Resources That Make Adoption Affordable
The adoption process can bring an immense amount of joy, but depending on the program, it can also be expensive. While the majority of costs are covered for those who adopt from MN foster care, families who chose to adopt through U.S. infant or international adoption are faced with a variety of adoption fees. Families from all economic situations can adopt by tapping into a variety of resources and strategies.
Your Adoption Finance Coach
Your Adoption Finance Coach (YAFC) services are free for our families, services include budgeting tips, training, funding application templates, individualized financial plans, finance boot camp and more!
As a client of CH/LSS you may also consult one-on-one with an adoption finance coach to discuss your individual circumstances.
Access YAFC
If you are a current client of CH/LSS or are interested in a free preliminary consultation, please email us.
Learn More about YAFC Login to YAFC portalAdoption Support Fund
Through private donations, Children’s Home offers the Adoption Support Fund to individuals using our services. For adoption grants, priority is given to families that are adopting relatives, sibling groups, school-age children, and children of all ages with identified needs. Applicants must be CH/LSS clients and must be matched to a child(ren) at the time of application, those pursuing a relative/identified adoption may apply at any time.
Individuals using our education and support services can apply for a grant anytime. We never want fees to be a barrier to post-adoption services.
Applicants are individually reviewed by a staff committee. Grants range from $25 – $10,000.
Please contact us for an Adoption Support Fund application.
Brittany’s Hope
Children’s Home is proud to be an affiliate of Brittany’s Hope, who offers financial grants to individuals or families who are adopting a child with identified needs, an older child, or a sibling group. To learn more about the BH Adoption Grant program or to obtain an application, contact Sue Orban.
Adoption Tax Credit
Tax benefits for adoption include both a tax credit for qualified adoption expenses paid to adopt an eligible child and an exclusion from income for employer-provided adoption assistance. The credit is nonrefundable, which means it’s limited to your tax liability for the year. However, any credit in excess of your tax liability may be carried forward for up to five years. The maximum amount for 2023 is $15,950 per child.
Learn MoreAssistance, Grants, Loans & More
There are a number of organizations that provide financial aid and grants to adoptive families. We at CH/LSS do not recommend any particular organization, nor is this an exhaustive list. Please check with each organization prior to submitting an application.
Employee Benefits
Many employers offer adoption benefits and others might be willing to consider ways to become more adoption-friendly workplaces. Speak with your HR department about whether or not your employer offers adoption benefits. If they do—then be sure to utilize them! If they don’t, The Dave Thomas Foundation provides Adoption-Friendly Workplace kits that will help your employer find ways to become more adoption-friendly.
Visit Dave Thomas Foundation Website for More InformationAdditional Resources
Debt-free Adoption Webinar | Julie Gumm, Adoptive Mother, and Author, Adopt Without Debt: Creative Ways to Cover the Cost of Adoption, talks about strategies you can use to adopt a child debt-free.
LSS Financial Counseling | Trusted, holistic financial counseling service, providing nonjudgmental guidance and knowledge for more than 35 years.
