Adoption, especially depending on the type (private, international, etc.) can be very expensive. I do know that you can take an adoption tax credit when you file your taxes, but I am not sure onthe dollar amount. When I researched it on google, it was between $10,000 and $11,000, but this may not be accurate information. You would need to consult a tax attorney for specifics.

I used to work for a place that diagnosed and treated children for physical and sexual abuse. We saw a lot of children in the system. Before you go outside to adopt, consider fostering a child. It's a great trial. I know many who have led to adoption. It's a great way to get your feet wet and save a child to give him/her a better home. I know it takes a lot of strength if they need psychological help, but I have seen a lot of good in this.

It is very expensive and sad that it is that way. I work with someone and they adopted two girls from China. Not at the same time though. So sad that all these children need homes, families, love and support and it costs so much. On top of it, usually a family has spent all their money and mortgaged away their home on fertility treatments before they get to adoption.

I FEEL THE SAME WAY. ITS A TERRIBLE SHAME.

When my husband and I were considering adopting, we were going to go through the foster care system first. I work in a place where I deal with all the parents whose children are in foster care, and it is VERY sad. Its amazing how quickly alot of them give up their parental rights just so they don't have to pay to support them...maybe you can look into that. Good luck.

Yikes, that's ridiculous.

My parents adopted through the foster care system. It was a lot of a pain in the butt going through everything, but the cost was not nearly as much. I don't know if you would consider doing if that way, but it would be cheaper. Good luck

WE actually fostered a 5 yr old boy about two years ago. He lived with us almost a year, but he had alot of emotional problems and abuse in his past. He eventually went to live with his grandparents. We just went through so much heartache & turmoil with this child that I don't think we will ever try fostering again.

traci, I totally understand where you are coming from. It's very frustrating. There are cheaper alternatives, but they all have reasons why they aren't necessarily the way to go. Adopting out of the country often involves visiting that country at least a couple of times - which can be very expensive. Then there's private adoption agencies which charge less but the mother actually has to choose you. Etc etc. The list of reasons why adoption is NOT what the average joe thinks it is, goes on and on and on.

I recently had some issues with a close friend and my husband's cousin's wife (who I absolutely detest) and a whole discussion between most of our extended family and why we thought we were too good to adopt. Since his cousin is adopted, his brainless wife seems to think that since we didn't adopt immediately upon not conceiving that we think we are too good to adopt. My response to this kind of behavior is normally along the lines of "Let me run down to the Wal-mart and pick me up a baby" like adoption is that easy.

I've thought about foster care, but part of what I feel I need (at least once) is a baby. And even more, I want to experience pregnancy. Not that adoption won't be a choice for me, or something I'll do at some point, but I don't think I'd be fully fulfilled if I didn't get to experience pregnancy and a baby at least once.