[angelical]

We are just beginning the adoption process. We want to adopt a child through the PA state system.

In my ignorance, I thought we'd work directly with the county, but apparently we need to go through an agency.

So, I have gotten the list from the Statewide Adoption Network, and started calling agencies.

Here's my question....

Can agencies charge fees for a state adoption? Most places have said they are free, but the agency I like the most seems to have a sliding scale.

We can afford some fees, spread out over time, but I just wondered if I'm getting hoodwinked. The woman said their fees are usually no more than $1500 total. Is that right?

We will be meeting with her in person next Tuesday. So, I'd like to know what to expect is CORRECT before that meeting.

Also, can whatever fees we incur like that be credited back to us on our taxes? Is that what the tax credit is for??

THANKS!
Sharel

[DianeS]

If PA works like CO, then yes, agencies can charge anything they like for their services. The agencies in CO have to contract with the state, and most have their necessary expenses paid for by the state, but some supliment that with charges from the adoptive parents.

One agency even charges people who want to be foster parents! $4,500 just to sign up, even if you never get a foster child in your home! But thier services don't seem to be any better than anyone else's, and I know of *no* one who has chosen to work with them--why pay when so many agencies will allow you to do the same thing at no charge?

I'd definately ask them for contact information for some of their *happy clients*--people who have successfully adopted through the state using their services. Also, ask them what they offer that is so special that they charge for it when others don't. And for a state adoption, they *should* be able to tell you exactly how much their fees will run--after all, the state pays for just about everything, so what is left that you may or may not get charged for, that they can't tell you right up front?

Now, it is possible that they're being up-front about such things as the portability of your homestudy. You'll find most of the free agencies require you to adopt from the state of PA. While that's your intention now, how long are you willing to wait if it doesn't happen for a while? Would you ever want to expand your search into NY, NJ, or MD? If so, you'll probably have to pay your agency for your homestudy (PA homestudy used in PA will be paid for by state of PA. PA homestudy used in MD won't be paid for by state of PA.). That may be where some money comes in.

Also, agencies charge you for the mandatory traning classes. some lump it into a fee of some sort (ours was in our $200 application fee), others don't tell you about those charges until you register for a particular class (two registrations for "dealing with attachment"? That'll be $74, please).

Also find out how much searching work the agency will do for you. A worker who actually actively seeks out children waiting for families and puts your homestudy in to be considered on that child is worth her weight in gold. Too many just wait for a waiting child's profile to cross their desk instead of actively searching.

My advice would be to meet with someone from one of the free agencies, too, and compare their explanations of their prices. Shop around a little, going beyond a telephone call or brochure. So much depends on how you relate to the people you'll have to deal with for the next year. Don't forget to check the BBB to be sure other people haven't felt gypped by the prices of the agency you're looking at!

About the federal tax credit, if the child you adopt is considered "special needs" (PA has its own definition of that, remember to ask that question at your meeting), then you don't have to prove that you incurred any charges--you get the maximum credit automatically.

If the child you adopt is not considered special needs, just about anything you are required to pay for is allowed to be included in what you submit in your tax statement. I believe any agency fees certainly count. (Even meals and hotel rooms count if you have to travel to meet the child! So I doubt you'd have any trouble with anything the agency sent you a bill for.)

Good luck!

[angelical]

Thank you for your informative reply. I have printed it so that I can show it to my husband, and we can formulate a list of questions that we have for the woman.

Other than the fees, I feel very happy with this agency. It is a small office, and seems to be more flexible than most - - while still giving high quality services.

One of the more important things for us is flexibility. My husband works nights and I work days, so it is going to be very difficult for us to go to weekday training sessions - - especially ones where we cannot bring out bio son (1 year old).

This agency will actually come to our house for the homestudy AND the training sessions, at our convenience. She said they do a VERY thorough home study, which gets very good feedback from social workers. And for the training, they even have videos etc that we can watch at our leisure.

So, what I am saying is that as long as the fees seem reasonable and customary, then I don't necessarily mind paying a little bit for the added service.

Well, we'll see on Tuesday! And, yes, we are going to meet with at least one "free" service to compare.

Oh, and you are right, I do get the impression that we will have more flexibility with our homestudy, in sending it out of state, with this agency.

Thanks again for your reply. It was a BIG HELP!

Sharel