Adoption Options Compared
Side by Side Comparison of Types of Adoption
Source: Utah Adoption Council Survey 2022
Independent
Agency
International
Foster Care
Cost
$46,000 +
This price can will vary depending on the agency.
$15,000 +
This primarily consists of the legal fees and paperwork.
$25,000 +
This price varies depending on the country and number of children. Travel costs must also be taken into account.
$1,200 +
This primarily consists of the legal fees and paperwork.
Wait Time
9-18 months
9-18 months
18 months – 3 years
Usually Unknown
Pre-Adoption Training Provided
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Birth Family Involvement with Matching
Yes
Yes
No
No
Age of Child
Most often Newborn
Most often Newborn
Between 3 years and 16 years old
All ages
Adoptive Family Supportive Counseling
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Attorney Involvement
Yes
Yes
Usually No
Yes
Failed Adoption Percentage
15%
15-25%
15-25%
10-25%
Financial Support Provided to Birth Family
Yes
Probably
No
No
Supportive Counseling Provided to Birth Family
Yes
No, unless hired independently by adoptive family
No
Yes
Post Placement Communication with Birth Family
Yes
To be determined by adoptive family and birth family.
No
No
Post Placement Support for Adoptive Family
No
No
Yes
Yes
Is Travel Necessary?
Possibly
Possibly
Yes
Yes
