District Of Columbia § 4-1410 - Authority to charge or receive compensation for services; inability to pay adoption costs.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 4-1410 — Authority to charge or receive compensation for services; inability to pay adoption costs., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 4-1410. Authority to charge or receive compensation for services; inability to pay adoption costs.
4-1410Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, neither the Mayor nor a child-placing agency authorized to perform services in connection with placement of a child in a family home for adoption may make or receive any charge or compensation for these services.
A child-placing agency may charge an adoptive parent a reasonable fee if the child-placing agency is operating in the District of Columbia exclusively for religious purposes or as a nonprofit organization, pursuant to section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, approved August 16, 1954 (68A Stat. 163; 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)), and no part of its net earnings inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual.
A child-placing agency providing domestic or international adoption services that is authorized to charge a fee pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall develop a sliding-fee scale based on the per capita income of the applicant and provide each applicant with:
Its fee and refund policy;
An estimate of the agency’s maximum fee for specific services;
Information regarding available public and private subsidies;
Its sliding income fee scale; and
A complete list of the services that it will provide at each stage of the adoption process.
If a child-placing agency that charges a fee fails to implement and to maintain a sliding-fee scale as required by this subchapter, or rules issued pursuant to this subchapter, the failure shall be grounds for suspension or revocation of its license.
In addition to the fee set forth in subsection (b) of this section, a child-placing agency providing domestic or international adoption services that is authorized to charge a fee pursuant to subsection (a) of this section may charge an adoptive parent reasonable fees, but not more than the actual cost, for the following:
Customary and reasonable legal expenses of the child-placing agency;
Costs of locating an absent birthparent;
Foster care expenses incurred by the child-placing agency for a period not to exceed 120 days of foster care;
The living expenses of the birthmother, including food, shelter, and clothing;
Transportation costs to obtain medical services, adoption- related services, or costs associated with any required court appearance related to the adoption, including food and lodging expenses;
Expenses for adoption counseling or counseling for the birthparents by an independent mental health professional;
The birthmother’s legal, hospital, and medical expenses;
Legal fees and costs in connection with contested adoption proceedings;
Expenses incurred by the child-placing agency in connection with an adoption dissolution and alternative placement of a child; and
Expenses incurred by the child-placing agency in obtaining the documents required to complete the homestudy assessment.
Except for a reasonable, nonrefundable administrative fee, a child-placing agency shall not retain the fee paid by an adoptive parent unless the child-placing agency has provided the service.
The Mayor, pursuant to [ et seq.], shall issue rules to implement the provisions of this section, including the process for suspension and revocation of the license required to maintain a child-placing agency.
No later than May 31, 2015, the Mayor shall issue rules to implement the provisions of subsection (b-1) of this section.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 4-1410
What does D.C. Code § 4-1410 cover?
Section 4-1410 ("Authority to charge or receive compensation for services; inability to pay adoption costs.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 4-1410?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 4-1410" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 4-1410 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.