[tobeafamily]

Reg,

In general, here's what I'd look at:

First, are they a licensed child-placing agency in your state? Call your state board of licensing and verify this. Also check with them and the BBB for any complaints.

Ask for referrals to agencies from your OB/GYN, family practice doctor, religious leader, friends. See if there's a local adoption support group and if their members recommend anyone.

When speaking with the agency, ask questions like:

1. How long have you been providing services?
2. How many domestic parental placement situations have you handled in the past year? Two years?
3. What are your fees? You should be provided with an itemized schedule.
4. Ask for references from clients - birth and adoptive parents both.
5. Pay attention to your comfort level with them. Do you like them? Are their phiosophies closely aligned with yours? Do they listen and take time to answer your questions?

Note also: Be wary of anyone 'guaranteeing' or 'promising' a baby within X timeframe. The nature of domestic parental placement is such that these 'guarantees' are impossible to meet. So, too, be wary of anyone saying 'none of our situations ever go bad/birth parents change their mind' because again, it's not realistic.

I'd interview at least three agencies in your local area.

HTH, best of luck.

Regina