Understanding the Costs of International Adoption and the Role of Agape Adoptions

It's crucial to know that Agape Adoptions is a nonprofit organization. The fees paid are not for profit but rather cover the extensive services you receive throughout the complex international adoption process. These services involve numerous professionals, governmental bodies, and logistical arrangements in both the United States and your child's country of origin. International adoption is a regulated process designed to protect the best interests of children, and this necessitates a comprehensive and thorough approach.

The overall cost of an international adoption is a sum of various essential services and processes. This amount varies depending on the country program and specific circumstances. Agape Adoptions provides detailed fee schedules for each country program, offering a clear picture of the anticipated expenses.

Here’s a general breakdown of where your adoption fees are allocated:

1. Agency Fees (Agape Adoptions): As a nonprofit, our agency fees cover the      direct services we provide to you. This includes:
   • Home study services (where applicable)
   • Parent education and preparation
   • Dossier guidance and review
   • Case management and support from dedicated social workers and staff
   • Communication with foreign programs and authorities
   • Post-adoption support and reporting assistance
   • Operational costs to ensure we can provide these professional services ethically and effectively.

1. Government  Document Processing (State, Embassy, etc.): A significant portion of your dossier involves obtaining and authenticating documents through various U.S. government offices, including state-level certifications and embassy legalizations.
2. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): Fees are paid to USCIS for processing your orphan petition (I-600A/I-600 or I-800A/I-800) and your child’s subsequent visa application.
3. Accrediting Entity: Agape Adoptions is a Hague-accredited agency. Fees are paid to our accrediting entity, CEAS (Center for Excellence in Adoption Services) for the crucial oversight and monitoring that ensures ethical practices and compliance with international adoption standards. This accreditation is vital for the protection of children, birth families, and adoptive      families.
4. Foreign Country Central Authority and Attorneys: These fees cover the work done in your child's country of origin. This includes:
   • Fees to the country's Central Adoption Authority or relevant government  ministries
   • Legal fees for in-country attorneys and Foreign Supervised Providers who handle the in-country adoption processing   
   • Translation of documents
   • Sometimes, a required contribution to the orphanage or child welfare programs

1. Travel Costs: This is a significant component and includes:
   • International airfare for one or both parents
   • Lodging and living accommodations in the foreign country (which can range from       one to multiple trips of varying lengths)
   • In-country transportation

We understand that funding an adoption is a major consideration. Agape Adoptions is dedicated to supporting you through this. Families typically finance their adoptions through a combination of:

• Adoption Grants: Numerous organizations offer grants specifically for adoption.
• Loans: Adoption loans are available from various financial institutions.
• Budgeting & Savings: Personal savings often form a foundational part of financing.
• Fundraising: Many families successfully raise funds through community efforts and online platforms.
• The Adoption Tax Credit: A significant federal tax credit is available to help offset adoption expenses (consult a tax professional for details).pictures, and visits. Agape Adoptions offers support and guidance for families considering open adoption.

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