Why is Adoption So Expensive?

I have already had several people ask me the obvious question, "WHY does it cost SO much to adopt?" It's a good question, since nearly $30,000 isn't exactly pocket change, that's a life changing amount of money (quite literally in the case of adoption!) So here is the breakdown from our adoption agency. A huge chunk of the money is paid at the end, between paying the orphanage $5,000-$6,000, and the cost for two adults to take a two-week trip to China. The rest of it is agency fees (which are VERY low with CCAI, one reason why we chose them), background checks, service fees to China's government, and PAPERWORK. We've paid the application fee, and on the 17th when we go to Atlanta for the orientation we'll pay the first program fee (which for us was $200 and $3,600, they must have just recently increased them, glad we beat that cutoff!) :)

Ranked the best adoption agency in the world by CCCWA, China’s central authority on international affairs, our service fees are also among the lowest.        
CCAI is proud to be a 501(c)(3) non-profit, charitable adoption agency. We strive to keep adoption affordable so more children will have the blessing of a loving and permanent family.
We are financially accountable to you as the American public and as an adoptive family. Our solemn promise to you is: Absolute integrity with no hidden charges, no last minute surprises.
Please select your state below for a clear and comprehensive list of the fees and expenses necessary to complete your China adoption:

Select a State:  -- Select One -- Colorado Florida Georgia All Other States International

Adoption Expenses & Chronology For Families in Georgia   

Expense	Amount	Pmt Method	Pay To	Due
Application Fee	$250	Check	CCAI	Application submission
First Program Fee (Includes Home Study)	$3,700	Check/Credit Card	CCAI	After App Approval
USCIS Filing & Fingerprinting	$720 plus $85/adult	Check	US Dept. of Homeland Security	Upon I-800A submission
Dossier Preparation	Approx. $450	Check/Money Order	Secretary of State(s), Chinese Consulate(s)	As preparing Dossier
Second Program Fee	$2,450	Check/Credit Card	CCAI	Dossier Submission
CCCWA Fee	$1,165 if not matched with WC ($775 if matched with WC prior to LID)	Check	CCCWA via CCAI	Dossier Submission
CCCWA-WCP Service Fee	$125	Credit Card	CCCWA via CCAI	Prior to Letter of Intent (LOI) submission, WCP only
Third Program Fee	$3,100	Check/Credit Card	CCAI	Prior to receiving child match
CCCWA Post Adoption Translation Fee	$360	Check/Credit Card	CCCWA via CCAI	Prior to receiving child match
CCCWA Post Adoption Translation Fee	$360	Check/Credit Card	CCCWA via CCAI	Prior to receiving child match
Visa to enter China	$140 per person (plus courrier fee)	Check/Credit Card	Chinese Consulate via a travel agency	Approximately two weeks after child match
US Domestic & International Airfare	$1,200 - $1,900 by coach/per adult plus $200 return lap ticket for child under 2 (child over 2 requires full ticket)	Credit Card	A travel agency of your choice	Approximately 7-10 days prior to China departure
In China Travel & Accommodations	Approx. $3,500-$4,000 for two adults	Cashier's Check	CCAI (wired to China)	Approximately 7-10 days prior to China departure
Adoption Registration and Notarization	$400 - $800	Cash	Local government in China	In China
Child's Passport	$100-$150	Cash	Local passport agency	In China
Orphanage Fee	Up to 35,000 RMB (Approx. $5,700-$5,900)	Cash	Local orphanage	In China
Food	$700 - $800 per couple	Cash/travel Check/Credit Card	Hotel(s), restaurant(s)	In China
Child Physical & Photo	$130-$150	Cash	Clinic	In Guangzhou, China
Child U.S. Entry Visa	$230	Check	CCAI (wired to China)	Approx. 8 weeks prior to travel
Child's Birth Certificate	Varies by county		Your state	After U.S. Return
Court Validation Fee	Varies by county		Your county court	After U.S. Return

CCAI PROGRAM FEE TOTAL: $9,500.00
Grand Total (including travel expenses for two adults): $25,700 - $28,800