Adoption is a great way to build a family. The costs associated with it, though, can be somewhat overwhelming. Depending on the type of adoption you do (waiting child, domestic agency, domestic private, or international) the expenses vary dramatically. Listed below are some options that can reduce the expenses of adoption.

Employee Benefits. Have you checked to see if your employer provides adoption benefits? If they offer pregnancy benefits, adoption benefits are a strong possibility: anywhere from $1,000 to $15,000. Often no one has asked them before. The National Adoption Center (NAC) put together a package for prospective adoptive parents to use with their employers to request adoption benefits. NAC also has information specifically for employers so they can implement an adoption benefits program for their employees. Many companies are making the change to do so. The National Adoption Center web site is www.adopt.org. There is also information on the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse web site at: www.naic.acf.hhs.gov.

The Adoption Tax Credit. There is an adoption tax credit available for any kind of adoption. The credit can be over $10,000 depending on the type of adoption you do. Both web sites listed above give information or you can do a search and find other resources. Remember to check with your tax advisor. You will need Form 8839.

Waiting Children Adoption. People who consider adopting a child from the child welfare system will be pleasantly surprised at the low cost of this form of adoption. Additionally, the child may be eligible for an adoption subsidy. Nationwide there are thousands of children available. In Illinois contact the Adoption Information Center of Illinois at 1-800-572-2390. This is the entry point into the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services program. You can adopt children from other state child welfare programs. Some of the organizations who can give you information are the National Adoption Center and the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse (listed above) and the North American Council on Adoptable Children (www.nacac.org). These organizations have resources and links to other states.

Grants. The National Adoption Foundation makes grants available. Go to www.nafadopt.org to learn the specifics. The grants range from $500 to $2,500.

Other Avenues. People save their money, ask family for help, pay in increments, etc. Sometimes the birthmother is on public aid, so medical expenses can be less expensive.

Support Groups.A support group like Adoptive Families Today or one of the many other ones in the Chicago area ÷Stars of David, Families with Children from China, Chicago Area Families For Adoption, FRUA, etc.÷can offer a lot of information and resources for prospective adoptive parents.