American Adoptions -- America's Adoption Agency
Adoption Costs
The process of completing a successful adoption requires many skilled professionals and their respective services, such as…
- Professional Services for the Adoptive Parents - Counseling and education in preparation for raising an adopted child; completing a home study and post-placements; case-management services
- Professional Services for Birth Parents - Adoption and post-placement counseling; case management services; pictures and letters correspondence
- Birth Parent Expenses - Housing, transportation, food, maternity clothing
- Medical Expenses - Prenatal medical care; delivery and hospital costs
- Legal Expenses - Termination of parental rights; finalization; legal counsel
- Advertising for Prospective Birth Parents - Online, yellow pages, brochures, newspaper ads
American Adoptions offers the most extensive list of services to birth parents, as well as benefits to adoptive families such as short wait times and low disruptions. In order to achieve those, it requires advertising, working with the best adoption professionals in the industry, and supporting the birth parents both emotionally and financially.
For more information about adoption costs at American Adoptions, please read the articles listed below, call 1-800-ADOPTION, request free adoption information, or join now.
The Costs of Adopting
| Many couples are often overwhelmed by the cost when they begin looking into adoption. There are many factors that contribute to the cost of an adoption, including the cost of the necessary legal work, advertising fees, travel expenses, etc. |
Why Does Private Adoption Cost So Much Money?
| 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. |
Why Does American Adoptions Cost More?
Nine reasons why American Adoptions costs more than other professionals. |
State Adoption Costs
| State adoptions are indeed free, but there are still many other costs that the adoptive couple must consider when deciding between a state and private adoption. |
Living Expenses - Why?
| Learn why some birth parents may need living exenses as part of the adoption process. |
Adoption Tax Credit
| Learn about the federal adoption tax credit and how it may help you offset some of the costs associated with adopting a child. |
Financial Resources
| Learn what to consider when setting an adoption budget and financial resources that could help you with adoption-related expenses. |
Federal Family and Medical Leave Act
| Unpaid leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act is available for adoptive families. This act allows individuals to take up to 12 weeks off, unpaid but with benefits, without jeopardizing employment. |
Adoption Loans
| While it's far from ideal to borrow money for an adoption, adoptive families may find a loan necessary to cover the large and immediate expenses |
Employer-Provided Adoption Benefits
| Learn what adoption benefits some employers are now offering their employees. |
Top 100 Adoption-Friendly Workplaces in America - 2010
| The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption has released its list of the nation’s Top 100 Adoption-Friendly Workplaces for 2010. |
Bringing Adoption Benefits to the Workplace
| An initiative from the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, called the Adoption-Friendly Workplace Program, is aimed at empowering adoptive parents to lobby their employers for adoption benefits. |
- Adoption Home Study Process
Learn what a home study is and why you need one to adopt a child.
- Home Study Questions and Answers
While adoption home studies vary slightly from agency to agency and state to state, there are several key elements that are almost always included in every home study.
- Home Studies: State by State
Find a qualified professional in your state to complete your home study.
- What is the total cost for the entire adoption?
There are several factors that determine the total cost for an adoption, including the program you choose. Variables such as medical bills, birth mother expenses and legal fees vary for each adoption. We strive to maintain affordable adoptions without cutting corners. Please see the Our Domestic Adoption Programs section for further details.
- Can we choose the gender of our baby?
Have your heart set on a bouncing baby boy or a new little princess? American Adoptions now offers a gender-specific option for families hoping for a specific gender. With this option families would pay an additional Gender-Specific Fee to help our agency locate and work with birth mothers meeting this additional criteria. Please note that gender specificity may increase wait time. This fee is in addition to all other program fees and is not considered part of your adoption budget. Please contact us at 1-800-ADOPTION for minimum budget details.
- Do we need to retain our own attorney?
No - American Adoptions has established relationships with some of the best adoption attorneys in the nation. It is important to note that adoption laws vary state-to-state and often even county-to-county. As such, it is important to utilize the services of an attorney that specializes in adoption in the state the adoption will finalize in, which we will not know until you are matched with an expectant mother. Retaining your own attorney at this time is not necessary and may be an additional expense to you that is not needed.
- Adoption Newsletter
Did you know that American Adoptions offers a free bi-weekly e-newsletter? Sign up today to keep up-to-date on the latest in adoption news and information.
- Famous Adoptions
Learn which famous Hollywood actors, sports stars, politicians and other icons have been touched by adoption.
- Adoption Glossary
Do adoption terms and phrases leave you feeling confused? Learn the meaning to key adoption words and phrases with our comprehensive adoption glossary.
