[sandsstone1]

While discussing the adoption agencies accreditted in Russia, the question came up as to wether or not some agencies get "the pick of the litter," so to speak, or if some orphanages are noted for having "healthier" children than others and therefore more adoptions. For instance, would we be handicapping ourselves by using a Christian agency because they tend to be more charitable and work more with children that others may not work with as opposed to a secular or non-faith/religion based service. Or is there some assurance or other factors involved that pretty much make it a "level" playing field? Is there such discrimination among either agencies or orphanages? Or is it all a part of our paranoia (FEAR - False Expectaions Appearing Real)? Has anyone seen any research on this topic?

Finally, what criteria did you all use to condense the list of agencies to a more managable level? Size, name, religious affiliation, location, etc.?