Adoption is expensive.
More specifically, international adoption is expensive.
Domestic adoption, in Nova Scotia, is very low cost. The only cost is to provide documents (Criminal Record Checks, etc) and the home study and provincial travel.
International Adoption costs anywhere from $50,000 to $65,000 . . . . . If you're still wondering why we're pursuing an international adoption, please check out the Our Journey So Far page.
There's no way to know for certain, in advance, what the final cost will be. Those costs include, but are not limited to:
- Home Study ($2,000.00)
- Medical Fees
- Canadian Medicals for the Home-Study ($60.00 discounted from $600.00!! in November 2012, $60.00 in August 2013)
- Hearing Test (was given for free!)
- Vision Test ($70.00)
- Letter from our Reproductive Endocrinologist (given free!)
- Letter from my Neurologist (given free this ONE time!)
- Vaccinations ($400.00)
- Agency Fees ($25,000 - $37,000 on average)
- $500.00 paid November 2012
- $1000.00 paid December 2012
- $6000.00 paid March 2013
- $8500.00 USD ($8675.10 CAD) paid April 2013
- $2000.00 paid April 2013
- Psychological Assessment ($1135.00 paid April 2013)
- Photograph fees ($60.00)
- Education frees ($350.00 paid April 2013)
- Russian Consulate Legalization Fees ($1247.50 so far)
- Courier Fees ($730.00 and ongoing)
- Travel to Russia (there are 2-3 trips required) (approx. $3500.00 for a return flight per person per trip)
- Lodging, food, interpreter and various fees while in Russia
- Medical Examinations for us while in Russia (we need to see 8 specialists!!)
- Examination of Child's Medical File by International Pediatrician
- Medical Examination of Child In Russia
- Legal and Court Fees in Russia
- Immigration and Citizenship Fees ($250.00 so far)
In all the blogs and adoption stories I've read, there is always a reference to the expenses, but never specifics. As there are many Canadian families now embarking on Russian adoptions, I'm going to try to keep account of all the expenses and hopefully help someone else along the way.
It's so very responsible to be unwilling to spend YOUR money to adopt. I'm assuming you've saved up and paid for stuff that was really important to you -- a down payment, university education, maybe a car??
ReplyDeleteInteresting that a child isn't important enough to save up for. Planning is soooooo important - and you're too lazy (or uninterested) to bother!!
THis is the only comment from you, whoever you are, I'm not deleting - not sure where you get the idea that we're not spending our own money. We have saved and scrimped and are paying for this ourselves. We put the costs out there for the information of others. We've passed on many other things to pursue this. I have no idea what you're going on about.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I are Canadians (Albertans!) looking to adopt from Russia, and I'm so appreciative of you posting these costs! Trying to find ideas for costs has been super hard to find when Googling.
ReplyDeleteHi Paige!
DeleteThank you so much for reaching out. Please feel free to email us directly at pamandadamadopt@gmail.com. I'd love to write you back but your email doesn't show, so please get in touch!
We wanted to show the expenses for exactly this reason. We couldn't find real numbers online when we looked, especially Canadian numbers.
Please feel free to ask anything you like!
P&A
Im hoping that putin will soon allow individuals to adopt from accross the world im in the uk, blessed with 3 great young adults(17-22) but really feel the need to give a home to an orphan or two. All the best to you both, fingers and toes crossed x
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU for posting all this VERY personal information. I admire you for sharing it. Your website has, and will continue to help many people who are looking to adopt.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I have decided on international adoption too, after trying the local route - minimum 2.5 year wait in Alberta. Learning about adoption entails a **huge** learning curve. There are hours and hours and days and weeks of reading, studying, paperwork, research, seminars, etc.
It is frustrating to me that there are so many children out there who need a home and loving family, yet we can't seem to be placed with one to provide just that.
I wish you all the best my friend. ...and good for you for not deleting the ignorant comments from the uneducated people. Those of us who have began this journey, understand where you are coming from.
THANK YOU for posting all this VERY personal information. I admire you for sharing it. Your website has, and will continue to help many people who are looking to adopt.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I have decided on international adoption too, after trying the local route - minimum 2.5 year wait in Alberta. Learning about adoption entails a **huge** learning curve. There are hours and hours and days and weeks of reading, studying, paperwork, research, seminars, etc.
It is frustrating to me that there are so many children out there who need a home and loving family, yet we can't seem to be placed with one to provide just that.
I wish you all the best my friend. ...and good for you for not deleting the ignorant comments from the uneducated people. Those of us who have began this journey, understand where you are coming from.