Thursday, June 10, 2010

Adoption and Money part II: WHY so much?

6 comments:
 
I’m writing a series here about the details of adoption, and trying to answer some of your questions. Eventually, I will talk about something else, but you should read these, because even if you don’t care, every now and then I say something hilarious, or if you need a reason to hate, I might give you one. ;)

So, why does it cost so much? That’s probably the question I have been getting asked the most, next to what if the baby is really a demon? One thing at a time, folks.

There are a myriad of opinions as to why it costs what it does. If you are one of those who believes deeply in corporate greed and conspiracies, you could find some in adoption. Like everything else, there is corruption. I’d like to think there’s less now than ever before. It’s undeniable that there is a market to wealthy white couples who can and will pay outrageous amounts, because that’s what it costs, and there is an adoption industry that markets to that demographic. (I’m not hating on white people. I like white people)

Reform is needed, but realistically, adoption would still be somewhat costly. The fees you pay go to pay social workers for both sides, attorneys for both sides, other agency workers, often living and medical expenses for the birthmom, and then tons of small application and government paperwork fees.

The good news is, you get a baby. Also good news: if God calls you to it, He’ll help you pay for it. There are numerous foundations and organizations that provide grants or loans to adopting families, there is a government tax credit, up to $10,000, and fundraisers are, like I said, common and useful.

I’m trying not to bore you with terribly long entries. I plan on writing more about money, including “Why the heck should I pay for someone else’s kid?” “I’m poor, should I adopt?” and others! Submit other questions you might have and I will act like I know the answer!


6 comments:

  1. I have a question.

    You said you plan to adopt more and to foster.

    Will you have to pay for the social study all over again? Does it have an expiration date? Will you have to get a new social study with every kid?

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  2. How much does it end up costing to adopt a foster kid?-G

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  3. Beth- home studies are valid for 1 year, and then you pay a renewal fee and re-do some documentation for around $500 to renew it
    For foster care, we'd probably have to do a state home study and get a foster license, which is different than a basic adoption homestudy. That's what I think.


    G-Foster home studies are free, and the training is free. What might cost is if you have to use an attorney, and various background checks and documents. adoption.com lists the range from $0-$2500. So, it could be free if it was a pretty open and shut case.

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  4. From my experience with CPS if you foster in state of TX with them then they will cover adoption 100% after parental rights have been terminated. CPS also has a foster to adopt program or just a foster program. Both pay you support $$ until the adoption is final. However, one must remember that most CPS kiddos are coming from abusive homes and or drug problems. And CPS kiddos range in age from birth to 17.
    J. Davis

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  5. my little brother was a foster to adoption (CT). It was never really planned from the beginning, it was a God thing... have things planned out rosy? no.. its been hard and a struggle, but my parents have said they'd do it all over again...
    When the adoption (100% state covered) was finalized, the judge said these words "all the legal rights of a natural child are given to _______", the social workers put it this way - "He's all yours, you can't give him back" He became a full member of the family, as much a child of my parents as my sisters & I.
    If my sisters or I'd had problems, Mom and Dad wouldn't have given us back, they'd find a solution. So its become w/ my brother... He's their kid & they're fighting for him... Makes me proud to be their daughter

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  6. Hi Jess,

    I would just like to politely point out that this is Wednesday, and you had an adoption banquet on Saturday, and you have not published an update on the week's happenings, and some of us did not get to go even though we support you fully from our hearts, and we would like to hear from you, perhaps yesterday, if that were possible, please and thank you.

    Hope you're doing wonderful.

    Beth

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Jess here: if Blogger gives you problems, just click "Anonymous" and sign your name. Roll with the punches, folks...

 
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