Monthly Adoption Subsidy — The monthly adoption subsidy is a negotiated amount agreed upon by the CYA and the adoptive family. The adoption subsidy, in combination with the adoptive parents' resources, is designed to cover the costs of meeting the ordinary and special needs of the child.

Domestic costs can include legal representation for both the adopting family and the birth parents, counseling, travel, and more. These child adoptions can cost between $25,000 – $50,000. International costs can include applications to U.S. citizenship, legal costs, medical and document translation costs, and travel.

Information on Pennsylvania's children A child might be voluntarily placed into the system by parents who are having difficulty caring for their children. Or children might be taken out of their homes by a court order. Currently in Pennsylvania, more than 3,000 children are waiting to be adopted.

Pennsylvania is considered to be one of the least restrictive states on who may adopt a child. There is no minimum age to adopt specified in Pennsylvania adoption laws, nor is there any legal adoption age limit enforced. Even a minor can adopt in some situations.