Domestic

International

Cost

Can cost very little, especially if you go through your state and adopt from the foster care system.

Can be very costly, but you know up front the fees you will be facing.

Note: The cost of a private adoption depends on agency fees, attorney fees, the race of the child (unfortunately), and whether or not you have to pay for an expectant mother's care.

Travel

When adopting domestically, or with foster care adoptions, there is usually very little travel involved.

International adoptions often require you and/or your spouse to travel to the country that you're adopting from for an extended stay that usually ranges from one to 3 weeks.

With some international adoptions more than one trip is required.

Training/Classes

When adopting domestically through the state's foster care system, classes are often required.

International adoptions and some other private adoptions do not require classes, but may come in handy for parenting and other adoption information.

Ages of Children Available

With domestic adoptions, whether public or private, you have an opportunity of being placed with an infant.

A family will never receive a newborn through an international adoption. This is not only due to the time it takes to complete paperwork and receive a referral, but the fact that some countries hold onto children hoping for an adoption to take place within their own country. Once the child reaches a certain age, he/she is okayed for international adoption.