Questions about adoption to those who have adopted?

Question

My husband and I are looking at adopting, but I have so many questions. Where and how do you get grants and help with the cost, can I adopt before I am 25, etc... I would love someone to talk to that has gone through the process, both domestically and internationally. Thanks

Answer 1

You doing a great job with getting started by asking questions. Keep asking.

We adopted our dd in Illinois. The adoption costs were close to 13,000. Adoption costs include the home study, lawayer fees, travelling expenses, etc..anything that you did to work towards an adoption is considere part of the costs.

Contact your state's Department of Human Services (Family Services, Children Services, etc...they are all called something different depending on the state). They will send a packet of info for you to read. Also, try to learn as much as you can about the laws of your state with regard to adoption. Like, how long does the biological mom have to make her final decision, how long does the father have. Is the decision final (i.e, no one can come back later because they changed their mind).

Interview the various agencies. Sit in on a free seminar with several agencies. Talk to you husband and you guys be honest on what type of child you want to adopt. Be honest and don't be ashamed of your choice.

Good luck! It's kind of difficult, but not really. We are very blessed to have our little angel and will begin on the journey again soon!

Answer 2

I adopted a beautiful baby from Guatemala.  He is 9 now.  I'd be happy to talk with you.

Answer 3

A wonderful way to adopt...and to help out children in crisis is to foster.... The reality of this, however, is that you may not have the opportunity to adopt a certain child unless they are legally taken from the parents...but it is one, a learning experience, two a way for you to make a HUGE difference in a childs life, three...a real way to have an adoption happen with little or no cost.  Most states will reimburse you for living expenses of the child and pay you a small stipened for caring for the child, then if the child becomes available for adoption...will help defray any adoption costs that occur.

You must take classes and get education about fostering, however, these children must be in stable, loving environment that has very firm boundaries so they feel safe.  

Good luck with your quest.

Answer 4

Hi don't be fooled into thinking an adoption should cost you an arm and a leg. We adopted a baby girl - the only fees we had were 1500.00 for the attorney fees.  The agency we went through was a not for profit agency. We are now in the process of getting her baby brother. Each state is different. We live in Texas where there is an abundance of kids waiting to be adopted. Good luck

Answer 5

Although my first suggestion would be to contact a local adoption agency in your area that can explain all of your options and the costs associated with each one, I can also understand how overwhelming everything is.  We adopted a child domestically.  It was originally supposed to be a private adoption, but then since the grandparents actually had custody of the child and the state was involved somewhat, we actually ended up going through an agency that processed an "identified" adoption for us.  So I have some experience with private adoption, the foster care program, and agency adoption.  Feel free to email thru my profile if I can help.  

Take care and good luck.

Answer 6

Adoption runs around $13,000 through Catholic or Lutheran Social Services.  Check with your CPA because depending on your income, there is a tax credit and you can get most of your money back, you would just need to front it until the year the adoption is final.

Answer 7

We have an adoption forum on our site.

Lots of ladies going through the process and

would be happy to help.