[Kannec_2000]

Hi everyone. I am new to this forum. I have been pursuing an international adoption (Guatamala) but that doesn't look promising so I would like to do a domestic adoption of an African American or mixed race child. I am caucasion (all my nieces and nephews are mixed race) am single and live in Illinois. If anyone can recommend a good agency I would really appreciate it! Thanks,

[mckenna]

i can't recommend a good agecy, but one of my friends who is a foster parent in il was told that there is a great need in il for families who are willing to take aa and mixed race children. i am adopting a muliti ethnic child from missouri. i got him when he was 3 mo old he is now 2.

[rebeccasusan]

we were planning on working with an agency in Chicago, called Family Resource Center...the fees were really reasonable, and the staff seemed great. We had planned on switching to them, but then our original agency placed us with a baby from an agency called angel adoptions in Alabama. The process was so quick, it was really amazing. They do lots of placements here in the midwest. Goodluck, from what I know of them I would recommend either of these agencies. feel free to pm me if you have Questions.

[Mary Ann Bednar]

I have recently had a set of twins age 4 AA(boys ) placed with me. They join 2 older sisters ages 7 and 11, all adopted. Had I been considering adopting an infant I would've used the agency I used to adopt my youngest daughter. Adoptions From the Heart. They are on the webb. I had a wonderful experience with them.
I had also considered Adoption-Link, Inc. which is in the Chicago area they deal strictly with AA/biaracial babies. Both of these agencies have very reasonable costs.

[bellazmama]

Hi!

Check out Bethany Christian Services.

http://www.bethany.org

Sarah

[charscott95]

If you are near Chicago or w/in I believe, 75 miles of Chicago, try The Cradle. www.cradle.org.

We used them and would recommend them.

char

[Kannec_2000]

You are the first to say good things about the Cradle. That's the agency I was first looking at but heard alot of bad things - that's why I posted looking for an agency referral. Have I just spoken to the wrong folks?

[bellazmama]

Adoption-Link only does adoptions in Ohio. Their fees are extremely reasonable, though.
Sarah

"Sarah,

I would love to but I really try to focus on Ohio families since I am in Ohio.

Naomi
Adoption Link

P.S. There is an Adoption Link in Chicago that is totally seperate from my agency--we just happen to have the same name and they may be able to help you. I do not know their number. "

[Kannec_2000]

Thanks Sarah. BTW - great picture of your daughter

[charscott95]

I sent you a LONG private message.

char

[buccasmom]

Kannec_2000

I was wondering what the bad things were that you heard about The Cradle? We are interested in adopting an AA or BR child. Our agency is networking with The Cradle for us -- I was wondering if there were things we should know about them before getting involved with them. We have already gone through two failed adoptions (not through the cradle), and it would be very disheartening to run into more problems. You can email me privately if you prefer at momof3@midmaine.com.

Thanks,

Emily

[bichonlover]

I would recommend that you talk with Christine Welch (Orlando, FL). She was our adoption attorney in Sept. 2001 for our wonderful adopted son, Zach (Bi-r). She really stays on top of everything and is very informative. Her number is:

Christine Welch, Attorney
407/849-9956

[Brat]

Is it just me, or is it harder to find a biracial infant than it is to find a Caucasian one? I'm AA, hubby's CC. We're just in the beginning stages and it seems that every agency or facilitator we investigate that claims to have lots of biracial situations only really has 10 out of 120 or something slim like that once you really ask the questions.

Also, today I was told by an adoption professional that you're better off w/a biracial situation (read: CC bmom) because the AA bmoms are very likely to decide against relinquishment at the last minute.

Any thoughts on any of this would be appreciated.

[Kannec_2000]

Having started down the path to an international adoption partly to avoid just that risk I am certain about one thing - there is nothing certain in adopting. As for the number of bi-racial infants - I have the same experience as you - not that many, at least concentrated in any one agency.

[stalldog]

We are just starting the process, but have decided on a Haitian mission called Precious in His Sight. They are not an agency, but facilitate adoptions. You can check them out a www.precious.org