Adoption Fees in California

Adoption can be a beautiful experience, and money doesn’t have to be a barrier if you are dreaming of being a parent. Learn about adoption fees in California and learn how to estimate the cost of adoption in California so that you can prepare to be the best parent possible. You can also get help here from a professional.

How Much is Adoption in California?

Adoption costs can vary quite a bit depending on the type of adoption you seek. In some cases, foster care adoption fees can be less than $2000 and can be offset by financial assistance, which means that adoption can be affordable for many families. In other cases, you may spend $70,000-100,000 or more when you choose adoption.

At FCCA, we can help you find the best type of adoption for your family, and that includes considering your budget for adoption expenses. Whether you choose foster care adoption, infant adoption, or international adoption, we can help you understand your expenses and ways you can offset the cost of adoption. Read on to learn about the cost of foster care adoption or get help from a professional now.

Adoption Expenses

How Much are Adoption Fees in California?

Foster care adoption in California offers a significant financial advantage for many adoptive parents. Although each adoption is unique, prospective parents can typically anticipate an average cost of $2,000 to complete the foster-to-adopt process with FCCA. This makes foster care adoption one of the most affordable options compared to private domestic infant adoption or international adoption.

What are Adoption Fees in California Used For?

To facilitate an adoption through FCCA, adoptive parents are required to pay a home study fee of $1,500. This fee includes the following services:

• Conducting a comprehensive home study investigation
• Assisting with matching services, training, and education
• Providing finalization services
• Offering guidance and support throughout the entire adoption process
• And more

When comparing FCCA to other foster care agencies, adoptive parents may find that the nominal fees charged by FCCA are offset by the additional services and safeguards provided. In contrast, other agencies may require adoptive parents to engage different professionals for each service, potentially resulting in higher overall adoption costs. Here are some specific differences:

Many foster care agencies do not assist with the adoption finalization process, requiring adoptive parents to hire private legal counsel at an average cost of $1,500 or more.

Some agencies may require adoptive parents to accept multiple "regular" foster care placements instead of focusing solely on the child they wish to adopt. This is different from FCCA's fos-adopt program, which prioritizes low legal risk.

In addition to the home study fee, adoptive parents should expect minimal additional costs associated with adopting from foster care, including:

• Expenses for fingerprinting and medical exams, mandatory for licensing purposes.
• Mileage reimbursement for the initial home visit (post-placement visits have waived mileage costs).
• Miscellaneous expenses for expedited document delivery and court filing fees, typically less than $100.

Our adoption professionals are readily available to provide comprehensive information about the costs of our fos-adopt program and valuable insights into what adoptive parents can expect to pay throughout their adoption journey.

How to Offset the Cost of Adoption in California

California State Adoption Subsidies

The cost of adopting a child from foster care can often be offset by the California adoption subsidy, which is a form of public financial assistance commonly provided to families adopting from foster care.

In California, the adoption subsidy is known as the Adoption Assistance Program (AAP). This program aims to promote the adoption of children who might otherwise remain in long-term foster care.

The amount of support a family receives for a foster care adoption will vary based on the specific needs and age of the child being adopted. It includes a cash grant, MediCal coverage until the age of 18, and reimbursements for certain expenses.

The adoption subsidy payments cannot exceed the rate the child would have received if they had remained in foster care. The specific amount of the California adoption subsidy is determined through negotiation between the adoptive family and the county with legal custody of the child. Therefore, it cannot be estimated until the child is actually placed for adoption with the family.

It's important to note that adoption subsidy rates vary by state, and in California, they also differ from county to county. To learn more about the potential adoption subsidy payments for your child, it is recommended to consult with your adoption professional after finding an adoption opportunity. Additionally, you can inquire about the educational assistance available for your foster child's future college education.

Other Financial Assistance for Adopting a Child in California

Federal Adoption Tax Credit: This is a tax credit available to adoptive parents to help cover qualified adoption expenses. The tax credit is subject to eligibility criteria and limitations, but it can significantly reduce the financial burden of adoption.

Employer Adoption Benefits: Some employers offer adoption benefits as part of their employee assistance programs. These benefits may include financial assistance, reimbursement for adoption-related expenses, or paid leave for adoptive parents. Check with your employer to see if they provide any adoption benefits.

Adoption Grants and Scholarships: There are organizations and foundations that offer grants and scholarships specifically for adoption. These grants can help cover various adoption expenses, including agency fees, legal costs, and home study fees. Some examples of organizations offering adoption grants include the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and the Gift of Adoption Fund.

State and Local Grants: There may be additional grants available at the state or local level specifically for adoption. These grants vary depending on the region and may have specific eligibility criteria. Research adoption agencies, adoption support organizations, and local government websites to explore potential grant opportunities in your area.

Overall Cost of Adoption in California

Since every situation is different, the best way to get an estimate of your overall costs of adoption is to get in contact with an adoption professional and discuss your specific situation. The costs can vary quite a bit between foster care adoption, infant adoption, and international adoption, but in some cases the costs can be offset by financial assistance.

No matter what the costs are, many families find that the beautiful connections that are made through adoption are worth any cost. Get help here now.