Fees


Adoption Services Fee Schedule


The fees adoptive families pay help cover the costs related to all phases of the adoption process including application services, pre-adoptive counseling and family assessment, placement services, preparation of court documents, staff participation in relinquishment and adoption hearings and post-placement services. A significant portion of the adoption fee also covers services provided to birth parents. In some cases, a birth mother may need assistance with medical and living expenses. The average adoption costs the agency approximately $21,000.

Bethany’s fee schedule is based on the costs of professional services. A family’s placement fee is based on their last three years’ average adjusted gross income. The minimum fee is twelve thousand dollars ($12,000.00) and the maximum fee is $25,000. Adoptive applicants are required to submit their three most recent U.S. Income Tax Returns (Form 1040) to Bethany Christian Services to assist in determining adoption fees. (Self-employed applicants often require a different calculation method. The Director will assist them in reckoning a proportionate valuation.) 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 will be renewed at the time of annual updates based on changes in the fee schedule and the family’s income. Adjustments in fees are considered for families who wish to adopt children who have special placement needs.

Breakdown of adoptive placement fee is as follows:

Preliminary Application Fee
Non-refundable. Due with the pre-application form		$50.00

Formal Application Fee
Non-refundable. Due with the application form
$550.00

Family Assessment and Support Services Fee
Non-refundable. Due with home study paperwork.
$2,000.00

Birth Parent Support Fee
Non-refundable. Due at the time of approval.
$2,000.00

Placement Fee
Due at the time of placement
Balance of Fee

If placement has not occurred within one year:
Family Assessment Update Fee
$150.00


Bethany Christian Services is a non-profit ministry. Fee ceilings are based on actual costs to maintain professional competency and deliver high quality services. Bethany solicits donor income from individuals, churches and private foundations to cover actual costs not paid to Bethany through adoption placement fees.

Please call 615.242.0909 or contact us for more information.