The fees charged by agencies and the extent to which they are regulated by State authorities vary from State to State. Regulation is ordinarily determined by administrative rules, regulations, and standards, not by statute. Very few States specify a dollar amount for agency fees or specific services that agencies provide. In most States, the statutes simply authorize agencies to collect "reasonable and customary" fees for the adoption services provided.

The services that agencies typically provide include preparation of the pre-placement and post-placement home studies of the adoptive family; a social and medical history of the birth family; and birth family counseling. Sometimes agencies also will receive payment for birth parent expenses and make appropriate disbursements. In addition, in some States, agencies are allowed to factor a portion of their administrative costs into their placement fees.

Source: National Adoption Information Clearinghouse