Is It Hard To Adopt In The US?

How much time and money does it take to become an adoptive parent?

How many people do you know who have done it?

For years, the US has been the most popular country for international adoptions, though it's a relatively small percentage of the overall adoption market. There are currently more than 100,000 children in foster care in the US, according to Child Welfare Information Gateway, and there are about 3.5 million children waiting to be adopted, according to Adoptive Families. The number of foreign-born parents wanting to adopt here is also increasing, as is the number of available children. In fact, the number of children being adopted internationally increased by 20 percent between 2018 and 2019, with the highest numbers coming from China and India.

The cost to adopt varies widely, depending on where you live, how many children are waiting, the ages of the children you want to adopt, and how old the child is. In some cases, it's free. In others, it's a few hundred dollars or more. Some states have programs that help offset some of the costs. In New York, for example, the state covers a portion of the cost of home studies, court fees, and agency fees for newborns. The Department of Health and Human Services says that in order to adopt a child, an average family can expect to spend between $20,000 and $30,000.

But what are the actual steps to becoming an adoptive parent? Is it as easy as signing a few papers and filling out a questionnaire?

Becoming an adoptive parent is a process. It requires planning, time, energy, and patience, as well as emotional and financial commitment.

Here are some of the key steps that you need to consider before adopting a child.

1. Make sure you're ready to be a parent.

Adopting a child is a big responsibility. If you're ready to commit to that responsibility, then it's time to take the next step.

2. Get pre-approved for adoption

Adoptive families often need to be pre-approved by an agency before they can begin looking at children. You'll likely be asked to complete paperwork about your finances and your health.

3. Find an agency that can help you

Some agencies specialize in certain types of adoptions, like domestic, international, gay, lesbian, or single. Others work with adoptive parents from diverse backgrounds. Some are religious, while others are secular. They all have different policies and procedures. It's important to find a reputable agency that can provide the kind of service you need.

4. Meet with an agency and speak with the caseworker

An agency will give you access to the children who are available to be adopted. The caseworker will help you understand the adoption process, including what your responsibilities will be once the child has arrived. She or he will also advise you on what's best for the child, and which children would be best suited to your family.

5. Look at the children and make a decision

Once you've talked to the caseworker, it's time to look at the children. This is called "home study." You'll meet the child, and the caseworker will also meet with the child's parents. The caseworker will look at your home and see if it would be appropriate for the child. You'll also meet the child's medical and behavioral needs.

6. Adopt the child

After the home study, it's time to make the big decision. An agency may help you complete the adoption paperwork, and you may need to appear in front of a judge. You'll also need to arrange for the child to come to your house. Once the child is in your care, it's up to you to decide if the child is a good fit for your family.

7. Choose a name and a school

Once the adoption is complete, it's time to choose a name and a school. There are thousands of kids waiting to be adopted, so it's important to choose carefully.

8. Pay the required fees and taxes

There are fees and taxes involved in becoming an adoptive parent, including a tax credit and a tax return. You may also be required to pay for an infant's health insurance.

9. Arrange for a post-adoption checkup

Once the adoption is complete, there are a number of medical and developmental checks that need to be done. You'll need to arrange for the child's first post-adoption visit, and pay for the tests.

10. Stay in touch

Once the adoption is complete, it's important to stay connected with the child and the other members of the family. After all, you're now a part of the child's life.

11. Send out holiday cards

It's important to send out holiday cards after the adoption. Adoptive families often exchange holiday cards with one another. It's a way to show your support and to get to know other adoptive parents.

12. Celebrate the adoption

The holidays are a time to celebrate, and your adoption is no exception. You and the family will celebrate together, and you'll also have a chance to show off the family portrait you took after the adoption.