[cindug]

After almost four years in process, we've been notified that our agency is closing. We've been devastated to say the least, and I feel it necessary to warn those that are looking to start the process that you exercise caution when choosing your agency. Just because they've been in business for over a decade and been a dedicated agency doesn't mean your agency of choice won't fold during what could be a longer wait than anticipated.

[mommytoEli]

just a reminder to not name agencies here, even if they are closing...it is still against the terms of service here.

but i have some questions....i think i know the agency you are talking about as i got an email recently about this, but regardless, when an outgoing agency transfers you to a new agency do your fees stay the same or are you at the mercy of the new agency? and how does it effect your adoption? seems like it is becoming more and more common, so i was just curious. thanks in advance and i'm sorry for all the extra headache in this switch.

[amyfk]

Hi Cindug,

Boy I am sorry to hear this. I think that with the current economic climate and the number of adoptions decreasing internationally that this can happen. But it nevertheless doesnt stop the hurt and the pain and the possible loss of money. Take good care of yourself. Maybe you can switch your paperwork to another agency that does China? Just wondering.
Amy K, NJ

[KarenInCa]

Im starting to feel very cautious about our agency. It's a very small agency and at first I was happy to go with the small agency because it's local, and was supposed to be more intimate. I had a few small concerns about our agency during the wait for our first daughter, but now with the second daughter taking so long for referral, when I call the agency, they are rarely there to answer the phone.....and the phone calls I get back are after 2 weeks of waiting, sometimes longer-and that's AFTER calling them again a week later to remind them that I'm still waiting to hear back from them for direction on something. I don't contact them often, but when I do, I would expect they would respond within a day or two as they used to.
This also makes me wonder if our agency is either cutting way back on staff or simply going belly up. Or perhaps it's neither of those, and the newest coordinator (been there 2 years) is simply that way.
I don't think with any agency you would really know these days if they are going to be able to continue....big/small/new/older.
But I would certainly consider starting with an agency that does both domestic and international, and also important, one that is hague accredited.


I can't even imagine how lost and upset you must feel right now. Has your agency given you any direction or tried to help you find another agency to continue? Have they considered the fees you've already paid?
Im so sorry to hear how this has come about for you, after so long of a wait.

[cindug]

Thank you for your kind responses.

Every Hague accredited agency must have a "closing plan" in place. Therefore, our agency had already formulated a plan for what would happen if they were to go out of business.

All their files were transferred to the same agency, and it is my understanding that the CCAA was notified and approved the change to the new agency.

Yes, were are paying an extra fee, but the new agency has been ever so kind to make the transition as gently as possible, and reduced their fees as much as we could rightfully ask for in this scenario. They can't possibly take us on for free, but their fee is more than reasonable in my opinion.

We are just thankful at this point to still be in the race, and we hope that all our efforts will soon be rewarded.

Thanks and good luck to everyone Cindug

[ChelleBrewer]

Wow. What stress for you on top of everything else. I am so sorry to hear your news. I pray that the transition is as easy as it can be on you, the new agency, and those who will be without employment shortly.

I am so sorry.

[PiperH]

We haven't forgotten how nerve-wracking our entire ride was, as great as it was.
All of you still on this wonderful, terrifying ride are in our thoughts.
Kevin and Violet

[Karen in MT]

We lost a quite large sum of money to a closing agency when we tried to do concurrent adoption. Thankfully we recovered and were also adopting through an agency that is still open and seems to be doing well. We have a wonderful daughter but learned a lot in the process. Yes, BE VERY CAREFUL! -Karen