[kristin1]

Hi!

My name is Kristin, and my husband and I are currently trying to choose an agency for a healthy cc infant adoption.

We have read that it is advisable to go through an agency that doesn't charge upfront, but instead charges after the placement so that your money is not "tied up" with one certain agency. I need help finding these agencies! A lot of the agencies I'm learning about charge a lot up front and then additional money at match, not placement.

We live in TX and would like to go with an established agency or agencies. We are open to agencies in any state. Please, please, please PM me with any suggestions!!!!

Thanks so much in advance! Kristin

[schroem]

I have never heard of an agency that doesn't charge any upfront feed, which doesn't mean there aren't any. Most do becasue they advertise and have staff working for you.

We used a large national agency and had to send (GULP) a $5,000. non-refundable deposit! It was really tough for us to actually make that leap - but we were matched 3 months later and at the birth of our son 7 weeks later.

Now we are pursuing #2 independently, and even our atty required a $2,500. deposit.

[BethAF]

I'm from RI. The agency that did our homestudy does not charge an upfront fee. However, they only place about 4-6 newborns a year and right now they don't have any birthmoms. They actually suggested that we go with another agency if we didn't want to wait 2 years. I looked very hard for agencies that didn't charge an upfront fee. I couldn't find one. I think AGENCY NAME REMOVED mght not charge an upfront fee. However, I called them 2x's and emailed them 1x and never heard back from them. Agencies like AGENCY NAME REMOVED might not charge an upfront fee, but I'm not sure. (We didn't look into them). Trust me, I wish I didn't have to send money upfront. It freaks me out a little. But, unfortunately I think that's the way most agencies work now.

You might want to go on the Adoption Scams group on Yahoo and ask around. They might be able to point you in the right direction and steer you away from the bad agencies. Also check out the General Adoptive Parent Support link on this site.

Best of luck! It's definately both a journey and long, strange, trip!

Beth

[jbntb]

There's one in Iowa that doesn't charge up front fee. Only charges when you're matched.

[mommamarci]

I think it will be harder tof ind an agency that charges nothing up front. Most at least have an activation fee and usually an advertising fee. I think the goal is to look for an agency that charges the bulk upon placement. We had an agency that charged very little, but the only worked with in state residents (Indiana) and we were hoping for an AA or biracial child. Sorry.

[Leafy]

The one in Iowa is fantastic. I'll PM you.

[NaturalizedCT]

Originally Posted by kristin1

We have read that it is advisable to go through an agency that doesn't charge upfront, but instead charges after the placement so that your money is not "tied up" with one certain agency. I need help finding these agencies! A lot of the agencies I'm learning about charge a lot up front and then additional money at match, not placement.

Personally I would be more comfortable with an agency which charged up front but paid the birthmother's expenses themselves and didn't charge additional fees if the bithmother "decided to parent".