[Happy]

Did you say you were in NC? I am, too. The rate for basic foster or adoption is the same and it is set state-wide. we get (I think) about $315 month for our 11 year old foster-adopt son. It is less for 5 and under, more for 13 and up. I would be concerned about the $50 reduction. Perhaps the child is younger than you were looking at the rates for?
I would also raise heck about their attitude about therapy. There is NO WAY I would be anything but 100% involved in therapy for any child of mine. Remember, once you adopt, it is the same as if the child is born to you and no one can tell you what therapist to go to or how involved you should be. That is totally up to you.
My agency charged me nothing for the homestudy, but only asked that I stay in-state for one year, then it was free to me to take anywhere I want. Luckily we were placed with J in a little over a year. There are lots of kids in NC. And if you are willing to do therapeutic you should have no trouble finding a placement. The only reason it took us so long is that we have young children in the home and could only handle the mildest of issues.
Good luck to you
Happy