Adoption Financing
How to Afford An Adoption with Starr Adoption Services
Navigating Adoption Finances: Costs and Funding Strategies
The journey toward expanding your family through private adoption is filled with hope and complex logistical considerations. Understanding the financial landscape is a vital step in preparing your home and heart for a new child. At Starr Adoption Services, we believe in radical transparency regarding the costs associated with the domestic adoption process.
Understanding the Investment
The total cost of a private adoption can vary significantly based on the specifics of the case, geographic location, and medical needs. Starr Adoption Services has established a flat rate fee to manage your financial risk for SAS registered families (you must be on our SAS family list prior to being present the match to be eligible for this plan). These costs are distributed across several critical areas of professional and support services.
Agency, Case Management, Professional, Support Services, and Variable Fees
Starr Adoption Services believes in conducting ethical adoptions that are supportive to both the expectant parent, adoptive parent, child, and the adoption process. We have added benefits including counseling for the child, expectant, & adoptive parents for the life of the agency, attorney representation for the expectant parent, all inclusive pricing, and more which are assessed into one consistent rate for SAS Families allowing you to plan for your adoption and mitigate your risk.
Ways to Fund Your Adoption
While the costs of private adoption can feel overwhelming, most families utilize a combination of resources to reach their goal of growing their family.
1. The Federal Adoption Tax Credit
One of the most significant financial supports is the Federal Adoption Tax Credit. This credit can offset a substantial portion of qualified adoption expenses. Because it is a tax credit rather than a deduction, it provides a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your federal tax liability. The 2026 Adoption Tax Credit is $17,670 in tax credits per child for finalized adoptions. While not a reimbursement, the tax credit remainder if not exhausted can be carried forward for up to 5 years.
2. Adoption Grants and Loans
Numerous organizations offer grants to prospective adoptive parents based on financial need, specific background (such as military service), or the child’s needs.
Common grant organizations include:
Gift of Adoption Fund
Show Hope foundation.
A Child Waits Foundation
National Adoption Foundation
Low-interest adoption loans are also available through organizations like Your Adoption Finance Coach.
3. Employer Benefits
Many corporations now offer adoption assistance programs as part of their benefits package. These may include financial reimbursement for adoption expenses or paid adoption leave. Check with your HR department to see if your employer participates in the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption’s "100 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces."
4. Personal Fundraising and Savings
Many families successfully fundraise through community events, crowdfunding platforms, or personal savings plans. Building a dedicated "Adoption Fund" early in the process can help manage the milestone-based payments, such as those due at the time of a match.