Why is it in some cases depending on race or gender it's cheaper or more expensive to adopt?

Sad, that the fees continually raise day by day...with no end in sight. I have to say it does anger me to talk to caseworkers who've made it clear their fees are based on the adoption tax credit---with the impression adoptive couples can re-coup their fee money when they file their taxes.

That simply isn't true; and you'd be shocked to know how many agencies consider that 'credit' more or less a refund---which it is not.

Okay...that aside....I really want to stress that with each posted situation that seems high---there are always other situations with fees that are more reasonable. Our last three babies are testament to that. Situations for adoption can also be affected by how much drug exposure the baby has had; race of baby; any type of possible mental illnesses might have the chance of being inherited, etc.

And, if a couple has little to no money to risk, there's always the request to an agency/attorney that the adoptive couple only wants to accept 'already born' babies. (One agency I knew referred to them as Stork Babies'.) With these types of situations, most relinquishments have been signed, and any further wait is due to the 30 day putative father registry. While there is some risk, if you are aware of the full situation, a couple can assess how much risk that might be; but, at least the birthmother has made her choice as to what she wants to do.

Generally too, situations with attorneys are less expensive. At least this has been our experience. And finally, there is a Christian agency called, Childplace (Jeffersonville, IN) that charges a flat rate for 'any race of baby' placements---$10,000. Legals and finals have to be paid (amounting to generally, anywhere from $3,000-$5,000 for all)...and of course, some travel. Those are still very good fees overall. (Special needs situations are less expensive and vary according to the need. This 'need' does not include the fact that the baby is AA---which is something some agencies DO consider.)

While travel may seem expensive for some, I've often heard of couples being allowed to stay in a nearby Ronald McDonald house--as long as there's room available, which can be much less expensive. (Never have done this myself, but have heard it.) Additionally, a lot of couples stay in 'extended stay' motels...where, I'm told, even some of these will give a discount if they know it's for an adopting couple. (Again, I've never done this, but have heard it.)

I still remain optimistic, that there are situations for totals of 10-12k (not including homestudy). I know they exist, as we recently 'passed' on one because the attorney wanted half of the money previous to birth. This is a practice we won't involve ourselves in, and so, we passed. For what it's worth, our own adoption agency, charges a $5k placement fee for all adoptions, w/o finals/legals. Further, fees are NOT payable until the birthmother (and birthfather, if he's involved) sign relinquishments. Again, the risk is the possible signing of the putative father registry. Figuring in these, an adoption can be conducted for under $10k. The main problem with this agency, however, is that they conduct very few adoptions each year; though, their practices are more than fair to every party of an adoption.

The main thing overall, I think, is to NOT get discouraged. Do a lot of searching and networking yourself. And, even if an agency charges too much, always offer to leave your name as a possibility (most will take this). You just never know when an agency is going to be in a spot where no family is available---baby is already born----and your number will be the one the agency/attorney will need! :)

Sincerely,

Linny

Are all of the "adoption referral agencies" listed in your article truly those who provide "referral" services (e.g., facilitators)?  I don't personally know ALL of those listed, but many of them are adoption facilitators or adoption referral services.  If this is the case, the fees noted above should include that "agencies" fee.  For example, Hands to Hold, an adoption referral service, charges $1500 at the time of a match.  Granted this is not a HUGE fee, like those of other services; Adopt-Now, for instance, charges $14,000 up front! 

If prospective adoptive parent(s) chooses not to use those services, and uses a reputable non-profit adoption agency, the fees are less.