Do you think employer remimbursements and tax credits in adoption are linked to the increase in adoption fees?

Question

The cost to adopt has risen dramatically in the past few decades. And many people adopting are given a tax credit and many employers offer reimbursements to those who adopt. My spouse's work offers a substantial bonus to those adopting a child.

My question is whether these financial subsidies are actually helpful or if they allow agencies to charge more in fees thus driving the market further and making adoption less attainable for many. And is it fair that some employers offer these kind of kickbacks when others do not?

Answer 1

I think you're onto something here.  I know this is a tacky analogy, but just as pizza coupons drive up the regular cost of pizzas ordered without a coupon....ya dig?

Answer 2

My husband's employer reimburses $5000. We would have adopted regardless of the tax credit or the reimbursement. However, it does help to replenish our savings after using most of it for the adoption. It's nice to know we have a nest egg for our son. I'm not sure how it might correspond to adoption agencies driving up prices on adoption. If it does, that's c**p!

Answer 3

The subsidies are a benefit to keep valued employees.  Most employers do not offer it.  I personally don't think tax credits should be offered unless the adoption is from the foster system or a child that is disabled,  but employers can do whatever they want.

Reading others answers, I wanted to add that the agencies add fees because they can.  It is also likely that their fees are going up because fewer moms are choosing adoption in the end. Many, thank goodness, are taking the time to research on the internet and finding out that there are resources to enable them to parent.  So it's either be laid off or raise fees.

Answer 4

Yes of course.  The agencies are cashing-in.    Money changing hands in exchange for babies just makes my feel physically ill

Answer 5

WITHOUT A DOUBT... the first thing discussed during the classes was how to retian financial assistance.

We did a private adoption and our attorney had a serious wreck. I asked if the agency could represent us, and they said yeah, but they'd have to charge the "placement fee" (finders fee), but don't worry you can file for the tax credit.

The WHOLE first day was about money and what "kind" of baby could one afford. People were forking out tens of thousands of dollars whith hopes of a quick er "match"

Gee I wonder how they decide which couples to present to the expectant mother, oyu know, considering the "placement fee" is income based.

I only make $69K or so, Most of the people in our class were docs and engineers with a much higher income. No wonder they tries to get his b-mom to chose one of their couples and break our adoption plan with her.

Thanks so much for asking this question.

Really does it cost $15 to send a fax, and why do they charge $300hr even for the travel time to my house.

It becomes flat out extortion. Our home study chic, told our attorney that she should be there at the heirings at a rate of $300hr and he told her that wasn't necessary.

It does make me sick, but not because I had to come out of pocket darn near a years wages.... doesn't bother me a bit, but because of how they profit and how they market.

Answer 6

Unfortunately, I do think there is an indirect correlation.

With regards to the fairness that some employers offer the "kickbacks" and others do not, every business has a choice in how they choose to hire and retain their employees.  What benefits offered is based on what people ask for.

Answer 7

Yep I do think it leads to increases in cost for adoption.