Adoption Grants and Financial Information

The following information is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement of the Ametz Adoption Program or JCCA. As resources change frequently, we recommend you search the web for current information.

Many factors influence the actual fees of a specific adoption, including legal fees, medical expenses of a child or birth parent, birth parent living expenses, counseling for birth and adoptive parents, as well as older children, evaluations, homestudies and post placement visits, travel and networking expenses.

In 2004, the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse placed the cost of a private agency adoption at $5,000-$40,000 and independent adoption from $8,000-$40,000. International adoptions ranged from $7,000-$30,000. Adopting a child from a public adoption agency (foster care) can range from $0-$2,500 for finalization costs.

For some families, these costs may prohibit adopting and creating a family for a child in need. The following information is provided for information purposes and outlines some of the financial assistance families may receive when adopting. Jewish Child Care Association does not endorse any of the resources listed below. For additional information on any resource, contact them directly.

Anelise Fund (Ametz Adoption Program)

Jewish Child Care Association offers adoption grants to qualified Jewish families, living in New York or New Jersey and adopting from China. Families must have a homestudy conducted by the Ametz Adoption Program of the Jewish Child Care Association. For additional information, e-mail at ametz@jccany.org or call 212-558-9949. Jewish Child Care Association also offers reduced homestudy and post placement fees to Jewish and interfaith families adopting domestically and internationally.

Adoption Loans

Jewish families may apply to the Hebrew Free Loan Society for an adoption loan of uo to $15,000. These interest free loans are available to families adopting domestically or internationally. For more information, call 212-687-0188 x.207

The National Adoption Foundation provides grants ($500-$2,500) and unsecured loans to adopting families. They also provide an adoption credit card and 529 college savings plan. They can be reached at 100 Mill Plain Road Danbury, Conn. 06811. For grant information, call 203-791-3811. Loans are available through MBNA. For loan information, call 800-448-7061 or visit their website at http://www.nafadopt.org/.  Adoption disruption insurance is also available. http://www.rkinsurance.com/adoption1/index.html.  

Call local banks and ask if they are offering adoption loans.

Tax Credits

Search "adoption" on the International Revenue Service website, http://www.irs.gov/.

The National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) has a booklet "How To Make Adoption an Affordable Option". It is available at the NEFE Website www.nefe.org/adoption or by e-mail naic@calib.com or call 703-352-3488.

Adoption Subsidy

Some children adopted out of public agencies (foster care) are eligible for an adoption subsidy, as well as SSI benefits. More information is available from the North American Council for Adoptable Children Website at www.nacac.org/adoptionsubsidy.html or by calling 800-470-6665.

Employer Benefits

More and more employers are offering adoption benefits, including leave when a child arrives and reimbursement for some adoption related expenses. The National Adoption Center publishes a Guide for Employee Benefits which can be obtained through 800-TO-ADOPT.

Additional information can be found at http://www.adopting.org/employer.html.  

Military Benefits

Full time military personnel can receive up to $2,000 for the adoption of one child and up to $5,000 for the adoption of siblings. To receive benefits, complete DD Form 2673 (Reimbursement for Adoption Expenses).

Travel for Children in Need of Medical Care

United Way International offers assistance in the costs to transport an ill child in need of immediate medical care. For more information, contact United Way International 701 North Fairfax Street Alexandria, Virginia 22314 Attn: Melissa Guerra or call 703-519-0092.