Why does adoption cost so much?

Below is an itemization of possible expenses for many adoptions. There is much more involved with the adoption process than many people initially realize. This is provided as a breakdown to give couples an understanding of the services involved and costs accumulated for adoption services. It may not include every possible service needed for a particular adoption and it does not mean that every adoption will require every service listed. This itemization serves as a way to explain normal, typical adoption services.

1. Professional Services for Adoptive Parents
   • Counseling and educational preparation for adopting a child
   • Home study
   • Post-placement supervision
   • Orientation meetings
   • Case management services
2. Professional Services for Birth Parents
   • Adoption counseling
   • Post-placement counseling
   • Case management services
   • Pictures/letters correspondence
3. Birth Parent Expenses
   • Prenatal medical care
   • Delivery/hospital costs
   • Living expenses provided during pregnancy/after care
     1. Housing
     2. Transportation
     3. Food and essentials
     4. Maternity clothing
4. Newborn Care and Services
   • Hospital costs
   • Original birth certificates
   • Physical examinations by a pediatrician
   • Foster care prior to match with adoptive parents
5. Legal Expenses
   • Termination of parental rights including publications, court costs, attorney fees
   • Finalization of adoption
   • Legal counsel
   • Court reporting services
6. Investigative Expenses
   • State and local background screenings
   • State abuse registry clearances
   • Diligent search for birth fathers
7. Advertising and Printed Materials
   • Yellow Page ads
   • Brochures
   • Newspaper ads
   • Marketing packets
   • Web site maintenance
8. Office Expenses: rent, phones, supplies, postage, utilities
9. Accounting expenses
10. Salaries and Employee Benefits
    • Health insurance
    • Mileage reimbursement
    • Overtime compensation
11. General Insurance

Costs for international adoptions are often very similar to the fees listed above, however costs to maintain operations in each country and more extensive travel costs might be included. In addition, international agencies typically don't have costs of birth mother expenses listed above.

You can read more about adoption costs to determine the different cost breakdowns in greater detail.