Sierra Club: To Have or Not to Have Children in the Age of Climate Change

[Tammy]

Adoption through the foster care system costs nothing, daycare is free, Medicaid until age 18, and you get a stipend monthly (~500) until child is 18. My grandson was adopted this way. Money stops very few from adopting.

But wanting a straight from the hospital newborn healthy white baby with no fear that the foster situation will end with the birth family getting the child back us —- that is what stops people from adopting because that route is expensive. Foster to adopt has more uncertainty but it is not expensive and nearly all costs are covered.

[Tammy]

And giving birth is also uncertain but we dont like to admit it. We like to feel in control of our lives.

My brother has a special needs child who spent his first 4 months in the hospital and nearly died many times. He continues with ongoing medical care at age 2.5 and it has cost millions I believe. Out of pocket is ~100,000 by this time.

[Teacher Terry]

Tammy, that’s interesting that in your state they have made it free. That probably encourages adoptions.

[Alan]

Tammy, that’s interesting that in your state they have made it free. That probably encourages adoptions.

It has been my understanding that the only costs associated with adopting from the foster care system in any state are the initial fees for training materials to become a foster care provider and possible agency fees if you use a private agency to interact with the state child welfare agencies. I'd be curious to know what state expenses you've encountered?

[sweetana3]

Here is more info but it is necessary to really check each state. https://www.adopting.com/adoption-bl...adoption-costs

[sweetana3]

Here is more info but it is necessary to really check each state. https://www.adopting.com/adoption-bl...adoption-costs.

And please be aware that fostering most often means the baby will go back to the family or has a high chance of going back. This has been true for decades (happened to my in laws over 50 years ago.)

[Teacher Terry]

I have been out of child welfare for decades so much has changed it appears.

[happystuff]

Here is more info but it is necessary to really check each state. https://www.adopting.com/adoption-bl...adoption-costs.

And please be aware that fostering most often means the baby will go back to the family or has a high chance of going back. This has been true for decades (happened to my in laws over 50 years ago.)

Agree. However, I personally know two foster-adoptions of infants - again, many years ago - but it's not totally unheard of.

[happystuff]

I have been out of child welfare for decades so much has changed it appears.

You are right; there have been a lot of changes through the years and things are continuing to change.

[Alan]

Agree. However, I personally know two foster-adoptions of infants - again, many years ago - but it's not totally unheard of.

I know of one last year. A friend of my wife fostered a drug addicted toddler and after a few months also fostered the toddlers newborn sister who was born in jail. They successfully adopted both girls within a year.