So why fundraise? - Part 1

Our last post mentioned us being anxious about our finances, so I wanted to talk a bit about why we and others decide to fundraise for an adoption.

When people hear about adoptive parents fundraising, they sometimes ask "Why do you need to raise money? Why don’t you pay for it yourselves?” or “Why would you adopt if you can’t afford it?”  Some may feel it is wrong to fundraise for an adoption, reasoning that other families do not fundraise when they have biological children or that you should save the money for an adoption.  These are certainly valid concerns, so I want to address those concerns here and, hopefully, help others better understand the costs and financing of an adoption. Adoption costs and financing definitely play a major role in the process, so much so that some people don't do it because they think they can’t afford it. 

One thing I have found is that people generally ask these types of questions because they are sincerely curious or just don’t know much about adoption.  Those of us who have experienced adoption in some way have learned these things in the process, and I think sometimes we can forget that others may just not know.  So one of our hopes for this blog is that we can inform and educate others about adoption.  I am by no means an expert, nor can I speak for every case, but here is what I have learned in my research and experience.

First, let us consider:

What type of adoption is it?

The cost can vary greatly according to the type of adoption.

 

·         An independent, domestic adoption can cost $8,000-$30,000. (Our first adoption was on the low end of $8,000.)

·         An agency-facilitated, domestic adoption will typically cost $10,000-$40,000.

·         A foster care, domestic adoption costs $0-$2,500, as they are subsidized by the government.   

·         An independent, international adoption will cost $15,000-$50,000 and varies depending on the country fees, travel distance, etc. (Our upcoming adoption will cost an estimated $25,000, of which $10,000 is just travel expenses, mostly airfare.) 

·         An agency-facilitated international adoption typically costs $25,000-$60,000+.  Again, it varies depending on country fees, travel distance, number of trips required, etc.

Items that drive adoption costs can include: home study fees, paperwork fees (notary/postage), medical fees for physicals and blood tests, background and police checks, lawyer fees, agency fees, court costs, travel expenses, medical expenses for a birthmother, advertising to find a child, country fees, etc.  Whether it is domestic or international will effect the cost and the number of items needed to complete the adoption.

While both of our adoptions are independent, I don’t oppose using an agency.  We did not use one simply because we did not start the process until after hearing about a child needing a family and an agency was not needed.  For those who feel called to adopt and a child hasn’t been identified yet, agencies are generally used to help facilitate the adoption and identify children in need of families; however, there is a cost for their service and years of expertise.

So, as you can see, there is HUGE difference here! 

This will give us plenty to think about for today.  We hope you'll come back tomorrow for part two of this three-part series… :-)