Facts on Adoption

1. Assistance Is Available

You may have never considered adoption of a special needs child, but state aid is available for any child up for adoption classified as special needs. This aid can often cover the one-time adoption fees, eliminating some of the bigger expenses for your family. You may be surprised what your state considers special needs. If you are thinking about expanding your family in this fashion, you may want to consider one of the many special needs children available for adoption. Although subsidies are available for those children with special physical, mental or emotional needs, most other medical costs will fall on the shoulders of the adoptive parents. Children with certain conditions will qualify for SSI or medical assistance. Check with your adoption agency to see if your child qualifies.

2. Covering the Fees

A public adoption agency can charge anywhere from zero to over 2,000 dollars for a public adoption. State aid may sometimes cover this fee, but other times, it may not. These fees cover travel and attorney's fees incurred by the agency during the course of the adoption. A private adoption agency can charge much more, into the tens of thousands of dollars depending on the nature of the adoption.

3. Representatives Study the Adoptive Home

Adoption involves an extensive home study done by the adoption agency and oftentimes includes a post placement supervision session as well. Intended to benefit both you and the adopted child, it's imperative to those parents who select a child with special needs. Although you might be nervous during the home study, know that most adoption agency representatives are eager to place a child in a loving home. Keep in mind no parent is perfect and most agents are reasonable during the home study process.

4. Newborns Carry More Cost and Risk

If your agency has arranged for you to take care of your birth mother's medical expenses, you will be responsible for as much a $20,000 worth of medical expenses depending on the nature and difficulty of the delivery. Keep in mind, if arranging a private adoption, you pay for medical costs up front and if the birth mother changes her mind, often you won't get reimbursement for these expenses.

5. Adopting Abroad

While this may sound exciting, keep in mind an international adoption involves extra expenses and legal fees simply because of the nature of the adoption. The child isn't technically a citizen until you fill out the proper paperwork and complete the necessary medical exams. International adoptions also involve travel expenses greater than a domestic adoption. You'll also need to be aware of your child's special emotional needs, and you may want to travel a few times during her childhood back to her country of origin, or at least arrange for a cultural experience.