Regulation of Private Domestic Adoption Expenses - Pennsylvania

Birth Parent Expenses Allowed

Citation: Cons. Stat. Tit. 23, § 2533(d)

Payments made by the adoptive parents to an intermediary or a third party for reimbursement of the following expenses, calculated without regard to the income of the adoptive parents, are permissible:

• Medical and hospital expenses incurred by the birth mother for prenatal care, and medical and hospital expenses incurred by the birth mother and child incident to birth
• Medical, hospital, and foster care expenses incurred on behalf of the child prior to the decree of adoption

Birth Parent Expenses Not Allowed

Citation: Cons. Stat. Tit. 23, § 2533(c)

The court may provide appropriate relief when it finds the expenses reported are excessive.

Allowable Payments for Arranging Adoption

Citation: Cons. Stat. Tit. 18, § 4305

It is unlawful to trade, barter, buy, sell, or deal in infant children.

Allowable Payments for Relinquishing Child

Citation: Cons. Stat. Tit. 18, § 4305

It is unlawful to trade, barter, buy, sell, or deal in infant children.

Allowable Fees Charged by Department/Agency

Citation: Cons. Stat. Tit. 23, § 2533(d)

Payments made by the adoptive parents to an intermediary or a third party for reimbursement of the following expenses, calculated without regard to the income of the adoptive parents, are permissible:

• Reasonable expenses incurred by the agency or a third party for adjustment counseling and training services provided to the adoptive parents and for home studies or investigations
• Reasonable administrative expenses incurred by the agency, including overhead costs and attorney fees

Accounting of Expenses Required by Court

Citation: Cons. Stat. Tit., 23, § 2533 (b)(8)

The intermediary's written report to the court shall include an itemized accounting of all monies paid, agreed to be paid, or received in connection with the adoption.