[cathvash]

Do you see what a knowledgeable group of folks you have run across?!

One thought that might put a slightly different spin on your agency selection sequence: If you do not have a specific region in mind, you might do well to first research which regions are currently "adoption-friendly". So much of what I hear demonstrates very different processes and ease depending on the region. The region makes a HUGE difference. Once you identify some prospective regions, you can determine which agencies place children from there (This board would be one good place to ask the question). You will want to look at the number of children they have placed from there as well. This will give you a "short list". Then you can research these agencies according to the criteria described by others above.

My belief is that the Russians have worked very hard to make the process as objective as possible. That said, the workers there have some level of control over their jobs, just as we all do. I would question the agencies about what type of relationships they have with the powers-that-be in that area. If the agency is well-regarded and maintains close ties, it might work to your advantage at some point, as opposed to an agency that is not well known to the folks there...