[ArmyWife55]

if you dont mind sharing... for those of you who have adopted or are well into the adoption process... how much is/has it cost you.... and how did you go about getting the money?

I know that the Lord has put the desire in my heart to adopt.. (I've known since i was 9 years old).... so I know that He will supply our every need.. but I have to admit that the idea of how much it costs seems very overwhelming. im too much of a planner for my own good.

I could use some encouragement... thank you.

[tobeafamily]

Krista,

We adopted our son Ryan through domestic parental placement (AKA 'private') adoption 2 years ago. DH at the time was AD/USN E-6, now retired (2003). Our total expenses to adopt were $14,000, though we didn't spend that all at once, and through military and federal refunds/credits we got $12,000 of that back.

This is actually on the 'high side' for domestic adoption - most situations are well under $10K. There's a reason why you see high dollar domestic situations posted on the web - because very few can and are willing to pay that much.

Our largest single check written though was for $2300 to our attorney for finalization, and they even offered to take a payment plan.

Before we began our homestudy process, we set a savings goal. To meet it here are things we did:

1. Cut some but not all of our extra expenses - things like SCUBA trips and eating at expensive restaurants. Instead, we ate at moderate restaurants and such.

2. We asked our friends and family to give us gifts to our 'baby fund' in lieu of gifts at Christmas and birthdays. We got many 'just because' contributions.

3. Had garage sales and told everyone who came that we were raising funds for an adoption. We got lots of 'keep the change' and a few outright donations.

4. Sold stuff on eBay (amazing what you can sell on eBay) and put in our listing and 'about us' page that we were raising funds for an adoption.

5. We didn't do this but others we're friends with raised money having home parties like Homemade Gourmet, Tupperware, Pampered Chef, etc. Have to get the distributor to agree to give you some/all proceeds. Many will I think.

HTH, best of luck.

Regina

[Gwen]

Steven Curtis Chapman provides (on an acceptance basis) financial grants. It is called Shohannah's hope (I think that is the approx. spelling) His latest love CD has a beautiful adoption song in the end......He has apoted two girls from China and is providing this oppurtunity. I don't know all the things you need to qualify or the specifics but doing a search for this foundation will help (I hope)
Gwen

[Momof2andcats]

Hello! I had posted this on another support board so I thought I would just copy and paste it here! I know coming up with the funds can seem completely overwhelming-but the smartest thing I have found is to not look at the big picture! Take it in small measurable goals and it is a lot less overwhelming!! Good luck!

how we funded our two adoptions is this:
-used my husbands stock money from work
-used my husbands annual bonus
-used our tax refund
-sold off stuff that we never used like treadmill, old car etc.-added up quick
-gifts from friends/family
-refinanced house, but I do realize you said this is not an option for you
-saved each month
-donated plasma to pay for small expenses like fingerprinting, travel etc.
-held rummage sale
-applied frugal living tips as far as no cell phones, no cable tv, quit eating out etc.-pocketed money(added up to over $250 a month!)
-sold new car, bought a used minivan with cash and used money that would have been the car payment and put it into savings each month(gave us $300 a month!)
-budgeted money that would have gone for formula, diapers etc and put that into a baby saving fund!(about $75 a month-also showed our SW that we were more than able to handle the expenses of a baby)


Like I said above-don't focus on the total amount.
For example, the homestudy for us was $2200-we focused on saving for that in $200 increments instead of the whole $2200. Setting manageable small goals helped and we only had to finance one adoption. The rest was through saving! Good luck! -Sarah(mom of two)

[amom4life]

We haven't totaled up the cost yet as we are not done. I will caution you to be prepared for unexpected costs too.

We financed our adoption by refinancing our home. Our friends borrowed from the husband's 401k.
Judy

[mj77]

We adopted through our state so there was no cost involved. There are babies out there. The wait might be a little longer. We had put our home study in for 5 babies under 8 months who were relatively healthy. Your state might tell you it's rare but they are out there. If you are interested in children up to age 2, your chances of finding kids are even greater. Also state adoption in not limited to your state. You will be able to look outside your state however the children would have to be legally free (parental rights terminated). PM me if you have any questions.

Melissa

[navyjoy1920]

We've just started. Hubby was surprised when he saw the total cost but it's much more manageable when taken in chunks. I like the idea of setting small goals. Also, if you are still military, ensure you are using all of your benefits. For instance, we're buying as much as possible on base to save up. Hubby keeps a change jar- amazing how much that adds up. Movies and other entertainment on base too. As a last resort, we considered taking a "dead horse" when we transferred- no interest. However, we sold an old vehicle instead. Being creative is going to be the key. Also, I hae no shame- I tell my friends I'm saving for the most important investment ever so I can't splurge like before.

I know God will bless our endeavors- He said so!!

Rai

[ArmyWife55]

i really feel like the Lord has encouraged me today through you folks... probably the #1 thing that has worried me has been the money... but youve really made me realize that adoption IS attainable.... adoption really can work for us.

thank you for your kind words and GREAT ideas.

God bless you....

[ellia3]

Hi we adopted through a state funded agency. OUr cost was free except for cost for fingerprintingand background checks. Our wait was also very short- two months. Call your local Dss office they can give you a list of state funded agencies that handle free adoptions for the age child you are seeking. We wanted an infant and that's what we got , exactly two months after our completed homestudy.