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  3. Adoption Costs in Pennsylvania
  4. Affording Adoption in Pennsylvania

Do You Get Financial Help for Adoption in Pennsylvania?

Growing your family through adoption is a dream for many in Pennsylvania, but the financial aspects can feel overwhelming. The good news? There is financial help for adoption—and understanding your options could bring your dreams of parenthood much closer. By choosing the right support and exploring every available resource, you can move forward with confidence, knowing a brighter future is within reach for you and your child.

Imagine being able to give your child the best possible life with the support of an adoption professional who guides you every step of the way. With American Adoptions, you don’t have to walk this journey alone—and you never have to wonder if you’re missing out on important opportunities for financial assistance for adoption.

Ready to learn how financial help for adoption can change your future? Schedule a free consultation today.

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What Financial Help for Adoption is Available in Pennsylvania?

Is there financial help for adoption in Pennsylvania? Absolutely. Families across the state can access both local and national resources to make adoption more affordable.

  • SWAN – Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network (Pennsylvania)
    • SWAN is a comprehensive program funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, offering services and support to adoptive families throughout the state. SWAN can help connect families with financial resources, post-adoption support, and reimbursement for certain non-recurring adoption expenses, such as legal fees and court costs.
  • Gift of Adoption Fund – Pennsylvania Chapter
    • The Pennsylvania chapter of the Gift of Adoption Fund provides grants to families across the state who are facing financial barriers to adoption. These grants can be used for domestic, international, or foster care adoption expenses and are awarded regardless of religion, race, age, or marital status.
  • The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption – Adoption Grants (National)
    • The Dave Thomas Foundation offers grants and resources to help offset the cost of adoption. Their Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program also supports adoption professionals who work to find permanent homes for children in foster care, particularly those who are older or have special needs.
  • Pennsylvania Adoption Assistance Program (Pennsylvania)
    • This state program provides financial assistance to families adopting children from Pennsylvania’s foster care system. The support can help cover costs such as legal fees, court expenses, and ongoing monthly maintenance payments, making adoption more affordable for families adopting children with special needs or those in foster care.
  • HelpUsAdopt.org (National)
    • This nonprofit provides grants of up to $20,000 to help cover the costs of domestic, international, or foster care adoption for U.S. families, regardless of marital status, sexual orientation, or religion. The goal is to remove financial barriers and make adoption accessible to more families.
  • A Child Waits Foundation (National)
    • This foundation offers low-interest loans and grants to families pursuing domestic or international adoption. Their financial assistance is designed to help with agency fees, legal expenses, and travel costs, making adoption a reality for more hopeful parents.

Alongside these local and national programs, here’s an overview of additional types of financial aid for adoption available for hopeful adoptive families in Pennsylvania:

Some Pennsylvania employers offer reimbursement for adoption expenses or paid leave.

Active-duty service members may qualify for federal military adoption reimbursements.

For certain types of adoption (especially foster care adoption), subsidies may help offset costs.

American Adoptions provides transparent, up-front fee schedules and financial protection throughout your journey.

How the Federal Adoption Tax Credit Works

One of the most significant sources of financial help for adoptive parents is the federal adoption tax credit. This credit helps families cover qualifying adoption expenses, making a big difference in your adoption budget.

Here’s how it works:

  • Tax Credit Cap

    For 2024, the maximum tax credit is $16,810 per adopted child (indexed annually).

  • Qualifying Expenses

    Includes adoption fees, court costs, attorney fees, travel expenses, and other necessary adoption costs.

  • Refund vs. Credit

    The adoption tax credit is not refundable (you must owe taxes to benefit), but unused credit can often be carried forward up to five years.

  • How to Claim

    Use IRS Form 8839 when filing your tax return.

Adoption Grants and Scholarships: Who Offers Them?

Many Pennsylvania families ask, does Pennsylvania offer financial help for couples looking to adopt? The answer is yes, as there are a wide range of adoption grants and scholarships offered by local and national organizations.

