Adoption is a beautiful way to grow a family. With more than 100,000 children for adoption in the United States, according to US Department of Health and Human Services , it's an avenue many hopeful parents investigate. There are five typical ways to begin the journey to adopting , and each one includes different adoption costs that hopeful parents need to be aware of.
So, how much does adoption cost? First you should be aware of the five typical avenues for adoption in the United States: adopting a relative, adopting a stepchild, international adoption, domestic adoption, and foster adoption. While legal fees are involved in each of the five adoption pathways, the average cost of adoption is much higher for these three types of adoption: The fees that come with the adoption process can vary greatly depending on the type of adoption and in situations where additional advocacy may be necessary, Jodi Miyama, LMSW, senior executive of international adoption at Holt International, tells PS. Here's what you need to know.
Jodi Miyama , LMSW, is a senior executive of international adoption at Holt International. Ryan Hanlon is the president and CEO of the National Council For Adoption. How Much Does International Adoption Cost? "Average fees can range between $25,000 and $60,000" for international adoption, Miyama explains.
"The fees cover home-study fees, parent training, agency fees (staffing, licensing, accreditation, operational costs), United States Citizen and Immigration Serv.