Domestic Adoption

What does Domestic Adoption mean?

Domestic adoption refers to the process of adopting a child born in the United States. Domestic adoptions can include a domestic public agency adoption which may only place special needs children. Fees can be from $0 to $2,500, although there may be state subsidies to offset the costs.

Domestic adoptions can also be done through a domestic private agency. Costs for this type of adoption can range from $4,000 to $30,000. If a family chooses to adopt through a domestic private agency, the fee will pay for the costs of counseling, the home study, child birth expenses, and the overhead and operating fees for the adoption agency.

There are several benefits to domestic adoptions. First, parents who choose this option will not have to worry about the changing policies of international adoptions. They will also be able to receive medical and social information about their prospective child. Children also may be placed with families immediately after birth and avoid placement in a foreign orphanage. Finally, if a child is adopted domestically there is a high chance they will be able to learn their adoption story if they choose to do so. The downside of domestic adoptions includes the high cost, and the lengthy waiting period.

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