[rder1462]

DH and I are investigating domestic adoption after being caught in adoption slowdown in Guatemala. Any recommendations on agencies? We live in Alabama, and there are few local agencies in our area. Thanks!

Mary

[redhedded]

not confined to your home state. We used an agency in Utah; we are in California, and our daughter was born in the South. If using an agency, you can adopt from any state. Your homestudy must be performed locally, and most agencies will do this regardless of whether or not you adopt using them. We used our local Department of Child and Family Services. Just educate yourself on the laws of each state, i.e. when consents can be signed, what is the revocation period, how many post placement visits are required, and when can you finalize.

[browntap]

Mary,
We are not in AL, but just today I called an agency there to get info. I had seen a post on one of the forum sites for this agency. They are Lifeline Adoption Services out of Birmingham. I don't know their fees but they are sending a packet out to me soon. Their number is 205-967-0811 and I spoke with Heather. I believe their website is www.lifelineadoption.org.
Good luck,
Tammi

[angeluv]

We adopted through Lifeline and they're a wonderful Christian agency!!!! Angeluv

[rder1462]

Thanks for the info! If anyone else has adopted recently in AL, I'd be interested in hearing about your agency, in-state or out. I'll check out Lifeline!

[skelley2002]

My wife and I are currently adopting in Alabama, and although our adoption is a private adoption, we have been very satisfied with the agency preforming our homestudy, Villa Hope. They handle many international adoptions -- and I have several friends who have gone through them to adopt. They were all very pleased. One even hit a dreaded snag with the Paraguayen birthmother changed her mind at the last minute. But the agency was able to place another child with the couple very quickly, mitigating the initial diappointment.

The homestudy they are conducting for us has been handled well, but they haven't offered the cheapest prices. My wife and I are willing to spend more based on others recommendations.

Hopefully this doesn't violate board policies but their number is 870-8649. Good luck with whoever you go through.

Sean

[skm41898]

HI!

My husband and I live in Alabama and we are using Southern Adoption out Mississippi. I believe their website is www.southernadoption.com. They have been wonderful to work with. We have all our paper work completed and are waiting on a match with a birthmother. Our homestudy was done thru Agape of N. Alabama. They too were helpful and also handle adoptions too. Good luck with your research.

Kathy

[shellia424]

I have heard some great things about Bethany...I believe they have offices in Alabama...good luck!

[Going43]

We live in Birmingham and have adopted twice. The first time we went through Villa Hope and adopted a baby from Russia. It was great. The second time we went through Adoption Alliance in Texas. They were ok to work with. We are trying to adopt one more time and are going through A Act of Love in Utah, but Suzan Peden, A Angel Adoptions in Birmingham did our home study and Drew Whitmire is our attorney, also in Birmingham. If you would like anymore info you can e-mail me at tarabuchanan@centurytel.net.

Good Luck!

[jordanB]

Originally posted by angeluv
We adopted through Lifeline and they're a wonderful Christian agency

while this is true, they are a Christian agency, be very aware of what you are signing up for. Our experience with them was NOT good. I will be glad to share with you via email if you are interested. jordanb@glay.org

[mommytobug]

You will get banned for discussing agency specifics on the boards....use the pm......just FYI