[TwoAngels]

We are meeting with the Lutheran Children and Family Services (Missouri) in two weeks to talk about adopting through them. They said they just placed a baby last week so they have an opening for a new adoption situation. My husband and I are new to this and have been doing lots of research, but this is our first face-to-face meeting with an agency and I'm a little intimidated. I know they will have lots of information for us, but what kind of questions do I need to ask? I am excited and nervous all at the same time. Anyone who has been through a face-to-face meeting with an agency, I would appreciate your input.

Thank You,

Stacy

[ladybuglady]

Hi!

Good luck! And what a great decision to look into adopting!

I would ask about the charges, whether they are on a sliding scale (like a % of your income) or a set scale. I would ask the general waiting period from start to finish of the paperwork and approval process and then from approval process to average length of waiting for a child. (of course, nothing is ever guaranteed) Also, what specifics you can request about the child, what kind of adoptions they handle (closed, semi-open, open), do they mainly deal with Lutherans so that Lutheran bmoms know they are placing with Lutheran a-moms?, how long until the home study (in case you need to get your house in order?), what additional fees may you have to pay in addition to their fee? (like attorney fees, travel, fees for the new birth certificate, etc), do they stay within the state you are in? (because other laws will come into play if it is out of state), You may also ask if there is a support group or if there are some classes they offer that you could attend to more familiarize yourself with the entire process, etc.

That is all I can think of, I hope that helps. Good luck!

lady bug

[Pblair]

Also I would ask what happens if a situation falls through. Do you lose the money you have paid or do they place the next child with you? How many placements have they made? How many waiting families do they have?
Good luck in your Adoption journey!
Pat