Special Needs Adoption
Minnesota's Waiting Children
The State of Minnesota incurs most adoption costs so there
are typically no fees associated with this program.
The Adoption Assistance Program,
funded by the State of Minnesota currently provides monthly
financial assistance to families that have adopted special needs
children. In addition, the program provides medical assistance
as a back-up to family's health insurance.
Interstate Program
Because there is no national contract that provides uniformity
of fees for Special Needs adoptions, each Interstate Special
Needs case will be reviewed individually to determine costs.
Because each state system is different, exact fees will be
unknown until a match is made. LSS attempts to keep fees under
$10,000.
Generally, Interstate Program
fees will include:
- $500 Program Application Fee;
due with application
- $1,500 Program Fee; due at the
time service begins
- $3,100 Home Study Fee; due
upon initiation of home study
- Travel expenses will occur on
a case-by-case basis
- Placement Fees are based on a
sliding fee scale
Combination of Programs
Families can pursue a Minnesota Special Needs Adoption and
an Interstate Special Needs Adoption at the same time by
completing the home study process, and searching for a child
both in the State of Minnesota and in other states. As these
situations can become complex, further discussion with your
adoption worker about your plans will be a part of the home
study process.
Adoption Tax Credit
A Federal tax credit in the amount of $10,000+ per child is
currently available to many families who adopt a child with
special needs.
IRS Topic 607
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
To request registration materials, information meeting dates
or to speak with an adoption worker about our special needs
programs, please contact:
Lynne Haggar
Adoption Program Information Specialist
612.879.5202 or 1.888.205.3769 (toll free)
Lynne.Haggar@lssmn.org
Other Useful Information
Special Needs Adoption Process
Special Needs Waiting Children
Special
Needs Adoption Fees
Special Needs Adoption Resources
Special Needs Adoption Program At-A-Glance
(PDF)
Getting
Started
Special Needs FAQs
