Respecting the experiences that children have shared with others before adoption helps the adopted child integrate into his or her new family. If the child later decides to search for his or her birth family, the adoptive parents can help by being supportive and by offering advice and guidance. Top of Page Costs. Public and private agencies do not charge a fee for adoption services provided on behalf of children who are in the legal guardianship of the local social services commissioner. For adoption of children in the legal guardianship of voluntary authorized agencies, fees generally are based on the adoptive family's income.
Few agencies charge fees when families adopt children with special needs.
Completing an adoption in court generally requires an attorney and the payment of legal fees, including court costs. Families adopting New York State children with special needs are eligible for limited reimbursement of nonrecurring adoption-related costs such as lawyer and agency fees. Local social services departments accept applications for such reimbursement.