Adoption Questions

What Will it Cost to Adopt?

It is not costly to adopt a child with special needs. Often the agency has a sliding fee scale, and frequently there is little or no cost. Following the adoption, the children may receive subsidies to cover the medical and other necessary expenses, although the family is still likely to incur other costs, over the years, as they raise their child.

Is There Financial Assistance in order to Help Me Adopt? (U.S.A.)

Under both state and federal assistance programs, adoptive parents of children with special needs are eligible for a one-time payment of non-recurring adoption expenses. Such expenses include reasonable and necessary adoption fees, court costs, attorney fees, and other expenses.

What is a homestudy or family assessment?

A homestudy includes an assessment of the prospective adoptive parent/s through visits to the home, and an educational component to prepare the prospective adoptive parent/s to meet the needs of the adopted child. A social worker completes a homestudy over several months.

What's the best way to handle my child's questions about her adoption?

Many parents want to know when is the best time to tell a child she is adopted. The answer is that it is never too early to talk to your child about adoption. Before age 3, include age-appropriate children's books on adoption as part of your child's reading routine. Give your child information little by little, as much as she can understand. It may take years for your child to fully understand what adoption means. These early talks will give you practice in talking about adoption. They will also show your child that it is OK to bring up the topic.