Local Adoption Grants

  • Brittany’s Hope Foundation
    • Brittany’s Hope, headquartered in Pennsylvania, provides grants (typically up to $5,000) for families adopting internationally. Special focus on children with special needs or older children.
    • Location: Elizabethtown
    • Qualifications: Must be working with a licensed adoption agency and demonstrate financial need; priority given to adoptions of special needs or older children.
    • Deadlines: Application deadlines vary; check the Brittany’s Hope website for current cycles.
  • The Adoption Center (formerly The Adoption Center of Delaware Valley)
    • Occasionally offers small grants or connects Pennsylvania families to funding for the adoption of children from foster care in the region.
    • Location: Philadelphia, PA (serving PA, NJ, DE)
    • Qualifications: Families adopting from foster care in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Delaware.
    • Deadlines: Varies; inquire for current opportunities.
  • Gift of Adoption Fund – Pennsylvania Chapter
    • Provides up to $15,000 to help complete domestic, international, or foster care adoptions.
    • Qualifications: Home study approved; priority given to adoptions that are at risk of disruption due to lack of funds.
    • Deadlines: Monthly rolling application review.

National Adoption Grants

  • The National Adoption Foundation
    • Offers a wide range of grants up to $2,000; also helps with fundraising tools and loans.
    • Qualifications: Open to all families regardless of income or religion; home study not required to apply.
    • Deadlines: Rolling admissions.
  • Katelyn’s Fund
    • Faith-based nonprofit awarding up to $3,000 in adoption grants.
    • Qualifications: Christian families pursuing any type of adoption. Home study required.
    • Deadlines: Application deadlines in January, April, July, and October.
  • Adoption Assistance Grant Program (Adoption STAR)
    • Provides grants between $500 – $5,000 for families with verified financial need.
    • Qualifications: Must have home study approval and be working with a licensed professional.
    • Deadlines: Varies; check site or contact agency directly.
  • Lifesong for Orphans Adoption Fund
    • Offers matching grants and interest-free loans. Commonly awarded up to $4,000–$6,000.
    • Qualifications: Christian families adopting through a licensed agency, home study complete.
    • Deadlines: No fixed deadlines; rolling acceptance.
  • Show Hope Adoption Aid Grants
    • Offers $6,000 average grants to help reduce the financial barriers to adoption.
    • Qualifications: Christian faith, completed home study, and working with licensed agencies.
    • Deadlines: Quarterly deadlines — check Show Hope website for upcoming dates.

How to Budget for Adoption

Understanding how to budget for adoption is key to a successful experience. At American Adoptions, we’re here for you. We provide:

  • Transparent Cost Breakdown

    No hidden fees. You always know what to expect and why.

  • Location-Based Estimates

    Get a tailored estimate for living expenses based on the birth mother’s Pennsylvania location.

  • Personalized Support

    Our experienced team helps you create a realistic, manageable adoption budget.

How American Adoptions Protects You Financially

One of the greatest fears for adoptive families is the possibility of a disrupted adoption—and the loss of hard-earned savings. American Adoptions stands apart with:

  • Disruption Insurance

    If an adoption doesn’t proceed, your investment is protected.

  • Comprehensive Financial Protection

    No hidden risks, no surprise expenses.

  • Local Pennsylvania Support

    With staff serving the entire state, and offices in Lewiston, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, you’ll always have a trusted expert nearby.

You deserve a family, and you deserve to build it safely. With decades of experience and over 13,000 families created, we’re here to help you realize your dreams of becoming a parent.

Don’t risk your finances, your time, or your dream of parenthood by choosing an unlicensed or inexperienced provider. American Adoptions is the trusted partner for Pennsylvania families ready to take the next step.

Imagine this: Holding your child for the first time, knowing you had the support and financial protection you needed. Don’t wait another day—get started now and contact us today.

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