[tmarchek]

Are there any people on this board living in MN and pursuing adoptions? We're about to start the process to adopt a second child and would like feedback on different adoption agencies. We worked through the Independent Adoption Resource Center the first time and were really happy, but we're considering international adoption this time and they don't offer that. Anybody out there worked with Crossroads or Hope International?

[organicmommy]

We are also in Minnesota. We are not doing our adoption through an agency other than our county. We worked breifly with Luthern Social Services when we were working on an adoption with our god daughters sister. They are easy to work with but none of them seem to get back to you in a timely manner.
Good luck

[KFUM]

My husband and I Live in Minnesota. We are adopting from Russia, and are in the "waiting stage". Are paperwork was sent to Russia 2 weeks ago and they are hoping to have our first trip in by the first of the year. We looked into many different agencies and went with Childrens Hope International. They are very good and have a great web site if you would like to look into them. There main office is out of State, I was nervous about that at first, but it does not matter. CHI has been very helpful to us and are there to answer all of your questions.

[bmLisa]

HI!

I am a birthmom from ND. I placed my son at birth last year and worked with Lutheran Social Services. I feel that emotionally and mentally I am where I am today because of the services I received through LSS. I still receive free counseling and will for as long as I need it. My social worker is a God send and I consider her to be more than just a SW. I would definitely recommend them to anyone.

lisa

[tmarchek]

Thank you for your input - I don't think we can use LSS because we're not Lutheran, but I'm very glad to hear their counseling is so strong. That was a big factor in the success of our adoption through IARC as well.

KFUM, what made you choose CHI?

[aefissans]

You do not have to be lutheran to work with LSS. They will work with anyone.

[dianel]

We used Children's Home Society of MN for an international adoption and were extremely pleased with them.

[Bogie]

We live in Minnesota, and are working with Children's Home Society - They are WONDERFUL. The support that is offered to us there is terrific, and the education they gave us before our homestudy was complete was amazing. I talk to our social worker about two or three times a month, just because she wants to know how we are doing. We had even matched with a birthmother through another agency, and when she decided to parent, Children's Home Society was a MUCH bigger support to us than the other agency. When we were in the process of matching with her, they provided us with all the information we needed to make our decision based on what the other agency had told us. I highly recommend them. We attend a support group for waiting families each month, and that is also very helpful.

LSS is also a terrific agency. My sister is a birth parent counselor for them. She really enjoys her job and cares deeply about her clients, as do all of the workers there. Being Lutheran is not a requirement for working with them. Good luck!

Heather

[KFUM]

tmarchek - We went with CHI because they were the most helpfull to us and the information they have available on the web site. They were in line with the fees compared to the other agencies we looked into. Also we had International Adoption Servcies in Edina do our Home Study, they were less expensive than some of the other agencies we looked into, The Social Worker from there was very nice - she only met with us twice, once at our home and the 2nd meeting we met at a Perkins. I really think you should consider CHI, call them for information or go onto the web site (childrenshopeint.org).

[tmarchek]

Thanks for your comments - we appreciate it!