[time2adopt]

Is anyone familiar with "referral services"? I've seen several online that post available situations. How do these types of agencies work, and are they legal? How do they differ from facilitators? Does anyone have experience (good or bad) in using a referral service agency? If so, I'd love to hear from you via private message with details. Thanks.

[Sleepydream]

The thing about referral services that stinks is that you pay them ON TOP of whatever the agency handling the actual situation fees are. But, if you have a fairly generous adoption budget they are a great way to find a baby fast. Also, you aren't limited to just one agency. However, agencies will always present contracted families first and some referral services charge up front.

[sadiegirl]

Has anyone used Adoption Information Services in GA? (One poster emailed me previously about them and they sound quite interesting).

Please PM me with
1:satisfaction with service
2: approx fees paid on top of AIS fee
3: wait time until placement

Thanks so much! (There's a post like this in the GA forum but that was from April)

Thanks again!
Tina

[DebCsMom]

We used a referral service with all 3 of our adoptions. The one we used as NO UPFRONT FEES! Her fee was very low compared to others rest I've looked into. There are no fees due until a match is made or in some cases, until the baby is in your arms.

We were matched VERY quickly...our longest wait was about 2 months from time of registering until we held our baby.

I like referral services because the fees are MUCH less than facilitators. With facilatators they work with the Bmom, with referral services, they work with the agency or attorney assisting the Bmom. Once a match is made, the referral service is DONE, the Bmom continues working with her agency/attorney & you with yours. With a facilitator, they finish up the legal work, etc. They aren't legal to use in alot of states but a referral service is in most.

PM me if you'd like the name of the one we used. The ONLY one I recommend & trust.

Deb