How do I go about adopting a child?

First, decide what kind of adoption you want to pursue.  There are several ways to adopt.  Most adoptions in Arizona are:

• Agency - An agency guides you through the process and matches you to an available child (infant or older).  Through an agency, you can adopt a child from the U.S. (a domestic adoption), or from a foreign country (an international adoption).
• Independent (U.S.) - With the aid of an adoption attorney, you locate a situation in which a family wishes to place their unborn child for adoption.
• Foster Care System - You can adopt children that are legally free for adoption.  In many cases, you provide foster-care for a child until they are legally free to be adopted.

Once you have made your decision, you must obtain an adoption home study (see our FAQ).  Then, according to the type of adoption you have chosen, you go through the process of being matched to a child, meeting them and approving the adoption in court.  Finalizing the adoption usually involves one or more post-adoption/post-placement reports in the coming months (these are essentially follow-up home studies - see our FAQ).

How long does the adoption process take?

On average, 6 to 24 months, but it can vary widely based on how you're adopting, where you're adopting from and the age of the child you're adopting.  Older children are typically available much sooner.  Infants usually take the longest.

How much does adopting cost?

[Note: These are ballpark estimates - your actual costs may be higher or lower] Foreign adoptions are usually the most expensive as they involve agency fees and travel - between $30,000 - $40,000 total, on average.  Private and U.S. agency adoptions vary between about $15,000 and $30,000.  Foster-care adoptions are practically no-cost.

Keep in mind that your adoption expenses are deductible, there are currently Federal and Arizona tax credits for adoption, and many employers provide a stipend for adoption expenses.

Where can I get more information or detail?

Call us at 480-380-6248.