The Child Adoption Marketplace

Abstract

In the United States child adoption costs vary considerably, ranging from no out-of-pocket expense to $50,000 or more. What are the causes for the variability in adoption expenses? We administered a survey to a sample of Michigan adoptive families to link adoptive parent characteristics, child characteristics, and adoption-related expenses and subsidies. We then estimate "hedonic" regressions in which adoption cost is a function of child characteristics. The analysis shows that most of the variation in adoption costs is explained by child characteristics.In particular, costs lower for older children, children of African descent, and special needs children. Findings inform policies regarding the transition of children from foster care to adoptive families. Greeley, CO 80639-0046; Mark.Eiswerth@unco.edu; 970-351-2094. We are grateful to Rose Homa and the Michigan Federation for Children and Families for their assistance in developing and administering the survey that serves as the basis for this research. We also thank Sung Kang for capable research assistance, and David Schweikhardt and Jeffrey Zax helpful comments. Any errors are our responsibility.2

The motivations and decision-making processes of parents who adopt older children

“…Several scholars have drawn on the concept of the marketplace when theorising about family formation in adoption (e.g., Fonseca, 2006; Garrett, 2018; Higgins and Smith, 2002; Raleigh, 2016; Skidmore, Anderson and Eiswerth, 2016). Much of this research has focused on the US context where the adoption landscape is different – more intercountry adoptions, a mixture of state and privately arranged adoptions and, often, financial costs incurred as part of the process.…”

“…Research suggests that adoptive parents often start their adoption journey with a preference for adopting younger children as older ones can be considered more difficult to place (Dance, Neil and Rogers, 2017; Department for Education [DfE], 2013; Lowe et al, 1999;Rogers, 2017;Triseliotis, Shireman and Hundleby, 1997;Ward, 2011). The factors that influence parents' decisions to adopt older children are investigated here, and the analysis draws on the conceptualisation of adoption as a 'marketplace' whereby potential adoptive parents are aware that they are in competition with other prospective applicants for a limited pool of children (e.g., Higgins and Smith, 2002;Raleigh, 2016;Skidmore, Anderson and Eiswerth, 2016). While acknowledging that the process of matching adults with children involves numerous actors, this study focuses on how this process is experienced by adoptive parents and the reasoning underpinning the decisions they made regarding the formation of their adoptive family.…”