How do I apply?

The first step is to attend an upcoming domestic adoption webinar or an in-person information session. Our staff will share details about domestic adoption at Spence-Chapin – who the children are in need of adoption, the matching process, options counseling and support for biological parents, open adoption, steps in the adoption process, and more. All webinar attendees will receive the adoption application.

Can I apply to adopt without attending the domestic adoption information session? 

Only those who have attended the webinar or in-person information session will receive the adoption application. The webinar provides important information about the program and how it works to help families decide if the program is right for them before moving forward in the process.  

How often does Spence-Chapin offer the domestic adoption information sessions? 

Spence-Chapin strives to help prospective parents grow their families through adoption within a reasonable time frame, and therefore limits the frequency and capacity of our domestic adoption webinars in order to manage the number of applicants entering the program.

How long will I wait to be matched with a child?

Families wait an average of 24-36 months after completing their home study.  

Who can adopt domestically?

• Adults over the age of 18
• Single adults, married adult couples, and unmarried adult couples
• Individuals of all sexual orientations
• Applicants to Spence-Chapin’s Domestic Adoption Program must live within the states of Arizona, New York, or New Jersey.

What adoption expenses should I be prepared for?

Families should anticipate a $300 fee to submit the Domestic Adoption Application. The all-inclusive fee for the Domestic Infant Adoption Program is $51,000. Join our next Domestic Adoption at Spence-Chapin webinar to learn more or call us today about adoption expenses.

NOTE: The IRS released Revenue Procedure lists the Adoption Tax Credit adjusted numbers for 2023. The maximum amount allowed is set at $15,950 per child in 2023 (it was $14,895 in 2022). The tax credit starts to phase out for families with modified adjusted gross income in excess of $239,230, and is completely phased out for families with modified adjusted gross income of $279,230 or more.

Read our blog on the first steps to starting your adoption journey.

What other information and support is available?

Email our team to receive information about: common medical risks, open adoption, additional resources, who are birth parents, and upcoming events, as well as any questions you may have.

Spence-Chapin provides pre-adoption support for individuals, couples, and families considering adoption.  Our pre-adoption support services include therapy, consultations, educational webinars, events, and more. Visit our events calendar to view upcoming webinars or in-person events.The all-inclusive fee for the Domestic Infant Adoption Program is between $46,000 – $51,000 depending on the adoptive family’s state of residence.