[tobeafamily]

First, read everything you can on domestic parental placement. Head to your library or bookstore. Some good books:

The Open Adoption Experience - Lois Molina
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Adoption
Dear Birthmother - Kathleen Silber
Secret thoughts of an Adoptive Mother - Janna Wolff
Adoption in America - How to Adopt within One Year by Randall Hicks

With any and all agencies ask:

1. How long have you been licensed?
2. How many domestic parental placement situations do you handle a year? This year? Last?
3. They should provide you with an itemized list of services and fees. On request they should provide you with a copy of their license.
4. Ask for their philosophy - why do they do domestic parental placements? How do they feel about openness? What support services will they provide you and any expectant parents making adoption plans?
5. Also ask for their after-hours procedures - how does it work?

Some other things:

Ask for references and check them.
Call your state licensing board and BBB to verify licensure and any complaint history.
Pay attention to how you 'feel' about them - you'll be working with them in very intense situations so it's important you're all comfortable.
Beware of any agency that 'pushes' you to go one way or another.

Also ask for recommendations on your own - your OB/GYN, religous leader, neighbors, are all good resources. The agency we selected came recommended from both our OB and our next-door neighbor.

There's a string on this board too that has listings of agencies and people you can PM to find out about their experiences. PM! People are happy to share their experiences good, bad and otherwise.

HTH

Regina