financial obligations

One of the comments we hear most often is that adoption is too expensive. Although some forms of adoption can be very costly, adopting a youth out of foster care is not.

Adoption Fees

When adopting a youth out of foster care, the adoptive family is not responsible for any legal fees and there are no direct adoption fees. Although you will use an attorney, the State pays the legal fees.

Adoption Subsidy

Certain categories of adoptions are eligible for 'adoption subsidies', or money paid to the adoptive family monthly from the time the adoption is finalized until the child turns 18. Those categories include older youth, sibling groups, and youth with pre-existing developmental disability. Because of the population we serve, any child served by The Way Home Adoption will be eligible for a monthly adoption subsidy.

Licensing

Every family that adopts a youth out of foster care must first be licensed to adopt. The fees associated with getting licensed can vary from agency to agency. Families may be required to pay for background checks or home inspections – those fees are generally less than a couple hundred dollars. If your home needs repairs or updates to meet current safety guidelines, those repairs are your responsibility. When you are choosing a licensing agency, be sure to ask about the costs. Some agencies charge a fee for the home study, many do not.

Other Supports Available

If you choose to adopt a child out of foster care, there are also other supports to consider. Youth may be eligible for a college tuition waiver, ongoing health insurance, and other supports. Finances do not need to be a barrier. If you have the heart for older youth adoption, there is a child waiting for you to be their forever.

FOS: means agency provides foster care licensing
ADO: means agency provides ADO licensing

Questions about how the adoption process works?