[FLmom2]

We are looking at CCAI, Holt and Great Wall. What questions would you recommend we ask these agencies? So much of the process seems regulated by China that it is hard to know where the agencies really differ other than in cost, size of travel groups, staff in China, and responsiveness of US staff in completing paperwork etc. Am I missing some big questions we should be asking? Thanks.

[thundrrds]

How often are dossiers sent to China? This can be the difference of days or weeks in some cases...

What is the agency's policy about communicating with families (their customer service supports). Do you have one staff person as your contact person or several? Can anyone pick up your file and know how to help you?

The staff in China: are they contractors or staff of the agency? What are their skill requirements; do they live and work in the provinces (this can get to dialect knowlege and how well they know the gov't officials you'll be dealing with). Do the staff stay with you at all times in China?

Does the agency have a doctor or nurse accompany the travel groups? If not, how are medical issues dealt with.

What supports does the agency have for families? Either on line communication, activities at their office(s), outreach to families not in the local area?

Some people want to know way in advance who they'll be traveling with and get to know the other families. Some agencies 'batch' dossiers and this is done. Some agencies do not do it that way. If that's important to you than ask about it.

Those are just some of the questions that I believe can bring out differences between agencies. Much depends on what you're going to be most comfortable with!

good luck
Joanne

[pb86]

In addition to all of the obvious questions, I feel that one of the most important things to consider when choosing an adoption agency is how long they have been in business and what their reputation has been among the people who've used them. I can't encourage people enough to check out references (not just the ones they provide but also those on the forums, in your community, through internet searches, and so on). One of the best tools is to check whether anyone has filed formal complaints against an agency with the BBB (you can obtain this information very quickly online).

I also would inquire of the number of "failed" adoptions they have been a part of as well as what system they have in place should things not go according to plan either in-country or out! Are they a "hold-your-hand-every-step-of-the-way" type of agency or one that relies on you to "do your part"? Have they ever been a part of a lawsuit? If they service other countries (such as Holt), how large is their China program and what time/funds are allotted to it compared to that of their other programs? What is their refund policy? How often do they communicate with you to keep you abreast of your place in the process and what is their call-return policy to answer any questions? Do they use only 4- and 5-star hotels regarding travel? And so on... you get the picture.

I wish you the best with regard to your decision. I know it's a tough one.

[Mailbox13]

Both of the previous posters were right on target. The other thing the agencies should provide you is a detailed quote. Often agencies give you round numbers when they talk costs (16,000 or 17,000 or 18,000). From agency to agency, whats included in these numbers may vary. This can leave you comparing apples and oranges instead of apples and apples.

When they give you the detail, ask if there are any potential costs that are not included. Are there any out of pocket expenses you can expect to pay in China that are not included (tips, gifts, tours, etc.)? Are there any domestic costs not included (mailing, readoption, home study, etc)?

Their cost should come in a range because some costs vary. Plane tickets and other travel cost vary depending on the time of year you travel.

The most important thing is choosing one you feel comfortable with. Good Luck.

[sunnysea]

After we narrowed our choices, I sent inquiries to the agencies by email and called each with questions via telephone to "test" their customer service. I did play a role in helping us decide - our finalists were practically even on all other things we were looking for.