2 Corinthians 1:10
 

Adoption Costs

International adoption from Ethiopia can be very expensive, which is why we provide Adoption Assistance. See below for a listing of typical costs. These costs vary depending on your agency.


Estimated Adoption Expenses

Expense

Cost

Application$200 - $400
Your agency will open a file for your family and conduct an preliminary assessment that provides initial assurance that they will be able to place a child with you. This fee is usually due when first applying and usually non-refundable.
Homestudy$1,000 - $3,000
Often called an “adoption study,” a professional social worker will help your family understand international adoption and assess your ability to parent a child not born to you. The social worker will prepare a document (the homestudy), which is required by virtually every country in the world in order to adopt. Depending on your agency, the homestudy can either be conducted by your agency or an approved and certified social worker.
Agency or Dossier Fee$3,000 - $6,000
Depending on your agency, they will charge you a fee for processing and placing a child with you. This fee covers the agencies expenses related to placing a child with you.
Program Fee$8,000 - $10,000
This fees covers the adoption agency costs in your child’s country of birth. It usually includes:
  • background investigation and identification of child
  • social services
  • legal fees
  • accepting legal responsibility for the child
  • working with government and agency authorities
  • translation
  • child care, medical expenses
  • passport and U.S. visa fees in the child's country
  • in country travel arrangements and assistance

In addition part of this fee goes to support other orphans at institutions who will not be adopted.

USCIS Filing and Fingerprinting$830
Before you go pick up your child, you must have filed your I-600A form with USCIS. The filing fee is currently $670. Additionally, each person over the age of 18 in the household must be fingerprinted for a fee of $80 per person.
Travel cost$6,000 - $8,000
This cost assumes both parent will travel to Ethiopia. Included in this cost are airfare ($1300-2000 per person), vaccinations ($300-600 per person), and in country expenses such as lodging, transportation, food and sight seeing. Some agencies provide an escort service that may reduce this cost, but we recommend seeing the land of your child's birth. Also remember that if your child is old enough, they may require a separate one-way plane ticket.
Post placement$500 - $1,500
Several official reports are required after your child is home. Usually at 1, 3, and 6 months a licensed social worker must visit your home to ensure the child is safe and that the transition is going well.
Readoption$1000 - $2000
Most people forget this expense, but it is necessary. Since an Ethiopian child enters the US on an IR3 visa, they must be readopted to become US citizens. Depending on your state of residence, this may involve going before a US judge, and filing for a Certificate of Naturalization from USCIS.
ESTIMATED TOTAL$20,530 - $31,730
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