Texas residents might agree that a child is always a blessing to a married couple. For couples who are unable to conceive naturally, adoption is often a good alternative. However, whether a child is a part of the family through natural means or through adoption, raising a child is always expensive. Even adoptive parents have to bear expenses that can be overwhelming. However, with some planning and careful research of the different adoption resources, the prospective parents can work out a budget. The parents just need to make informed decisions.
Adoption costs in Texas can go above $40,000, depending on the factors involved. The costs depend on adoption type, placement type and the child’s age and the circumstances under which the child is being adopted. The public agency adoption cost is in the range of $0 to $2,500, whereas adoption costs from private agencies are higher — $5,000 to $40,000 and above. The costs of independent adoptions are higher — in the range of $8,000 to $40,000 and above. International adoptions are the most expensive at $15,000 to $30,000.
Prospective parents who have their hearts set on adoption may wish to break down the expenses in order to understand the total costs. Then they can plan the adoption process accordingly. The universal expenses associated with the adoption process include expenses of home study and court costs. In addition to the universal costs, there are also adoption-specific expenses, such as those associated with a particular adoption.
Most parents have to pay a mix of adoption-related costs and universal expenses. Public agencies, in many cases, offer a waiver for home study expenses. They also reimburse many adoption-related expenses and offer a subsidy, in many cases.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “Costs of Adopting,” February 2011