Adoption Fees
Cost of Adopting a Child?
The Cradle is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit adoption agency. As such, we do not seek to make a profit from our adoption services. The Cradle makes every effort to keep adoption a financially accessible option for building your family.
Each program has their own fee structure based on the services The Cradle will be providing to you. For some of our programs, you will be working with a separate placing agency/primary provider which you will need to ask them about their fees.
Adoption Programs
See the fee structure below for The Cradle’s Adoption Programs:
Schedule of Fees and Expenses
Effective January 1, 2024
Fees may be paid by check or credit card
| Cradle Domestic | Intercountry | Agency Assisted Domestic | |
| Application Fee | $500 | $500 | $500 |
| Home Study Phase I | $1,500 | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Home Study Phase II | $2,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| Total Home Study Fee | $4,000 | $4,000 | $4,000 |
| Home Study Update Fee* | $300 per update | $300 per update | $300 per update |
| Agency Assisted Coordination Fee | If applicable** | N/A | $750/first agency, $250/each additional agency |
| Post-Placement Fee*** (minimum of three visits) | $300/visit | $300/visit | $300/visit |
| Program Fee | $12,700 | Varies by Country | Varies by Agency |
| Placement Fee*** | $22,200** | Varies by Country | Varies by Agency |
| Total | $39,800+ | Varies | Varies |
*Updates are required annually or as required by USCIS and for address or household composition changes.
** If applicant’s list with agency(ies) in addition to The Cradle, Agency Assisted Coordination Fee(s) apply.
*** If placement of twins, placement fee and post placement fees are 50% higher.
NOTE: If applicant completed a home study with The Cradle previously and has returned for a subsequent adoption, 50% of the home study fee is due with the application and the balance of the home study fee is due at the home visit.
Finding Families for Children Initiative
To ensure we have sufficient options for all expectant parents, and parents for every child entrusted to our care, the Finding Families for Children Initiative was established. This initiative reduces some adoption fees for three categories of applicants in The Cradle’s Domestic Program. Home Study, Update, Post Placement and Agency Assisted Coordination Fees are as stated above.
African American Adoption
Black and multi-racial Black families applying for the adoption of a child of African American heritage. (Cradle Domestic; Program Fee: $6,800, Placement Fee: $11,700)
Birth Sibling Adoption
Applicants applying for the adoption of the birth sibling. (Cradle Domestic; Placement Fee: $11,000, Program Fee only applies if entering the pool)
Adoption of a Medically Fragile Child
Applicants applying for the adoption of a medically fragile child who is expected to be eligible for an adoption subsidy (aka Adoption Assistance) based on the child’s disability. (Cradle Domestic; Placement Fee: $3,500, Program Fee only applies if entering the pool)
Other Fee Assessments-Fees paid to The Cradle unless otherwise indicated
Type | Amount | Explanation |
Agency Coordination Fee | $750 per agency | Coordination fee for applicants in The Cradle’s Domestic Program will apply when another agency prepares the home study. The use of another home study agency must be pre-approved by The Cradle. |
Primary Provider Fees (Paid directly to Primary Provider) You can expect to receive detailed/itemized explanation of fees and refund options from Primary Provider | Estimated Range: $10,000-$28,000 | For Intercountry Adoptions, fees will be charged to prospective adoptive parents by their Primary Provider for the following services: Adoption expenses in the US (excluding the home study) such as administrative costs, application processing, home study review and additional training, foreign country program expenses, care of the child, document and translation expenses and contributions. Fees vary based on the agency, the country, and the program. |
Third Party Fees (Paid directly to Primary Provider or Vendors) You can expect to receive detailed/itemized explanation of third-party fees and refund options from Primary Provider | Estimated range: $3,000 to $8,000 | For Intercountry Adoptions, prospective adoptive parents can expect to be charged fees and expenses from third parties. These include fees to USICS, Department of State, IAAME, Foreign Country’s Central Authority for adoption processing and visa fees. Possible independent health exams or assessments, there may be in-country legal fees. Fees vary based on agency, country and program requirements. |
Travel Expenses (Paid directly to Vendors) | Estimated range: $3,000 to $10,000 | For Agency Assisted and Intercountry Adoptions, prospective adoptive parents can expect to pay additional fees for airfare, lodging, meals and transportation costs. Fees vary based on distance, number of travelers, location, seasonality/availability, accommodation preferences and length of stay. |
Refund Policy
Effective January 1, 2024
Application Fee: Nonrefundable after initial interview.
Home Study: Phase I: Nonrefundable after pre-adoption education classes.
Home Study: Phase II: Up to 50% refundable, dependent on services already provided.
Cradle Program Fee: Nonrefundable after added to Cradle Pool.
Cradle Placement Fee: Nonrefundable.
Agency Assisted Coordination Fee: Nonrefundable.
Agency Assisted Post Placement Fees: Nonrefundable.
Waiver or Reduction of Fees: The Cradle does not waive or reduce fees.
REFUND NOTE: If applicant fails to properly disclose information or in any way places the agency or its programs at risk, The Cradle reserves the right to terminate the adoption process without providing any refund. The President/CEO retains the right to assess individual cases and determine refunds for atypical cases.
As a not-for-profit organization, The Cradle makes every effort to keep adoption a financially accessible option for building your family. In fact, the fees do not cover the costs The Cradle incurs in providing counseling, outreach and educational services to all members of the adoption circle. The Cradle relies heavily on fund-raising and charitable giving for ongoing support of adoption services.
All fees are subject to change.
Need help with adoption expenses? Visit our educational platform Adoption Learning Partners to learn about the Federal Adoption Tax Credit, up to $15,950.
Find information on financial resources available to help make adoption a financially accessible option for building your family.
