U.S.

How Does The U.S. Adoption System Work?

It can take weeks or even years to adopt a child, along with tens of thousands of dollars.

How Does The U.S. Adoption System Work?
Jacquelyn Martin / AP
SMS

Many agencies report COVID slowed the adoption and fostering of children across the country. But the pandemic didn’t slow Americans' interest.  

A Harris poll last year found 67 percent of adults believe that every child is adoptable, up almost 10 percent from 2017.  

And a high percentage of adults say they have considered adoption or foster care. 

But it can take weeks or even years to find a match, along with tens of thousands of dollars.