Adoption Costs
Introduction to Adoption Costs
Adopting children is a life-changing experience that comes with its own unique costs and financial considerations. When considering the cost of adoption, it’s important to take into account a variety of factors such as furnishing your home for your new family members and costs associated with adoption leave from work.
Adoptive parents may also need to adjust their budget to cover ongoing expenses such as childcare, education, and healthcare. It’s worth noting that it is not more expensive to adopt than to have birth children, and the cost of domestic adoption in the UK is nominal.
Before embarking on the adoption journey, it’s good to understand the costs involved and develop a realistic financial plan.
Adoption Agency Fees
In the UK, adoption agencies cannot charge a fee for their services. Pursuant to Section 95 of the 2002 Adoption and Children Act, it is illegal for agencies to impose fees for arranging adoptions. This means that domestic adoption in the UK is free.
While domestic adoption is free, there are still some out of pocket expenses specific to the adoption journey. Some of these expenses you have to pay yourself, and some are incurred by the agency on your behalf and then recharged to you. These can include costs for things like medical examinations, court fees, and DBS (police) checks.
For international adoptions, the situation is different. International adoption is relatively rare in the UK, but when it does occur, there are significant costs involved. You have to pay for your assessment to be approved as an adopter in the UK, which can range from £12,000 to £25,000. Additionally, you will need to cover fees and expenses in the country from which you are adopting. The total cost of international adoption can exceed £100,000.
What Expenses will we Incur?
- DBS (police) checks: This is a background check required by regulation to ensure the safety and suitability of prospective adopters. The cost is about £61.11.
- International police checks: If you have lived abroad as an adult for an extended period, you must procure a police check from the country or countries where you have lived. The cost will vary by country. In our experience, the cost is between £20 and £100 depending on the country.
- Adoption medical: As part of the process, you are required to obtain a medical examination from your GP. The content of the medical is specified in regulation. Your GP is likely to charge you for this, and, in Jigsaw’s experience, the cost for a medical ranges from £20 to £100.
- Court fee: Finally, when you apply for your adoption order to legally adopt the children, there is a court fee of up to £207. In most cases, the court fee will be refunded by the local authority that placed the children with you.
| Expense | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| DBS (police) checks | £61.11 |
| International police checks | £20 – £100 |
| Adoption medical | £20 – £100 |
| Court fee | £0 – £207 |
| Total Estimated Costs | £101.11 – £468.11 |
Other adoption costs to consider
When adopting in the UK, there are two other main costs to consider. These are things you need to buy for children, such as bedroom furniture, car seats and toys, and the other are costs associated with adoption leave from work.
Creating Your Children's Room
Creating a room for your adopted child can be an exciting and fulfilling experience, but it’s important to consider the costs involved. You’ll need to budget for furniture such as a bed, dresser, bedding, curtains or blinds, storage solutions, and age-appropriate toys and books. Depending on your child’s age, you may also need safety gates, baby monitors, and other childproofing items. The goal is to create a space that is safe, comfortable, and reflects your child’s unique personality and interests.
Statutory Adoption Leave
Statutory Adoption Leave in the UK is a legal entitlement that allows adoptive parents to take time off work to bond with their new child. It is designed to mirror maternity leave, providing similar rights and benefits to adoptive parents.
Adoptive parents are entitled to 52 weeks of adoption leave. This leave is divided into two parts: 26 weeks of Ordinary Adoption Leave and 26 weeks of Additional Adoption Leave. During this period, the adoptive parent can take time off to care for their child and settle them into their new home.
In terms of pay, adoptive parents may receive Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP) for up to 39 weeks of their leave. The amount of SAP is 90% of your gross average weekly earning for the first 6 weeks. After that, for the remaining 33 weeks, it is either £184.03 per week or 90% of the employee’s average weekly earnings, whichever is lower.
Employers may offer enhanced adoption pay, so it’s advisable to check the specific policies of your workplace. Overall, Statutory Adoption Leave ensures that adoptive parents have the necessary time and financial support to welcome their new family member.
What other support could I be entitled to?
In many cases, adoptive parents could be entitled to financial support such as Child Benefit. Typically, Child Benefit is limited to two children per family, but if you adopt three or more children, you may be able to appeal this restriction and receive Child Benefit for all your adopted children.
Additionally, if your adopted children have special needs, the local authority that placed the children with you can access funding from the so-called Adoption Support Fund. This funding can be used to cover costs for services such as therapy and life story work for your children. The Adoption Support Fund is designed to help adoptive families meet the specific needs of their children and provide additional support where necessary.
Starting The Process
When starting the adoption journey, there are several key factors to consider regarding adoption costs. Planning and budgeting early on will help you anticipate and navigate these expenses, ensuring that you are financially prepared for the journey ahead. Seeking advice and support from adoption professionals or financial planners can also provide valuable guidance on managing adoption costs effectively.
Jigsaw Adoption Agency has always found that employers are very supportive and accommodating, especially when adopting multiple children. Many employers are flexible, allowing employees to accumulate their annual leave to use in one period for additional time off after adopting. You may find that your employer offers extra time off or other support to help you through this important transition.
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