[ROSAMARIE]

Hi we have been doing a lot of research into the adoption process. We have been talking to agencies and reading material they have sent to us regarding their agency and the adoption process. We would like any adivce from anyone who has been through the process of selectining an agency.

[tobeafamily]

Rosamarie,

Here's what we did:

First, we asked for agency recommendations from people we trusted - my OB/GYN, our priest, close friends and neighbors. Interestingly, both our OB/GYN and some good friend neighbors gave us the name of the same agency.

We then called the state department of social services and got a list of licensed agencies in our area and cross-checked this list with the BBB for any complaints.

We met with three agencies. One 'required' that we go through an information seminar, despite us saying we'd done a good bit of research. They flat out refused to meet with us one on one. The other two were happy to meet with us personally.

Here's the questions we asked:

1. How long have you been providing services?
2. How many (in our case) domestic parental placement adoptions have you handled in the past two years?
3. How many total adoptions have you handled in the past two years?

(2 & 3 will give you an idea of how many of your chosen method they handle vs. how many total)

4. What kinds of support services do you offer for both us and for any expectant parents considering making an adoption plan?

5. Do you have a list of itemized fees?

6. Do you have a list of references I may contact?

7. What happens if a baby is born or I need help after business hours or on weekends?

When you meet with agencies, it's also important that you get a 'feel' for how they are. Are you comfortable with them? Do you feel you're 'clicking' or are things strange? Thsi is important because you're going to be working closely with them during emotionally charged times. Hating your agency makes it all that much more difficult.

Just some thoughts. HTH.

Regina

[tmlewis]

Hello Regina,
What agency did you decide to go with?
We are also looking for a domestic agency and have LOTS of info and feel overwhelmed with finding the right one. We are already state approved, home studied, etc, etc.....just need to connect with an agency.

Melodie

[ROSAMARIE]

Thank you so much you have helped us a great deal.We will take everything you have said to heart. We want to ask questions so we get this right but it is hard to know what to ask when you have not been through this before.We are nervous that we are going to forget to ask someting really important.

[tobeafamily]

Melodie,

Our agency only works with families in Virginia, so they wouldn't be a fit for you. Sorry about that. I wish they did, because we had a very good experience with them.

Regina

[rredhead]

There is a free service through a non-profit group called Loving Shepherd. Loving Shepherd is NOT an agency. You send them the names of one or more agencies (but not too many, even if it is free; we sent 3). They wrote back with the Better Business Bureau information, some of the financials, and any complaints or recommendations that they found. The link is:
http://www.loving-shepherd.org/

I hope this helps!
-Robyn C.

[tjmillikan]

Has anyone used Children's Home Society (Minnesota) or Adoption Partners (South Carolina)? We are considering them for our Guatemalan Adoption. Please respond to me via PM. THANKS!