ADOPT FROM THE UNITED STATES In Oregon
Mary Fredrich’s heart has been heavy for orphans since she was 13 years old. She always knew that she’d be involved in changing lives for orphans, but she never imagined how much her life would change in the process.
HOW TO ADOPT IN THE UNITED STATES—OREGON
Oregon Adoption Overview
If you’re adopting a child and live in Oregon, you might know that you are required to have a social worker complete a home study prior to beginning the adoption, and post-placement reports once your child is home. All God’s Children International is licensed to provide your home study or post-placement reports—regardless of whether you are adopting through AGCI! To date, AGCI has helped unite over 249 children with their families in Oregon. We’d be happy to do the same for you.
Through our partnership with the Oregon Department of Human Services, we facilitate adoption services for children currently in the Oregon foster care system. Families adopting through AGCI’s Oregon Adoption program are able to begin their adoption process immediately and also have access to our extensive support services that begin through advocacy to be matched with your child and extends to support throughout your child’s life.
The State of Oregon cares for hundreds of foster children and many of these children are now waiting to be placed into permanent adoptive families. Prospective adoptive families are able to inquire about the child(ren) they are interested in and would like to request more information about. AGCI is one of a select group of agencies that the State of Oregon partners with through the Special Needs Adoption Coalition (SNAC).
- Most children available for adoption are between the ages of 6 months to 17 years old.
- Waiting children come from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds.
- Many sibling groups are also waiting for a forever family.
- 1/3 of the waiting children are under age 6.
- Families interested in adopting a child from this program must be open to adopting a child up to at least the age of 3.
- Families with an approved home study have access to the “database” and are able to view waiting children.
- Timeframe: 12 to 24 months. Timeframe is from finalized home study to placement. Timeframes are dependent on family’s openness to medical conditions, gender, and age of child.
- Complete a FREE Pre-App to speak with an Adoption Advisor.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO ADOPT In Oregon?
Age of Parents
Parents between the ages of 25 and 49 are welcome to adopt.
Marital Status
Married couples and single women may apply to adopt. Couples must be married for at least one year prior to beginning the adoption process. Couples with a history of divorce (maximum of two per spouse), must be married for at least two years.
Children in Family
Families with no more than five fostered, adopted or biological children or young adults living in the home are welcome to adopt from the Oregon Adoption Program
Income
Families interested in adopting a child must have a positive net worth and an income of at least $10,000 per family member, including the adopted child.
Criminal History
All criminal history is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Applicants interested in adopting a child cannot have a history of felonies.
Medical History
All medical or mental health conditions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Applicants cannot have a past or current diagnosis of a communicable and/or life threatening disease or other condition that impairs their ability to parent and/or the quality of life of a child.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ADOPT in Oregon?
The approximate cost to adopt from the Oregon foster care system is $8,500. Adoption assistance may be available.
It’s important to keep in mind that tax credits are available! To learn more about adoption tax credits, grants, and how to fund your adoption, schedule an appointment with our Financial Expert.
Additionally, there are so many ways to fund your adoption! You can learn more about AGCI specific grants, adoption loans, employee benefits, and more on our How to Fund Page!
AGENCY FEES
Application: $350 This non-refundable fee covers the cost of a review of your application to confirm your eligibility for your program.
Agency & Program Fees: $4,750 The agency fee covers AGCI’s cost to facilitate your adoption with agency and government officials. Processing expenses for AGCI include, but are not limited to, personnel costs, administrative overhead, operational costs, staff training and education, state and federal licensing and accreditations, communications, and insurance. These fees are paid at two separate times: $2,500 at orientation, and $2,250 at committee match.
HOME STUDY AND POST-ADOPTION
Home Study Services: $2,500 These fees cover our services in preparing and completing your adoption home study.
Social Worker Expenses: $15/hour. The adoptive parent is also responsible for all food, lodging, and other travel expenses.
Home Study Update/Addendum/Program Transfer Conversion: With visit: $900. Without visit: $200-400. DHS requires home study to be current within the year at time of committee.
Expedite Fees: Home Study: $300. Update: $200. Post Adoption: $100. Additional Document: $6 per document
THIRD PARTY EXPENSES
Adoptive Parent Home Study Education: $300
Adoptive Parent Referral Education: $600
Total Cost: The approximate cost to adopt from the United States Oregon program is $8,500. Cost does not include as needed or travel expenses.
Fee Disclosure: All fees paid to AGCI are paid in advance of service. AGCI fees are non-refundable and may not be waived. If services are terminated and a refund is due, all refunds will be processed within 60 days of withdrawal and/or closure of the adoption file upon receiving the Adoption Termination Contract
