What Is the Cost of a Home Study for Adoption in California?

The home study is one of the most intimidating parts of the adoption process for many hopeful families. Many families are also worried about the cost of the adoption home study in California. But, when you have the right support system in place, such as an adoption agency, you won’t have to worry.

To contact an adoption agency today, fill out our online contact form to get free adoption information now. We’d be happy to break down the home study for adoption cost when you work with us. Our team will explain everything that you need to know about your home study, including how much it costs.

What Is the Cost of a Home Study for Adoption in California?

The average cost of an adoption home study is $1,500 with our agency. Depending on your adoption preferences and unique journey, though, keep in mind that this cost may vary. That’s because it includes home study updates, administrative fees, post-placement support and more.

The services you’ll receive from our agency will put you in the best position to have a successful adoption. Just like the rest of your adoption process, we’ll guide you through each step of the home study from start to finish. Here’s what you can expect:

• Interviews with your social worker
• In-home child safety inspection
• Post-placement visits and support

Whether you’re curious about the average cost for a home study in private domestic adoption, or you want more information on the foster care home study cost, we can help. We complete home studies for both of these types of adoption, and you can start that process today.

Fill out our online contact form whenever you’re ready to begin.

How to Minimize the Cost of an Adoption Home Study in California

If you’re concerned about being able to afford the cost of the adoption home study in California, then there are some ways to reduce it. To be more specific, you can subsidize the foster care home study cost in a couple of useful programs.

Adoption Assistance Program

In California, you might be eligible for the Adoption Assistance Program. The AAP is meant to provide medical and financial coverage to facilitate the adoption of children who would otherwise stay in long-term foster care. As a result, this can help you with the foster care home study cost in California, too.

To give you a better idea of what this program entails, here are some of the AAP benefits that an eligible child may receive:

• Monthly negotiated rate
• Medical coverage through Medicaid or Medi-Cal
• Payment for an eligible out-of-home placement
• Reimbursement of non-recurring adoption expenses (up to $400 per child per adoption)
• Continued eligible benefits until age 21

Federal Adoption Tax Credit

Another way to reduce the cost of an adoption home study is through the federal adoption tax credit. If you plan on adopting from the foster care system, then you might be able to claim certain adoption expenses on your taxes. When your child is eligible, you can claim the maximum amount of IRS adoption credit, disregarding your adoption expenses. For 2022, that amount is $14,890 per child.

Keep in mind that this tax credit is non-refundable, so it’s limited to your tax liability for the year. But, any credit that exceeds your tax liability can be carried for up to five years. If you’re wondering what some qualified adoption expenses are, then they include:

• Court costs and attorney fees
• Traveling expenses (including meals and shelter while away from home)
• Reasonable and necessary adoption fees

How to Find an Adoption Home Study Provider

All home study providers are different. In a similar vein, the home study for adoption cost will vary from professional to professional. The quality of their services will vary, too. That’s why working with our agency is your best bet. We are licensed throughout the state of California and can help you in many parts of the Golden State. Through our partnership with a national adoption agency, our comprehensive resources will provide you with the best support possible. If you are ready to minimize your cost of the adoption home study in California and receive as smooth and stress-free an experience as possible, then contact us today.