[sak9645]

There is no agency that is "right" for everyone. Even among the most ethical agencies, some will meet your needs and some won't. A lot depends on what is important to you.

As an example, if you are easily "boggled" by paperwork, you will want an agency that helps you with a lot of the steps of dossier preparation, either within the basic fee or for an additional charge. If you have a strong religious faith, you may want to go with an agency that shares your beliefs. If you are terrified of dealing with a sick child in China, you may want an agency that sends a doctor along with travel groups.

Some people prefer China-only agencies, because they are likely to have the most experience. However, in today's volatile adoption climate, many families are preferring to select an agency that has multiple programs, in case a country closes or changes its requirements. It is much easier to switch programs within an agency, than to switch agencies midstream.

With China, everyone needs to work with a licensed, nonprofit agency; no independent adoptions are allowed. The agency must be approved by China to place children with Americans. And because both China and the U.S. have ratified Hague Convention #33, on intercountry adoption, you will need to choose a Hague-accredited agency.


Sharon