How much does it cost to adopt & what is a good adoption agency to go threw?

Question

I have had 2 kidney transplants in my life & I am unable to conceive children & my boyfriend & I have talked about adoption when the time is right. I just need a little info.

Thanks.

Answer 1

It depends on what kind of child you are looking to adopt. If you only want a 'healthy, white infant' not only are you going to have to pay through the nose, but you are going to have a very long wait.

We adopted our three children though the state - two were through the Department of Children and Families, and one was through Children's Home Society. The one from CHS was sort of a private adoption in that we had a fee we had to pay (something like 15% of our combined gross income, with a cap that I'm sure has changed in 15 years), and we had to pay our own attorney, and we received no subsidy from the state. The two through DCF we did not have to pay anything for. There was no adoption fee, we used the lawyer they recommended, who charged well below the $1000 the DCF would reimburse, and we received a monthly subsidy of about $300 for each child. They also both received Medicaid and a special rider for any psychological treatment they would need, and both received 4 year scholarships to any state university (our state - Florida).

The one we adopted through CHS was bi-racial, 4 months old when we got him, and it took about 4 months from starting the paperwork to placement. His birthmother chose us, so we were lucky.

The next one we adopted was 11 years old when we got her. We met her in early May, and she moved in in July. She is also bi-racial, and being older also made things easier for us to get her, but adopting an older child is certainly not something for the faint of heart. Now, 11 years later, she is a wonderful daughter and a wonderful mother.

The last one we adopted was a black boy who was about 1 1/2 when we met him. He was cocaine positive at birth, which made him a special needs (along with being black), and he was placed with us about 2 months after we met him. His only problem is that he has ADHD and a bit of a learning problem in math, but is very smart and creative.

Try contacting your state or county's child welfare agency if you are interested. I wouldn't trade my kids for anything in the world.

Answer 2

Assuming that your "boyfriend" will turn into your husband, your health issues may preclude you from adoption.  You will definitely need a clean bill of health and long term prognosis from a physician.

Answer 3

I believe Melissa is missing a zero from each of her numbers.

www.adoptionattorneys.org

There is a state by state search function that will help you locate an attorney that specializes in adoption.  This means that they have a network of contacts and resources that will make the process easier for you.

Answer 4

I think you need to concentrate on your own health and building the relationship you have with your boyfriend. What's the hurry? There must be hundreds of things on your to-do list that you would want to get done before you had children, anyway.

And take some time to really face the grief of not being able to conceive. That's a sad truth in your life, and needs to be acknowledged. Just like the kidney transplants. Your life is taking a different path than the norm. That's OK. You don't have to do everything exactly like everyone else.

Answer 5

http://www.adoption.com

Answer 6

You've been through a lot and I think adoption would be an excellent opportunity for you and your boyfriend!  You will have to think through several factors including age, country, medical history, etc.  of the child you'd wish to adopt.  Adoptions overseas are sometimes "faster" but are also costly into the $2000-$6000 range, not including travel expense...which is quite a bit if you go to Russia or China more than once.  There are lots of pre-requisites for adopting.  They like to see long, committed relationships...are you and you boyfriend considering marriage?  They like to see steadiness...and pattern in your life.  This includes your marriage, job, financial status, living arrangements, health, etc.  Just keep those things in mind.  Even if you aren't planning on adopting for another 5 years, looking into it now is a great idea.  This way you know what to expect.  Adoption agencies are very welcoming to anyone interested in information, so don't be afraid to call one.  Make sure you research and chose a credible agency.  Good luck and bless you for opening your hearts to a child.