We are fostering (and hoping to adopt) through the state rather than an agency. We chose this route because we like the idea of working directly with the state and being on the first "tier" so to speak of homes available. We paid nothing for our training, fire inspection, health inspection, or homestudy. And as another reader posted, it only costs about $1500 to adopt through the state. I've met a few attorneys in our area that enjoy doing adoptions so much they wait for you to get reimbursed by the state for their payment. So legal out of pocket expenses have been nothing at all for one family I met that has gone this route. We are certified now but still waiting for our first placement. Going the state foster-to-adopt route is very time consuming and requires much patience because you're dealing with a beauracracy. But it doesn't seem to be financially taxing. Good luck on your decision!
