As you step into the home study process, we believe you deserve transparency about every detail—including how much you’ll pay, when it’s due, and what it covers. This page lays it all out.
Adoption & Beyond is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) child placement agency, and we work hard to keep costs as low as possible. If covering those costs feels daunting, there are financial aid options available—you can learn more here.
This page is full of details—fees, terms, fine print. This video walks you through it all in plain language, just as we would if we were talking face-to-face.
PLEASE NOTE: From time to time, fees are updated. The amounts listed below are a reliable planning guide, but the final charges are set at the time services are provided.
Home Study Fee Schedule
Type of Service
Amount
Due
Home Study Application
- Careful review and processing of your application
- Access to our easy-to-use home study portal
- Orientation to help you get started with confidence
- Ongoing guidance and support from your dedicated home study coordinator throughout the entire process
$750
- Due at the time you submit your application
- If your application isn’t approved, the fee is fully refunded
- Returning families do not pay this fee
All Inclusive Home Study Fee
The all-inclusive home study fee includes one or more of the following services:
- One home visit and interview (with travel fee included)
- A detailed, professional home study report
- Sending your home study and supporting documents to as many adoption professionals as you request
- Coordination with your placing agency or attorney to ensure every requirement is met—whether by state, country, or placing entity
- Up to 6 post-supervision visits (additional visits are $550 each)
- Ongoing communication and support during the waiting, placement, supervision and beyond
- Representation at 2 local court hearings (extra hearings $350 each) and/or 6 best interest foster care staffing hearings (extra staffing’s $250 each)
- Interstate compact receiving agency
- Lifelong access to our team for guidance, resources, and encouragement as your child grows
Note: A home study is valid 12 months from approval or upon finalization of an adoption, whichever comes first.
$3,750
- Due after you have completed the required pre-home visit steps (forms, background checks, references, etc.)
- If your home study isn’t approved, half the home study fee is fully refundable
Additional Fees
Type of Service
Amount
Due
Home Study Updates
Addendum Update– If your situation changes after your home study is approved, this update will revise the report to reflect the changes. Common reasons: new job, move, health update, change in child approval, immigration RFE, change in household members or marital status, allegations or charges related to child safety, or switching between domestic and international adoption.
Note: An addendum updates your current report; it does not extend the expiration date.
$450 Addendum
- Due upon submission of updated home study paperwork
Annual Update– A home study update is required by the state every 12 months until the adoption is finalized. This keeps your home study current.
$850 Annual
Expedited Service
If you need a service completed in fewer than 60 days, you can request expedited processing. If approved, your file will be moved into our expedited queue for the steps we control.
Note: Availability is case-by-case, and timelines aren’t guaranteed. Some steps—like background checks, references, and medical letters—are completed by outside parties and can’t be expedited.
$650
- Due upon approval of expedited service
Third-Party Home Study Fees
Some parts of the home study involve costs you pay directly to outside providers—for example, background checks/fingerprinting, medical statements, and document copies. The amounts listed are planning estimates; actual prices are set by those providers and can vary by location and timing. We’ll guide you to the right steps, but third-party fees and timelines are outside our control
Estimates are provided as a courtesy; the agency isn’t responsible for differences between estimates and third-party charges.
Type of Service
Amount
Due
Background Checks
- State & Federal Fingerprint Checks $45-$57/each (varies by state)
- Child Abuse Checks $10-$15/each (varies by state)
- National Sex Offender Registry Checks $8/each
- Due upon submission of background checks
- You’ll have the opportunity to participate in online adoption education tailored to your path. We’ll recommend the most relevant courses and resources for your adoption type (domestic, international, transracial, special needs, etc.) so you can focus on what’s most helpful to you.
$45-$245 (approx. cost)
- Due when purchasing training
(e.g., copies of Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decrees)
$15/each (approx. cost)
- Due upon requesting documents from the issuing entity
Dependent on family’s health insurance plan
- Due at medical visit
If you’re also looking for information on infant adoption fees, you can find that breakdown here.
If you’re still gathering information, our Ultimate Guide to Adopting a Child is a great next step. It walks you through the entire journey, from your very first questions to bringing your child home.