Cost Associated with Foster Care Adoption

Working in the field of adoption, I often receive phone calls from individuals looking to adopt. One of the first questions asked is, "how much will this cost?" While I think most will agree adoption "cost" quite a lot in terms of love, committment, emotions, and sacrifice, the intent of the question always seems more practical and focused on the financial aspect of adopting. When I inform the individual that they will not pay my agency one dime, they are always taken aback; likewise, they tell me that most agencies tell them adoptions range in price from $15,000-$30,000.

This is a good place to stop and clarify a few things. Most individuals who are quoting such high prices have talked with domestic private birthmom agencies or international adoption agencies. In contrast, my agency works side by side with the State of Texas in finding "forever families" for children currently in the foster care system and legally free for adoption.

If you adopt a child from the foster care system in the State of Texas your cost to finalize that adoption will be, on average, around $1,500-$2,000. Lawyer's fees encompass the biggest part of that cost; the other part will be for certain licensing requirements such as CPR/First Aid, FBI background check, TB test, and Health/Fire Inspections completed on your place of residence. Not overly expensive right?

But, let me share some more information with you. If you adopt a child who falls under what Texas call's "Special Needs Adoptions," then there is even more assistance offered to you for that adoption. Let me explain;

In the State of Texas there are four categories of Special Needs Adoptions:

• Children over the age of 2 and of a minority race
• Children over the age of 6 and Caucasian
• Sibling groups, no matter the age
• Children with diagnosable and extensive physical, medical, and/or emotional needs.

A child just has to meet one of the above criteria for a family to be eligible for the "Adoption Assistance" program in the State of Texas.

What does this program offer? First, the family will receive a tax free monthly subsidy for that child, until the child is 18, of an amount somewhere between $400.00-$545.00. Second, the State of Texas will continue to carry that child on the state's Medicaid health insurance. Third, the state will reimburse the family up to $1,500.00 for non-recurring adoption costs (eg., attorney's fees). Lastly, if funds are available, the state will cover the tuition for that child to go to college at any State University, College, or Technical School. Pretty amazing right?

So, now can you afford adoption? There are children out there who need YOU and other loving families to step up and be their FAMILY. Give it some thought, please.