[hemmhart]

my husband and i are trying, after much research, to selct an adoption agency. we are looking to adopt an african-american, caucasion, or bi-racial infant. we are located in wisconsin and i'm wondering if we should choose an agency in WI, or just have a wisconsin agency do the homestudy and use an out of state agency. does anyone have suggestions? is it better to chose an agency in our state? any agency recommendations? Thanks for your time and good luck to all!

[tobeafamily]

Hi,

A locally based agency will be very well versed in the laws in your state and be able to provide you with onsite services. Remember that most domestic parental placement situations are found through personal networking activites, NOT by registering with agencies or 'facilitators/referral services'. When you're ready, I'm happy to share a list of search tips we put together to help others.

Situations presented by other agencies and/or facilitators will have additional fees associated, driving the total cost up, and the use of nonlicensed entities such as facilitators or referral services may be illegal in your state. Most reputable agencies present to their registered families first, then search through other agencies if they can't make a connection within their client list.

I'd ask for agency recommendations from your OB/GYN, religious leader, friends. I'd also see if there's a local adoption support group. If so, ask members there how they made their connections. Interview at least 3, check their experience, licensing status, check with the BBB and the Adoption Guide (www.adoptionguide.com), ask for itemized listing of fees & services, and decide if you're comfortable with this group - you'll be working quite a bit with them.

In either event, you'll need an attorney with experience in domestic adoptions. The American Academy of Adoption Attorneys keeps their member listing online at www.adoptionattorneys.com. I'd interview at least 3 and compare fees, services, experience & comfort level.

My 2 1/2 cents.

Regina, AMom to Ryan Joshua Thomas

[hemmhart]

thank you for the wealth of info. which state are you in, if i may ask? I'll definitely follow your great advice. I appreciate you taking the time to reply. i'd like to lern more about the personal networking, when you have time. thanks!

[tobeafamily]

We live in Virginia. Ryan was born in Texas - one of the few states that allows non-residents to finalize there, so we did (saved us about $1500 over finalizing here in VA).

Glad I could help. Feel free to ask questions, this how we all learn.

Regina, AMom to Ryan Joshua Thomas

[hemmhart]

Hi!
can you tell me what agency you used?

[Ann T]

Hi-

I also live in WI and we are trying to decide on an agency also. If you are interested in adopting an AA or bi-racial infant, I found that Pauquette in Portage has quite a good program. Apparently, they work with agencies in TX, and seem to have a fairly short wait time. The SW was very helpful when I talked to her.

We contacted Lutheran Social Services in Wausau, and will probably go through them for our home study, since they are fairly close to where we live. We are not sure yet if we are going to try to enter their domestic infant program, as the SW there said that last year they had 32 couples apply, and could only accept 11. They randomly draw for the 11 couples. So... if you don't get picked, you kind of have to start looking again.

We are considering going through an agency in FL. Checking them out now...

Feel free to PM me if you want. Good Luck (it's a daunting journey, isn't it?).

[redhedded]

I take every opportunity to recommend our agency when appropriate. A TLC Adoption is located in Salt Lake City and places only African American and biracial babies. They are a non-sectarian agency. The two women who run A TLC are adoptive moms of 10 and 7 children. They were sincere, communicative, honest and professional. Fees do not include homestudy, finalization or travel. While many women choose to go to Utah for the adoption laws, mothers may give birth in their home state. You are not limited to your geographical area. We are in California and our daughter was born in the South.

They can be found at http://www.tlcadoption.com

Good luck!

[tobeafamily]

We used Shore Adoption Services in Virginia Beach - www.shoreadoptionservices.org. Fantastic agency, very helpful and supportive. They only work with prospective adoptive families in Virginia, though.

Take care,

Regina