Fees and Services for Adoptive Applicants
ADOPTION PROGRAM STATEMENT-Part 2

(Under Michigan law, birthparents do not pay for child placing agency services.)

Each adoption’s cost will vary according to services used. In addition,
your county court may assess filing fees from $10-$170 per adoption.
There may be additional fees paid to other agents. Please obtain
specifics from your primary facilitator. These fees apply to clients who
have signed a Fee Agreement.

ORIENTATION TO ADOPTION: This meeting is open to anyone. Clients may
schedule a meeting at a mutually agreeable time with the specialist, or
attend a group meeting. Discussion topics include types of adoptions,
types of children available for adoption, the adoption process, current
laws, agency policies, fees, and information regarding support services
available. Time is provided for questions. No charge.

APPLICATION: Adoptive applicants submit an application when they wish to
proceed. $200.

ADOPTION SUPPORT GROUPS: Adoptive and birth families find support from
others and experienced professionals is comforting and helpful when
experiencing the roller coaster of adoption. They seek advice and find
relief in consulting with other families and their specialist. Sensitive
to the existing issues of loss and frustration, the specialist can help
ease adoptive applicants through complex issues in adoption planning. A
strong educational background is crucial to an effective adoption plan.
Anyone can gain confidence as they learn about the delicate issues in
adoption. Applicants will begin to understand appropriate action and
communication within an adoption plan. They will embrace a
child-centered, respectful and sensitive approach to their adoption
planning. Infertility issues may be shared and many who have struggled in
this area often feel a sense of relief. These groups will be tailored to
applicants' needs and the topics of focus groups may include: grief and
loss, family relationships, foreign adoption, emotional and physical needs
of children, child rearing and discipline, discussing adoption with
children, and other current issues. No charge.

BIRTHPARENT SUPPORT SERVICES: Birthparents need the support and
encouragement from an experienced professional while undergoing their
crisis pregnancy. Birthparents find value in talking about and
problem-solving their situation with someone whose only goal is to help
them. Effective pregnancy counselors are sensitive to the issues of grief
and loss, trauma, indecision, frustration and intensified interpersonal
relationships that accompany an unplanned pregnancy. Fees are charged per
involved birthparent. The court-required birthparent history reports are
generated within this service. $1250 flat fee per releasing parent.*

ADOPTIVE FAMILY PRE-PLACEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES: Adoptive families find
that support from an experienced professional is comforting and helpful
when experiencing the roller coaster of adoption. They seek advice and
find relief in consulting with their specialist. Sensitive to the
existing issues of loss and frustration, the specialist can help ease
adoptive applicants through complex issues in adoption planning. These
services may occur in a variety of settings and situations including the
first meeting with a birthparent, waiting at the hospital for the birth,
attending court events, etc. $1200 *

PRE-PLACEMENT ASSESSMENT (PRE-HOME STUDY) CONSULTATION: This
mini-assessment addresses major issues addressed in a complete assessment.
It is designed to help determine whether an applicant is likely to be an
approved adoptive parent and be able to successfully complete a
Pre-placement Assessment prior to committing the remaining fee for a
complete assessment. $300.*

PRE-PLACEMENT ASSESSMENT (HOME STUDY): This necessary assessment of an
adoptive family and their desires is handled with utmost care and
sensitivity. An experienced specialist will collect information about the
adoptive applicants in a relaxed, friendly and open manner over the course
of several meetings. Included in the Pre-Placement Assessment is a
narration and supporting documents such as reference letters, Physician's
Certificates, criminal clearances, financial evaluation, birth
certificates, and marriage and divorce decrees. $1300.*

UPDATE TO PRE-PLACEMENT ASSESSMENT: An update to a Pre-Placement
Assessment may be completed for a client who has a Michigan approved
Pre-Placement Assessment that has been written since January 1, 2001.
$500.00*

ADDENDUM TO CURRENT PRE-PLACEMENT ASSESSMENTS: $75 per hour.

REPORT OF INVESTIGATION: A Report of Investigation may be written for a
guardianship-adoption or an in-family adoption. This report replaces the
Pre-Placement Assessment. $300*

LEGAL RELINQUISHMENT/ADOPTION FILING SERVICES: Experienced adoption
professionals will carefully prepare legal paperwork for all parties to
complete the release/consent process and submit it to the probate court in
a timely manner. All parties to the adoption: $2500. 
Birthparents only: $1250. Adoptive parent's only: $1250.

INTERSTATE SERVICES: Domestic adoptions involving two states require
approval from each state. Your specialist will insure that all state
laws and being met to insure a solid legal placements of the child. 
$75 per hour.*

POST PLACEMENT SUPERVISION: The specialist will provide on-going support
and make necessary visits to the adoptive home as required after
placement. Appropriate reports will be filed. $300 per report period.*

POST ADOPTION SUPPORT SERVICES: As difficult issues arise over time, the
adoption specialist is available for necessary support for members of the
adoption triad. $75 per hour.*