International Adoption
Age Restrictions
Age requirements vary by country. Most countries require parents to be between the ages of 25 and 45 for an infant referral. Older parents may adopt toddlers and older children.
Marital Restrictions
For married couples, guidelines on length of marriage and number of previous divorces may apply. For singles, countries may prohibit placement or limit the number of children placed. Some countries explicitly prohibit gay or lesbian couples or singles from adopting.
Average Cost
Most international adoptions cost between $25,000 to $45,000. Many families are eligible for the federal tax credit of up to $13,190 per finalized adoption in tax year 2014.
Average Timeline
The average intercountry adoption process is two years from start to finish. Wait times vary significantly, from three months or less to five years or longer, depending on the circumstances in each country.
Child’s Age
In 2012, 10% of children adopted internationally were younger than 1 year old; 59% were 1-4 years; 31% were older than 4.
Child’s Race
The majority of children adopted internationally are Asian or African. Less than 15% are Caucasian (primarily from Eastern Europe).
Child’s Health
Quality of early care values varies widely by country. Where foster care is available, children usually fare well. Where children are adopted from orphanages, there are virtually always developmental lags and sometimes other medical consequences.
Medical Records
The quality of medical and other background information varies widely by country and by adoption situation. Parents will want to research the availability of information in countries under consideration.
Birth Family Contact
In most international adoptions, there has traditionally been little to no contact with the child’s birth parents. This is changing; an increasing number of parents are opening international adoptions.
Predictability of Cost and Process
Total adoption expenses usually can be predicted by knowledgeable adoption providers. In most cases, international adoptions follow a predictable path. Families can normally count on becoming parents by the end of the process. However, changing laws and practices in individual countries can lead to midstream process changes.
Control Over Process
In international adoption, parents typically choose the adoption country and agency. Beyond that, the process is dictated by the requirements of the U.S. government and those of the child’s country of origin.
U.S. Infant Adoption
Age Restrictions
No specific age requirements. Birth parents, however, may more readily select parents perceived as neither “too young” nor “too old.”
Marital Restrictions
Typically, there are no fixed rules regarding marital status, but some birth parents prefer married couples. However, adoptions of U.S. babies by singles (both straight and gay) are not unusual.
Average Cost
The cost of U.S. infant adoption varies widely, from $5,000 to $40,000. Average cost is $20,000 to $35,000. Many families are eligible for the federal tax credit of up to $13,190 per domestic adoption attempt in tax year 2014.
Average Timeline
The timeline is unpredictable. The average adoption is complete within two years.
Child’s Age
Almost all U.S. private adoptions are of very young babies. Many newborns go home from the hospital with their adoptive parents.
Child’s Race
Children adopted domestically may be of any race.
Child’s Health
Keep in mind that there are no guarantees of perfect health for any child.
Medical Records
Medical and other background information is usually, but not always, available in domestic adoptions.
Birth Family Contact
Most birth parents and adoptive parents meet at least once. Usually, birth parents and adoptive parents maintain some contact.
Predictability of Cost and Process
Families who want to adopt a newborn domestically can almost always count on doing so. Yet, along the way, as many as 50% of expectant mothers who initially consider adoption decide not to place the baby. Post placement revocations, however, are rare.
Control Over Process
Adopting parents will choose their social worker, their attorney or agency, and, sometimes, the process by which they identify a birth mother. The timing of a birth parent match will not be predictable.
U.S. Foster Adoption
Age Restrictions
No specific age requirements.
Marital Restrictions
There are typically no specific requirements regarding marital status. Research requirements for single and gay/lesbian adoption in your state.
Average Cost
Expenses are none or minimal. Additionally, many families are eligible for the federal tax credit of up to $13,190 in tax year 2014.
Average Timeline
Both the wait for placement and for adoption are unpredictable but placement can be rapid.
Child’s Age
Children adopted from foster care range in age from infants to 17-year-olds. The average age of waiting children is 8 years old. Many foster children have siblings with whom they are placed.
Child’s Race
Of children in foster care currently waiting for adoption, 28% are African American, 40% are Caucasian, and 22% are Hispanic.
Child’s Health
Children in foster care may experience consequences from neglect or abuse prior to entering care.
Medical Records
Although background information for a child in foster care may be incomplete, current medical information will be available.
Birth Family Contact
If you foster your child before adoption, you may have some contact with the birth parents. If not, you are unlikely ever to have any contact with them.
Predictability of Cost and Process
Total adoption expenses are negligible. Children may be placed with foster families who hope to adopt them before they are legally free for adoption. There can be uncertainty as to when or whether a child will become free for adoption.
Control Over Process
Adopting from foster care involves state adoption offices and courts. It is difficult to have control over the process.
