Differences in State-Funded Child Placements & Private Adoptions
A family considering adoption for the first time may feel a bit overwhelmed by the types of adoption and available information. Prospective adoptive parents should learn about the types of adoption allowed under U.S. and state adoption laws. Families can choose from foster care adoptions, which may be state-funded, and domestic or international private adoptions. State-funded child placements differ significantly from private adoptions.
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Children's Ages
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State-funded child placements generally proceed through each state's foster care system or child welfare agency, while private adoptions go through nongovernmental adoption agencies, law offices or independently without an agency or lawyer. Families who have decided to adopt an infant or young child born in the United States may need to pursue private adoptions, as fewer infants become available through foster-care adoptions. Families who feel prepared to welcome an older child may be able to do so by adopting a child who is currently waiting in foster care. According to "Adoptive Families" magazine, in 2010 the average age of an adoptee from foster care in the United States was 9.5 years of age.
Children With Special Needs
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Children in state-funded adoptions may be more likely to have special needs than children adopted privately. Special needs can include physical, emotional, mental or behavioral needs. In state-funded adoptions, prospective adoptive parents may be able to initially become foster parents and accept temporary placements of children with special needs before they decide to adopt permanently. Foster parents can try to adopt the foster children already in their care, if the children become available for adoption. In private adoptions, families may work with agencies and birth parents before the birth and immediately take custody after the birth without much time for adjustment to caring for children with special needs.
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Adoption Costs
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According to "Adoptive Families," private adoption through an agency could result in average costs of more than $20,000 as of 2010, while an independent adoption with an attorney's help could cost up to $30,000. For foster care adoptions, however, the state-funded process may eliminate or lower some of the costs, such as home study fees. State-funded adoptions may cost several thousand dollars. However, families often receive reimbursement and tax credits that cover their costs.
State and Federal Assistance
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Each state has its own criteria for adoptive families to receive adoption-assistance funds. Families who adopt children with special needs through the state child welfare agency often qualify for financial help, which may include reimbursement of adoption expenses and even monthly payments in some situations. While families choosing private adoptions may not always qualify for state-funded assistance, all adoptive families should determine whether they qualify for federal tax credits or rebates through the U.S. government.
Post-Adoption Services
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Families choosing state-funded child placements may receive many types of post-adoption services. These resources may include counseling, adoption support groups, educational materials, training, crisis intervention and respite services. Availability varies under the laws of each state. While parents who choose private adoptions may receive post-adoption services from agencies or other providers, state-funded adoptions may include more free or low-cost resources, especially when parents have adopted children with special needs.
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References
- Adoptive Families Magazine: Adoption Options
- Adoption Guide: Sample Adoption Budgets
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: What Specific Factors or Conditions, In Addition to Those Required by the Federal Government, Does Your State Consider to Determine That a Child Cannot Be Placed With Adoptive Parents Without Providing Financial Assistance?
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: What are the Eligibility Criteria for Your State-Funded Adoption Assistance Program?
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: What Types of Postadoption Services are Available in Your State, and How Do You Find Out More About Them?
Resources
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