| Deciding between international adoption and domestic | | | | domestic adoptions, there is usually little to no travel |
| adoption can be a difficult decision. The following are | | | | involved. |
| a few of the differences between the two types of | | | | There are a number of classes individuals considering |
| adoption to help individuals considering adoption | | | | adoption can take to help them prepare for the |
| understand what each entails. | | | | process. International adoptions and other private |
| International adoption can be much more costly than | | | | adoptions do not generally require classes; however, |
| domestic; however, there will be no hidden fees, so | | | | when adopting through a domestic foster care |
| you will not up front the fees you will have to pay. | | | | system, classes are usually required. Many of these |
| Domestic adoption can cost very little comparatively, | | | | classes are time-consuming, often taking as many as |
| especially if you decide to adopt through the state or | | | | 25 hours to complete, but they are very helpful |
| from the foster care system. Private adoptions are | | | | when it comes to parenting and adoption information. |
| generally much more expensive. The cost can vary , | | | | An infant is typically not available for families |
| depending on the agency and attorney expenses, | | | | considering international adoption. This is not only |
| and in some cases whether or not you have to pay | | | | because of the time it takes to finish any paperwork |
| living expenses for the birth mother. | | | | and receive a referral, but also because some |
| Travel is another thing that should be considered. | | | | countries will hold the child in hopes of having an |
| International adoption often requires you to travel to | | | | adoption take place within the country. Once the child |
| the country where you are adopting a child from. | | | | is of a certain age, he or she is allowed to be placed |
| You may be required to stay anywhere from one to | | | | for adoption. Generally with domestic adoptions, a |
| three weeks. Depending on the adoption, some may | | | | family has the choice of adopting an infant or an |
| require you to make more than one trip. With | | | | older child. |