[sak9645]

practitioners to conduct adoptions from countries that allow it. Such practitioners are called "facilitators." Your Dad may want to check the laws in your state.

He would not be able to conduct adoptions from China; however, he might be able to assist with adoptions from some other countries.

Frankly, I strongly support the use of licensed, nonprofit agencies. Yes, some licensed agencies are not good; however, if there are a lot of complaints about an agency, the state CAN decertify it. People don't have that recourse if they adopt through a facilitator.

Also, most facilitators do not have the training to evaluate children and counsel families. Licensed agencies are generally required to have the staff to do so. Facilitators also do not have to file detailed financial reports with the government, the way 501(c)3 organizations do, and to have a charitable mission.

In addition, facilitators rarely belong to organizations that work to upgrade the adoption profession, educate staff, and advocate for ethical international adoption. The Joint Council on International Children's Services, which has a 25+ year history of advocating and educating admits only licensed agencies to membership.

That being said, there are some good, ethical facilitators. Your Dad could well look into becoming one if he wants to work with countries other than China.

If he is committed to working with China, your Dad might want to check with agencies in your area to see what their needs are. Some could be looking for staff or volunteers.

He should know, however, that unless he is a social worker, a lawyer, or a person who has directed programs in another agency, he will probably not find paying work easily. With all the closures in countries lately, many agencies have had to cut their already small budgets, which means that they will recruit only people with clinical and other specific skills.

Sharon