[lulubelle1]

My Husband and I were initially hoping to adopt from China and after some further research, talking to everyone I possibly could, we realized quickly that China adoption may not the best choice for our situation. With current wait times at 3-4 years and a few strict requirements, we needed to change our plan.

After further research, we have decided that US adoption may be best for us. We are intersted in adoption a child that is three or younger and are not interested in a special needs child.

I am looking for advice on how to select an adoption agency. I have only been able to find two agencies in my area that do infant placement. Most of the agencies I can find specialize in International or older child foster to adoption services.

The agency in my area that seems to meet our criteria, is Amara in Seattle and their 2007 annual report states that they have only placed "13 at-risk relinquished infants with their forever adoptive families" in 2007. I am new to all of this but that number seems really low to me?

I see there is one particular agency that shows up on every web search - I'm sure you know who they are....but honestly, it feels more like they are selling me merchandise and feels like hard sales to me.

Can anyone suggest an agency for a couple that is interested in an infant US adoption? Is it a good idea to use an agency in your vacinity? I understand that the process can be lengthy, and would love to gain any additional information anyone can give me on US infant adoption.

It just feels like the adoption process is going to be really difficult and I am already feeling discouraged and have not even really started!

I would sure appreciate any information that you could share based on your experiences in this process.

Thanks so much

[OLIVIA1969]

I am by no means an expert, but we are getting ready to sign with our agency that we chose.

My process was to search for all agencies in a 2 hour radius. This was how far I felt was reasonable for us to travel for assorted meetings and such. I checked out their websites and any that didn't meet my expectations were ruled out. I then called the 5 that I was still interested in and kind of interviewed them over the phone.

I asked questions about what their qualifications were (age or religious requirements), # of placements in last year, number of failed placements, # of disruptions ever, cost, time frame estimate and lots of other things that helped me compare and decide.

After the phone interviews I had it narrowed down to 2 and when the packets arrived we were able to make our decision. We attended a seminar with that agency and that was helpful in ensuring we made the right decision.

My reasoning for wanting an agency in our general area was that I felt it would be better for us to be able to meet in person and it would make the process smoother and quicker than having to mail stuff back and forth constantly.

[rd200]

I PM'd you.

[Linny]

Not knowing exactly what type of adoption you're wanting....but assuming you're wanting a healthy, caucasian baby.......I would suggest you find an agency closer to home that would conduct your homestudy, then 'sign up' with other agencies/attorneys within and possibly outside of your state.
Some states require you to be licensed through the foster care system in order to cross state lines; others do not.
However, I would caution you that if you're considering the adoption of a child older than say, 2yrs....you'll more than likely have some 'issues' that one would find in the foster care system---even though they've been private adoptions, KWIM?

I have no idea what your budget is, but this is certainly another factor in finding an agency as fees can vary GREATLY depending on your state and area. (Believe me, this I *DO* know.... )

Fees are raising a a phenomenal rate---which is incredibly sad......but, if you do your homework well, you may be able to find one agency that's better suited for you than another.

Good luck. I know how frustrating and tough this can be....

Sincerely,

Linny

[minibus]

I PM'd you. I was going to write here, but then thought that some of the things I have to say might be against guidelines.

[ItsDaddies.Plural]

We went through Friends In Adoption out of Vermont. While they have offices in VT, NY, CT... they have placements everywhere (we know of couples in Tx and Ga). While most of their birth mothers are along the east coast, they have had huge success in placment. We were selected within 3 months of being active and our daughter was born Christmas morning.

Paul @ It's Daddies. Plural.