[HollyMack]

or attorney?

If you contacted multiple agencies for information, what did you ask? I want to start contacting the agencies/attorneys I have researched, but I'm only coming up with a couple of questions:

Do you allow couples to work with other agencies/attorneys in order to gain more exposure?

How much are your upfront fees (pre-app, app, etc.)?

I kind of want to ask about their ratio of waiting couples/birth mothers - any suggestions on what exactly to ask?

Anyways, any other suggestions are very welcome!

[JustCourtney]

I would also ask:

1) What kind of counseling do they offer efamilies? What resources are made available to them after placement? If counseling is made available to them (hopefully it is), will you be charged by the session, or is it included in placement fee.

2) What percentage of emoms that contact them end up matching, and what percentage ends up placing. If a high percentage match, but then a low percentage place - that could mean that they do provide adequate counseling upfront. You do not want to find yourself in a failed placement with lost funds!

3) What is their policy regarding contact and returning calls/emails. You will be giving them lots of your money and working with someone who answers the phone, or returns messages promptly can go a long way in easing your fears and concerns - especially when you have things pop up (which you will!).

Just my .02 from our recent experience! Best of luck!

[HeidiK]

1. Wait times?
2. How do they locate the e familes? and recruite AP's?
3. Cradle care available?
4. Local or national experience?
5. After care? Post adoption follow up?
6. Do they facilitate semi-open adoptions? What happens to their files in the event they get out of the adoption business?
7. Do they have experience with open adoptions?

[rykyki]

You should also check to see if their license is in jeopardy, as in NJ, there have been two agencies that abruptly closed their doors without notice as their licenses were not renewed.

[HollyMack]

Thanks, guys - good info!