Adoption Services


Domestic Adoption
Infants from our Tennessee locations are available in this traditional adoption program. There is a waiting list for adoptive couples wanting to receive these newborns. Depending on the area in which you live, the waiting period can be from eight months to a year before you are placed in the pool of families being presented to birth parents. You may request a Home Study be done at any time during your waiting period or it will automatically be started once your waiting period is over. Once into the program, the birthparents choose the family they desire for their child. Bethany facilitates the openness of these adoptions between the adoptive couple and birthparents. Placement fees are based on family income. For more information call 423.622.7360, or fill out our contact form.

Private and Designated Placements
Families who prefer to network and locate a birth mother themselves can make an appointment to begin the process and to schedule a family assessment. We will also assist you to develop effective networking skills and strategies. Waiting times will vary based on how long it takes you to find birth parents prepared to follow through with an adoption plan. Expenses will include fees paid to an attorney, birth parent expenses (which can vary widely) and a $2,500 retainer to Bethany.

International Adoption
A full range of services is available to families seeking to adopt a child from another country. Bethany has programs in 13 countries. Because of the waiting time, newborn infants are not available in this program. The children available range in age from about 8 months to 17 years, depending on what age child you are seeking. Waiting times depend on the criteria and requirements of the country of origin of the child you will adopt. Expenses associated with an international adoption include fees to Bethany, fees to the country of origin, and the cost of travel to your child’s country of origin.

Special needs adoption
Children considered to have special placement needs include those who have physical or emotional challenges, who are older children, or who are members of a sibling group or of a racial minority (including biracial children). Families prepared to adopt one of these children are scheduled for a home study shortly after applying. The waiting time until placement is generally shorter in this program.

Embryo Adoption
Click here for more information.

FEES
As you consider welcoming an adopted child into your home, the fees associated with adoption will likely be one of your main questions. With so many agencies to choose from, why choose Bethany?

Bethany is committed to providing you with a comprehensive list of fees, whether you adopt domestically or internationally. There are no hidden fees or last-minute add-on costs which some families tell us they have experienced with other agencies.

Fees do vary and may change on short notice. The most recent fees are listed below. For further information or to have your questions answered, please contact your local office. By choosing Bethany, you can have peace of mind about the total costs of your adoption

Bethany’s fee schedule is based on the costs of professional services for all phases of the adoption process. These include but are not limited to birth family counseling and support (which can include assistance with housing, care for the baby, medical assistance and living expenses), application, adoption education, support groups, family assessment, national networking, post-placement support, legal documentation, and finalization.

Domestic Adoption Fees
In the East Tennessee and Northwest Georgia service area, a family’s domestic placement fee is the lower of 20% of the last three year’s averaged adjusted gross income, or $18,500 - $20,000. The minimum fee is $11,000. Adoptive applicants are required to submit their three most recent U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns (Form 1040) to Bethany Christian Services to assist in determining adoption fees. The fee agreement with a family is based on the fee schedule current at the time the agreement is signed and will be honored for one year. Fee agreements may be re-negotiated based on changes in the fee schedule itself. Financial assistance may be available.

Private Adoption (Contracted services) Fees
$2,500 retainer. Staff time at $95/hour.

International Adoption Fees/Costs
Fees associated with an international adoption can vary widely based on the country of origin of the child being adopted. Fee/costs total can range from $10,000 to $25,000.

  • Fees to Bethany for services average $6,000 to $8,000 and include but are not limited to the application fee, dossier fee/authentication (in most countries), phone calls, mailing costs, adoption workshops, family assessment, immigration assistance, child placement, post-placement services, home study, update of previous home study (if necessary), and background checks.
  • There are also individual country fees which vary widely.
  • Additional U.S. fees include immigration I-600A packet fee, I-600 (additional in most countries), court, notarization, great seal, and authentication, travel visa(s) for adoptive parent(s), and certificate of citizenship.
  • Other miscellaneous costs can include travel fees, U.S. passport fees, state seals or apostilles and authentication.


Adoption Information Meetings
Bethany's Chattanooga office - 423.622.7360 or e-mail bcschattanooga@bethany.org
Bethany’s Knoxville office - 865.588.5283 or e-mail to bcsknoxville@bethany.org

Support Groups
Bethany's Chattanooga office - 423.622.7360 or fill out our contact form
Bethany’s Knoxville office - 865.588.5283 or fill out our contact form