Source Credibility
The source under consideration was published by American Adoptions, a domestic adoption agency that provides adoption, foster care services, and pregnancy counseling. American Adoptions is considered among the best adoption agencies in the United States due to its presence in all but two states, social work, legal support, and waiting times (Lindberg). The agency caters to domestic cases and is fully licensed to provide its services in the United States.
Objective Information
Private adoption in Missouri is a very expensive endeavor, with costs ranging between $60,000 – $65,000. This high cost of adoption in the state is explained by the need of adoptive families to cover agency fees, legal expenditures, medical bills, and the cost-of-living expenses of birth mothers (American Adoptions). Therefore, prospective parents should carefully consider whether the adoption agency and private adoption routes suit them.
The Source’s Thesis
Domestic private adoption is a complex and expensive process that requires adoptive parents to be fully prepared to bear their financial and moral responsibilities to their adoptive child, birth parent, and agency. Although adoption agencies provide excellent support to their clients, the onus lies on the latter to educate themselves, collect information on the process, and prepare themselves for the life-changing experience of becoming parents to a child.
The Opinions, Ideas, and Theories
Despite adoption being an expensive process, adoptive families are supported in their journey. The medical costs of the birth parent in private adoptions in Missouri can be covered by health insurance and Medicaid (American Adoptions). Furthermore, adoption agencies offer risk protection and insurance considering how much funds are invested in the process (American Adoptions). Nevertheless, adoption should not be viewed as a mere monetary transaction.
Application/Evaluation
I intend to use the collected information to show the cost of adoption in Missouri. The data supports my idea that adoption is a highly complex and expensive undertaking that many American families cannot afford. Although there are no weaknesses in the information provided, the material on other pathways to adoption should be considered, as well as the motivations of adoptive parents in pursuing different routes.
Works Cited
American Adoptions. “What is the Average Cost of Private Adoption in Missouri?” American Adoptions, 2022. Web.
Lindberg, Sara. “Best Adoption Agencies of 2023.” Verywell Family. 2023. Web.