Some agencies accept pension, disability or public assistance as sources of income, but others do not find these resources acceptable. You do not need to own your own home in order to adopt. Agencies recognize that many different kinds of people can be loving, effective parents. It is important that people considering adoption be stable and sensitive and be able to give a child love, understanding and patience. Agencies usually ask for proof of marriage, divorce or death of a spouse, and applicants are generally asked to have a physical examination to document that their health permits them to care for a child.
Foreign adoptions are costly, as well.
Adopting a child with special needs is less expensive. Often the agency has a sliding fee scale, and frequently there is little or no cost. Most children registered with agencies as having special needs have been already classified as eligible for financial assistance, also called subsidies. It is important that you discuss subsidies with your social worker prior to adoption. Many special needs children also receive medical assistance in the form of a Medicaid card.