Adoption. Foster Care. Infant. Newborn. Close-up of a baby holding an adult's finger

Adoption

The cost of adopting a child varies significantly depending on the child's age, the adoption process, and whether the adoption is domestic, international, or through the foster care system. Here's a detailed breakdown by age group and adoption type:

1. Adoption Cost Estimates by Age Group

A. Newborn to Toddler (0–3 Years)

  • Domestic Private Agency Adoption:

    • Total Cost: $20,000–$50,000

    • Out-of-Pocket Costs: $10,000–$25,000 (after tax credits, employer assistance, or grants).

    • Includes: Home study, legal fees, birth mother expenses, and post-placement services.

  • Independent Adoption (Attorney-Led):

    • Total Cost: $15,000–$40,000

    • Out-of-Pocket Costs: $10,000–$30,000

    • Includes: Birth mother expenses (medical and housing), legal fees, and home study.

  • International Adoption:

    • Total Cost: $25,000–$60,000

    • Out-of-Pocket Costs: $20,000–$50,000

    • Includes: Home study, travel expenses, dossier preparation, and immigration fees.

B. Preschool to Elementary Age (4–9 Years)

  • Domestic Private Agency Adoption:

    • Total Cost: $15,000–$40,000 (often lower than newborn adoption).

    • Out-of-Pocket Costs: $8,000–$20,000

  • Foster-to-Adopt:

    • Total Cost: $0–$5,000 (public agencies often reimburse or cover most costs).

    • Out-of-Pocket Costs: Minimal, as most fees are waived or reimbursed.

  • International Adoption:

    • Total Cost: $20,000–$50,000 (varies by country).

    • Out-of-Pocket Costs: $15,000–$40,000

C. Pre-Teen and Teenagers (10+ Years)

  • Domestic Private Agency Adoption:

    • Total Cost: $10,000–$30,000

    • Out-of-Pocket Costs: $5,000–$15,000

  • Foster-to-Adopt:

    • Total Cost: $0–$5,000

    • Out-of-Pocket Costs: Minimal

  • International Adoption:

    • Total Cost: $20,000–$40,000

    • Out-of-Pocket Costs: $10,000–$30,000

2. Key Considerations Affecting Costs

A. Adoption Type

  • Foster Care Adoption:

    • Costs: $0–$5,000 (includes legal and home study fees, often reimbursed).

    • Many children in foster care are older, which aligns with lower costs.

  • Private Agency or Independent Adoption:

    • Costs tend to decrease as children get older, as birth mother expenses (common for newborns) are not included for older children.

  • International Adoption:

    • Costs may remain consistent across ages but can vary by country due to travel and legal requirements.

B. Special Needs or Sibling Groups

  • Adopting children with special needs or sibling groups often qualifies for subsidies or grants, significantly reducing out-of-pocket expenses.

3. Additional Costs for All Age Groups

  • Home Study: $2,500–$6,000 (may be included in agency fees).

  • Legal Fees: $5,000–$10,000 (higher for independent adoptions).

  • Travel Expenses: $1,000–$20,000 (domestic vs. international).

  • Post-Adoption Support (counseling, therapy): $1,000–$5,000 annually.