Does it cost to put a baby up for adoption in the District of Columbia? Do mothers get paid for adoption? Are there adoption agencies that pay you in D.C.? Is adoption compensation for birth mothers in Washington, D.C., a possibility?

As a national, full-service adoption agency, we receive questions like these quite frequently at American Adoptions. None of them are unreasonable. Raising a child is extremely expensive; in 2015, it was estimated that a child will cost his or her parents an average of $233,610 during their first 17 years. This is a figure that doesn’t account for opportunities like college, either. It’s completely natural to be concerned about finances when facing any pregnancy at all, let alone one that you weren’t planning for.

Whether the thought of coming up with those funds seems impossible or you’re considering adoption for other reasons and wondering about the possibility of receiving financial assistance for adoption in Washington, D.C., learning more about what the District of Columbia’s adoption laws have to say can only help the situation.

Some of the above questions regarding D.C. adoption financial assistance are easily answered, others less so. In an effort to answer all of your potential questions, we’ve gathered some important information you should know below.

Does it cost to put a baby up for adoption in Washington, D.C.?

To put it simply, no. There will never be a situation where it will cost you money to choose adoption for your child. Whether you are in the District of Columbia or anywhere else in the United States, it is free to put a baby up for adoption.

To even consider adoption for your child is a selfless act, and one that shows you are placing his or her needs above your own. Choosing adoption as a birth mother is not easy. It will challenge you both physically and emotionally, and it will be a part of you for the rest of your life. It’s an extreme sacrifice for the benefit of your child, and it shouldn’t break the bank in the process. No matter where you live in the United States, adoption is always free to pregnant women.

Do mothers get paid for adoption in Washington, D.C.?

This question has a simple answer as well, and it’s also a very firm no. In no circumstance should you ever attempt to pursue adoption for compensation in D.C.  No matter where you live in the United States, you should never profit — or attempt to profit — from placing your child for adoption. It is illegal for prospective adoptive parents to offer you money or anything of value in exchange for the decision to place your child for adoption, and it is illegal for you to accept it. This does not, however, mean you won’t be eligible for adoption financial assistance in D.C. Read more below.

Is it possible to receive adoption compensation for birth mothers in Washington, D.C.?

Like we said above, you should know that it is illegal, no matter the circumstance, to pursue adoption for compensation in D.C. — or anywhere else in the United States. You should also know, though, that you may be able to receive adoption financial assistance in the District of Columbia. In order to alleviate the financial burden of having a child, D.C. adoption laws allow pregnant women pursuing adoption to receive adoption financial assistance for:

• The birth mother’s living expenses, including food, housing, clothing, and more

• Counseling by an independent mental health professional

• Medical expenses

• Transportation to and from all medical and adoption-related services

• And more

To learn more about receiving adoption financial assistance in  Washington, D.C., please speak with an adoption specialist at 1-800-ADOPTION.

Are there adoption agencies that pay you in Washington, D.C.?

No. Again, it is illegal to receive money or anything of value in exchange for placing your child for adoption. To reiterate, you cannot get money to give baby up for adoption. This means that adoption agencies cannot pay you, nor can adoptive parents or anyone else.

However, your adoption agency will be able to help you receive the D.C. adoption financial assistance you may be eligible for. All payments must be regulated carefully and eventually presented before a judge, so it’s very important that you have an adoption professional to help you.

To learn more about receiving Washington, D.C., financial assistance for adoption, please contact American Adoptions at 1-800-ADOPTION.

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