[gavind]

After 7 years of discussion, we are going to get this thing moving! Can anyone suggest an agency in the Washington DC area (Fairfax,VA really)? We are want a toddler from either Thailand or Guatemala. Maybe by the time we are paper ready, Guatemala will be ready for us.

Thanks a ton for all of the great emotional support you all give! We are so excited to get started!

[becky]

Dear ???? (please sign your posts so we know who we are talking to!)

The first thing I want to emphasize is that you DO NOT have to use an agency from your area to handle your adoption from Guatemala. In fact, in many cases, it is much better to use an agency from out of state, if that agency is the one you are most comfortable using.

You will need an in-state agency to do your homestudy, but not for placement of your child.

I highly recommend you research, research, research...particularly during this uncertain time. You should find an agency with a long-standing, excellent reputation, that has great communication, and a policy in place to deal with the uncertain future of adoption in Guatemala (one that protects you both financially and emotionally).

Several agencies I always recommend are:
Adoptions International in PA
www.adoptionsintl.org
Children of the World in St. Louis
www.childrenoftheworldnet.com
HAPS in NJ
www.haps.org
Small Miracles in OK
www.smiint.org

Good Luck and congratulations on your decision to adopt!

[Vicar]

Dear gavind,

I don't know your situation but if you are at all interested in a domestic adoption I went thru the barker foundation when I gave up my daughter 18 yrs ago. My experience has been a positive one.

they are in no.va. and Md. their website is barkerfoundation.org

Best of luck

vicar

[JeannineW]

Gavind,

I used Adoptions Forever for my homestudy and have had a pretty good experience.

Jeannine

[ddz]

Hi

If you are interested in Thailand, try ASIA in Arlington, VA. We had a good experience with them for the homestudy, very personable. They have a website with contact info. and history etc. Good Luck. I am in the Manassas area. Denise

[Mama22]

Hi!

We used The Datz Foundation (www.datzfound.com) in Vienna, VA for our Homestudy.

Best wishes,
Astrid




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