[beccer]

on top of all the other questions I have, I was wandering if anyone could give me some advice on how we should select an adoption agency. I really don't know where to start.
we live in central Texas, some if anyone from here has any advice it would be very helpful.
thank you,
-beccer

[DianeS]

I'm not in Texas, but I can give general information.

First, decide what type of children you'll be willing to accept. Only newborns? Only a certain race/ethnic group/language? Certain disabilities/health levels? Only older children? Only sibling groups? Children likely to become adoptable? Any diagnosis? etc...

Then decide what you think an agency needs to have to be able to work well with you. 24-hour hotline for help? A short homestudy period? Flexible hours for classes? Streamlined foster-adopt path? Lots of hand-holding vs hands-off? Etc.

Then get the promotional materials from as many agencies as you can. You'll rule a lot of them out right away because they don't deal with what you're looking for, or don't offer what you need.

Take the remaining ones and make sure the state agrees they are accredited to work in the state doing what they're doing. Also check their BBB rating, then take the ones with good ratings and attend their (free) orientations. Listen to what they say, and ask them what makes their agency different from the others.

(Get specifics: "we place the most infants" - How many infants is that and what's your definition of infant? "We offer great support" - support for what, when is it available, how long do we wait for an answer, who gives the answer?)

Most people admit to feeling "led" or feeling a "connection" to the agency they end up choosing. If you'll be assigned a caseworker, make sure you're comfortable with who that will be, since that will be your main contact.

Good luck!

[beccer]

Thank you for your reply Diane, it was very helpful. I have requested a few info packets already, but I guesse the hardest part is just getting started.
thank you again,
-Beccer

[adoption mom]

Are you looking at Domestic or International adoption?

We are adopting Internationally, through Genesis Adoptions. They work with Eastern Europe (Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan)--we are adopting from Russia. They have a branch office here in Texas and the Director there is WONDERFUL. She has been extremely helpful, caring and responds quickly to our questions. You can look their web-site up at: www.genesisadoptions.org or contact Jennifer at: jennifer@genesisadoptions.org

If you are considering Domestic- I would recommend Adoption Affiliates in San Antonio. Our friends adopted from there and they had a great experience.

Hope this helps! God Bless.
-Regina

[beccer]

Thank you for your input adoption mom.
we think after some research and lots of consideration we want to go with domestic foster to adopt. we feel that we would like that option more because we would actually get to know the children before adoption.
I have looked into the adoption affiliates, but they only adopt infants. we would like to adopt a sibling group with no more than one infant.
thank you for your help though, if we decide to go with the international we will definitly look into genesis.
-Beccer

[adoption mom]

Beccer-

Good luck to you. The only Domestic adoption agency that I know right now that has an Older Child program is Methodist Mission Home in San Antonio. Might want to check into them??

God Bless-
-Regina