Dottie Enrico
Adoptive Mom and Adoptee Executive Creative Director, Holt International
International adoption is expensive, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways for families with moderate incomes to make it work.
Money should never stand between a child and a loving family. But if you’re considering adoption, that’s often what it comes down to.
Around the world, thousands of children are growing up without a family and many face growing up in orphanages. Many of these kids could have a family — if only prospective parents could afford all the fees and expenses required to adopt.
There’s no doubt about it — international adoption is expensive. But it’s a myth that you have to be wealthy to adopt.
Every year, moderate-income families can and do find ways to fund their adoptions. They take advantage of the federal adoption tax credit and employer assistance programs. They hold fundraisers and apply for adoption grants.
Some organizations also offer extra help to families open to adopting older children and children with special needs. These children actually represent the vast majority of children now waiting for adoptive families.