While special needs or foster care adoption is relatively inexpensive, there are still some expenses which can add up quickly.

If you choose to have a private home study done, expenses can run anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000.

Time off of work can add up quickly as well. There is the time off to meet with workers during your home study, and then time off for transitional visits, and finally time off when your child moves into your home. If you are a two parent family, it is important that both of your spend time with your child. Whether you are home with your child at the same time, or you take turns taking time off of work, your child needs to be home with you.

The adoption tax credit will allow you to deduct expenses on your income taxes but it takes time to get that money back, and you may not be able to wait for your refund.

If money is not an issue for you in your adoption, you can help other families with their expenses. There are many agencies that will provide grants to families who need help with their finances. If you are interested in donating to, or applying for, a grant you can find agencies here and here.

What are some ways you can raise money for adoption?

Raffle – Do you or someone you know have some talents that can produce items for a raffle? A friend of mine made a quilt for us to raffle to pay for some of Sammy’s treatments. You can ask local businesses for donations and set up a raffle. Be sure to check with your local government regarding regulations for raffles.

E-Bay or Craigs List – All of us have things stuck in storage somewhere that we’re not using. Do a heavy duty cleaning and post your finds on E-Bay, Craigs List or a similar site. You can sell anything from clothing to furniture. Do your kids have toys that they are no longer using but are in good shape? Some nice jewelry you no longer wear?

Yard sale –If you don’t want to go through the effort of posting your items on a website, host a yard sale a make a nice profit. You’d be surprised by how much money you can make getting rid of your stuff.

Whatever you choose to do, be creative and you might be surprised how much you can raise.

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