[Quin2000]

Oops, I think I may have posted this in the wrong area. I'll repost it here:

My huisband and I are just starting out, but I'd love for some advice from those of you that have adopted in the Phoenix area.

I have had a difficult time finding an agency in the area that fits us. Most seem to be agencies that require you to be a part of their religion. My husband and I are a Christian family and were raised in Christian homes, but we are not currently active in any religion or church. Does anyone know of an agency that doesn't require a "faith statement" or something of that sort? Don't most women place their children with an agency because they want their child to be raised in that specific religion?

[Edited To Remove Agency discussion]

Please take a moment to review the announcement located at the top of each forum:
NEW POLICY TO BE EFFECTIVELY IMMEDIATELY

All agency specific discussions must be done in private. Discussing agency specific timelines processes, dossier preparation time, application process time, referral times and fees fall under this guideline.



Thank you so much for your "brains" on this. I know it takes time to answer posts, hopefully I can offer advice once I become a seasoned Adoptive Parent!

Steph

[BuckarooBanzai]

We have adopted twice in Arizona with two different agencies. The first was Arizona Baptist Children's Services and the second was Christian Family Care Agency. Both requested 'Faith Statements', but neither required a specific denomination. By not being active in a church that could make it difficult.

I have heard good things of AASK. They tend to deal more with special needs kids and little with infants. You may want to talk to them.

As for the cost, you can do a domestic adoption for 2/3 the cost you mentioned in AZ. You can also reduce the costs further if you are adopting a child in the care of CPS.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

[teranga]

Have you tried Commonwealth Adoptions out of Tucson? They do not have a religious affiliation.

[Quin2000]

We actually did look into international agencies when we first started, but the cost and time away from home seemed prohibitive. Commonwealth seems like a wonderful agency, but we don't want to go into debt, and their costs (plus travel) just seem too far out there for us. Has anyone adopted through Commonwealth and spent less than $20,000 total?

Steph

[teranga]

Hi again.
We are using AAI[Edited To Remove the URL to an agency or fee for service website.] I'm not sure how much I'm allowed to post on here about specifics, but feel free to PM me. We live in Tucson, and through AAI we will have spent a total of $12,000.This is start to finish, home with child, including homestudy. this is from Ethiopia. It varies a LOT by country and by agency, but you do have international options for under $20K--that is for sure.

[LoveJosiah]

[Edited To Remove Agency discussion]

Please take a moment to review the announcement located at the top of each forum:
NEW POLICY TO BE EFFECTIVELY IMMEDIATELY

All agency specific discussions must be done in private. Discussing agency specific timelines processes, dossier preparation time, application process time, referral times and fees fall under this guideline.

[Quin2000]

[Edited To Remove Agency discussion]

Please take a moment to review the announcement located at the top of each forum:
NEW POLICY TO BE EFFECTIVELY IMMEDIATELY

All agency specific discussions must be done in private. Discussing agency specific timelines processes, dossier preparation time, application process time, referral times and fees fall under this guideline.

[NatelisaAz]

Hello,
I've tried to talk with a couple places in Phoenix for a home study but, they will not do it as we are in Yavapai County. I'm trying to find a place to get a homestudy done reasonable and that because we would really like to adopt this sibling group in CO but, need an approved home study first. We are not going for infants right now. We would LOVE to get this 5 and 6 yr. old sisters. Can anyone help us?? An we are not going to be legally married until June, 15th. We will push it up if we have to but, this date has other meaning to it.
Lisa Anderson

[LoveJosiah]

[Edited To Remove Agency discussion]

Please take a moment to review the announcement located at the top of each forum:
[url=http://forums.adoption.com/announcement.php?s=&forumid=377]NEW POLICY TO BE EFFECTIVELY IMMEDIATELY[/URL

All agency specific discussions must be done in private. Discussing agency specific timelines processes, dossier preparation time, application process time, referral times and fees fall under this guideline.

[LoveJosiah]

NateLisaAZ, D
I don't know how or if this info will help, but we adopted our son from Yavapai county and went through Adoption Specialists of AZ in Phoenix for our home study. Amber

[NatelisaAz]

DO they have a website I can go to?? I really need a homestudy done soon. We contacted Catholic social services but, they deal with infants it sounds like and we are not limiting ourselves to that right now. As far as I can tell we just need an approved homestudy to adopt children off of a site like adoptUSkids.org. Correct ?? Or do we have to pay a company and stay with them??
Natelisaaz

[LoveJosiah]

[Edited To Remove Agency discussion]

Please take a moment to review the announcement located at the top of each forum:
NEW POLICY TO BE EFFECTIVELY IMMEDIATELY

All agency specific discussions must be done in private. Discussing agency specific timelines processes, dossier preparation time, application process time, referral times and fees fall under this guideline.

[Jensboys]

Reminder from Moderator: ALL AGENCY DISCUSSIONS MUST TAKE PLACE PRIVATELY. Failure to follow those guidelines will result in your removal of membership from this site.

Thank You

[LoveJosiah]

Sorry, I didn't know we couldn't talk about adoption specifics and help one another in this way on a large adoption website such as this? Seems like it defeats the purpose of gathering...? What else adoption-related is taboo & how do we talk in private? Thanks, Amber

[LoveJosiah]

NateLisaAZ,
Seems we can't discuss agencies and certification details on here. You can e-mail me at Davis_SAJ@msn.com if you would like info on Adoption Specialists of AZ.
Amber