptions, including agency fees, legal fees, home study expenses, and foreign country expenses Includes information about adoption benefits, such as Federal and State tax credits, subsidies, loans, and grants.
Adoption Friendly Workplace Program
Encourages employers to offer adoption benefits and helps employees advocate for these benefits in their workplace.
Adoption Tax Credit
Adoption Learning Partners
Online course to help adoptive families determine their eligibility for the adoption tax credit, understand how the tax credit works, create a system for tracking and documenting expenses, and prepare for filing taxes.
Internal Revenue Service
Answers to common questions about the adoption taxpayer identification number, the temporary number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service to a child pending finalization of his or her adoption.
A Child Waits Foundation
Resource for families seeking loans for international adoptions.
Employer-Provided Adoption Benefits
Child Welfare Information Gateway (2004)
Explains the types of employee and tax benefits available to adoptive parents, from financial assistance and parental leave to tax credits for adoption expenses. Information about employers offering adoption benefits is provided.
Federal Adoption Tax Credit
for Special Needs Adoptions
North American Council on Adoptable Children
Information for parents.
Gift of Adoption Fund
Provides grants to adoptive parents.
Hebrew Free Loan Association
Provides interest-free loans to Jewish adults who wish to adopt children internationally or domestically.
How to Make Adoption an Affordable Option
National Endowment for Financial Education (1997)
A booklet for prospective adoptive parents who are reluctant to pursue the process because they believe adoption is too expensive.
MBNA Credit Line for Prospective
Adoptive Parents
Offers an unsecured credit line of up to $25,000 for prospective adoptive parents.
National Adoption Foundation
Financial assistance, services, and support for families before, during, and after adoptions are finalized.
CREDITS: Child Welfare Information Gateway connects professionals and concerned citizens to timely, essential information and resources targeted to the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and families.