How do I prevent the hidden costs of adoption?

I have been advised of looking out for hidden costs of adoption. I know it wouldn’t be as easy as it may sound, so I want some practical advise on not falling into this trap. Please help.

Your intention ought to be appreciated. Although it is not true, when you adopt a child, for some weird reason, you’ll feel like being at someone’s mercy. And then to tell someone that you’re not going to comply with the illegal demand for money had to be tough.

Here are some steps you can consider:

Be informed about the price guidelines and the process: Until and unless you know exactly how much the government price guidelines are and what the process is, you’ll not know when you’re paying more or when you have violated the rules.

Don’t present yourself as a threat: Just because you know the price guidelines, don’t go around showing off until and unless it is required to do so. One of the ways you could come across as a threat is by talking legal lingo right away.

Watch out for the willingness of an organization: One of the ways you could tell about the organization’s credibility is by observing their willingness to share information openly. If someone is not willing to share, probably they have something to hide. In such organizations, you must look for any hidden costs. Keep your eyes and ears wide open.

Look out for exorbitant medical expenses: If your adoptive child is shown to have had extensive medical investigations or procedures, you should get a second opinion. Do not exceed reimbursing any more than the price guidelines stipulate.

Do not succumb to pressure of donations: Taking care of un-adoptable children or doing community outreach programs is one of the reasons to ask for donations by the agencies but the best way to do it is to learn more about these projects and wait for a year after adoption to give donations.

Be prepared to quit anytime: Just because you have traveled the distance, doesn’t require you to finish the journey if you’re not satisfied. Sometimes the vulnerability of the prospective adoptive parents (in the last stage of adoption) is taken advantage of to push the hidden costs. Prepare yourself from the beginning to say ‘NO’ at anytime if you didn’t like something. Because you’ll be lot happier than being with heartache for the rest of your lifetime.

Ruby