[Havana]

Hi! I'm new to not only this site, but the adoption process and, boy, am I overwhelmed!

My DH and I have been on the fertility road for 3 years, and now want to adopt. It's hard to explain, but I just feel, that for now, this is what we are meant to do.

But there's so much to learn and wade through.

My biggest question is regarding finding/choosing an agency. There are so many. We want to do an domestic infant adoption. It seems like every agency website is the same- testimonials, FAQs (that all say the same thing!), and an application. How do I know which one to go with? And is it better to go with a national agency vs local?

Any and all advice is welcome!

Thanks,
Gina

[BrandyHagz]

Gina,

The best advice I can give you about choosing an agency is as follows:

Go with a GREAT agency that you get GREAT feedback about from people other than the 'contacts' they give you...don't worry about logistics...in the end, the only thing that you have to have done locally is the homestudy (and maybe finalization)...you want the one who will be doing the networking and counseling to be OUTSTANDING!

Tips:
Try to find a Non-Profit
Talk to LOTS of people
Look at and understand their policies regarding fees before you pay the application fee

Find an agency who 'carries over' funds from situation to situation...you don't want thousands of dollars lost to a failed match or failed placement because of the way they do business.

The way to know you're dealing with a great agency is to know what kind of services they offer expectant mothers prior to placement. Do they offer 'options counseling' vs. adoption counseling?

Talk to birthmom's here on the forums who have placed in the last couple of years and find out what they have to say.

Google Open Adoption Insights and contact Brenda and find out what agencies she is recommending based on her experiences working with them.

Start thinking about what type of situation is right for you...you've already made the hardest decision, and that is that you want to go Domestic...most people don't even know that when they're starting.

Do LOTS and lots of research and reading - and of course, post here tons! The folks here are amazing!

[mommamarci]

Gina- There is a thread on the General Adoption Support forum about agencies. It is at the top. You can look through it and ask people on there about their agencies. All discussions have to be done through PM, but I have gotten some great reviews of agencies that way.

I live in Indiana. I know of two agencies in Indiana that I could review for you, but they both prefer to work with in state couples. Not sure where you are located. If you would like info, let me know.

My first piece of advice would be: decide what is most important to you (race, expenses, location, wait time, etc.) then post on here and ask for recs for agencies that meet those criteria. That would give you a starting place at least!!

Good luck with the process. And don't worry, you will never learn everything!

[Havana]

Thank you both so much!
I appreciate yall's insight!


Gina