Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade this summer, the news cycle has been filled with myths about adoption. The Washington Post went as far as to decry adoption as an alternative to abortion. Yet another common tactic is to scare prospective adoptive families into believing that adoption isn’t financially feasible.
No one will dispute that for prospective parents seeking private domestic or international adoption, there are significant costs involved. The average cost of an international adoption ranges from $35,000 to $50,000, whereas the average cost for domestic adoption ranges from $20,000 to $40,000. By comparison, the cost of adoption from foster care is generally underwritten in whole or in part by the federal and state governments — families can expect costs of $5,000 or less.
However, cost need not be a prohibitive factor. Families who feel led toward private domestic or international adoption are afforded a staggering number of grants, tax incentives, and community resources at their disposal. The main obstacle to many families adopting isn’t a lack of resources, but a lack of knowledge about these numerous resources.
An abundant group of granting organizations exists solely for the purpose of helping families shoulder the legitimate cost of adoption. In this post-Roe world, many of these institutions are actively looking for families to support. Lifesong for Orphans and Show Hope are two noteworthy organizations that frequently help secure financial assistance for adoptive families.
Grants are awarded in many different ways: “matching” grants, or grants which scale in proportion to funds families raise independently, and “direct” grants, which are offered at set amounts to directly reduce the families’ fees. I strongly suggest that families apply for multiple grants and begin applying as soon as they have completed the home study process.
Outside of grants, a number of low- or no-interest “adoption loans” are available to Christian adoptive families through organizations such as the ABBA Fund or America’s Christian Credit Union. Families often use these resources to help supplement funding demands toward the end of their adoption process, especially in light of the post-adoption tax incentives which exist for families.
These tax incentives are offered to parents on a federal and state level. While these incentives don’t offer up-front funding such as grants or loans, the financial relief doesn’t need to be ignored.
The federal adoption tax credit adjusts for inflation, and in 2022 it is capped near $15,000. Tens of thousands of families benefit from this credit, translating to an estimated $400 million in tax relief annually.
At the state level, the benefits are not as straightforward. Currently, 21 states offer tax incentives of varying degrees to adoptive families.
In some states, such as Idaho and Louisiana, these credits take the form of a medical expense deduction. In others, such as Missouri, Illinois, and Iowa, a simple tax credit with capped values varies from state to state.
Even with a plethora of outside resources, the greatest asset to most families comes through their community. Churches, families, and friends are often the first ones who rally to partner with families in the adoption process. It is through these support systems that God often shows His greatest kindness and provision. In addition to providing funding and prayer support during the adoption process, countless adoptive families can testify to the love and aid they have received from their support community once they have completed their adoption.
If you have been called to adopt, don’t let money frighten you. Adoption is costly, just as healthcare around pregnancy carries real expense. While insurance companies offer health insurance, they don’t offer adoption insurance. In closing, the opportunity to see communities support adoption journeys builds strong foundations for both the families and their children.
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Herbie Newell is the president and executive director of Lifeline Children’s Services, the largest Evangelical Christian adoption agency in America, host of The Defender Podcast, and author of Image Bearers: Shifting from Pro-Birth to Pro-Life.
