[fwellers]

Hello,
We are recently considering an international adoption, and are very interested in finding our child in Guatemala.

I was wondering if anyone knew of a GOOD agency in Northern Virginia that works with Guatemala.

Also, I have been reading about the conflict surrounding the Hague Convention issue, but am still confused.
If I'm reading correctly, as long as we are able to get the 600 form complete before 1 Jan '07, then we would not be subject to whatever fallout happens with this conflict. Is that correct ?

Guatemala is attractive to us for a number of reasons. It seems that the babies are very well cared for there, the travel requirements are minimal compared to other places, I do know some spanish, and think we may have a more natural affinity to a Central American child than an Asia or African one. ( Not that we could'nt or would'nt love either, I just feel more of a natural bond or closeness to Central Americans. )

Any advise to get us started would be appreciated.

Thank you.
Floyd

[Mandy4President]

I don't know of any good agencies for you, nor do I even pretend to know about the Hague, but I agree with you about Guatemala and I wanted to give you a BUMP.

Good luck.

[dspakowsky]

Hi,

I don't know any agencies in VA, but I wanted to say that most families seem to work with agencies that are out of state. I did and we've never ran into any problems.

As far as having the I-600A in by 1/1/07, that is just speculation. That date could move, so your best bet is to start as early as you possibly can. I really think there's going to be a "rush" for babies as the date get's closer.

You're right about te travel. We're in NC the flight was very easy. Also, in general the babies are very well cared for. Our's certainly have been.

Check out the web site Guatadopt.com for more adoption information.

[coachmom]

our is not in your state but they were awseome!!! I can pm you the name if you want it.
Doretta

[fwellers]

hahah. Thanks for the bump Coachmom. :-))

[fwellers]

Yes, Please do, Doretta. Something is better than nothing. haha. Maybe they would know of a counterpart or sister agency or something in my neck of the woods.

Thanks,
floyd

[becky]

Floyd,

You are required to use a local agency for your home study...someone who is licensed in your home state. However, for your placement agency it is wise to choose the best agency you can find.

There are MANY agencies who work in Guatemala and most have O.K. programs, some have awful programs and a handful have really outstanding programs.

Your placement agency does not have to be local...between phone, fax, and email, it's a piece of cake to work with someone outside of your area. My families live all over the place...I even have two families right now who live in Japan!

The Hague is definitely going to be an issue as the year progresses and it is going to be more important than ever to sign on with an experienced agency...one that has a strong and reliable program in Guatemala.

Good Luck to you!

[fwellers]

Thanks Becky.

I was looking for a local agency, i thought it would be easier. And yea, I also thought the agency had to be from my state, but I guess they just have to be licenced to do adoptions in my state.
I hope someone can recommend some agency.
There is a local one that I have an inquiry into now, would it be against forum policy for me to mention it ?

[becky]

I would put out a new thread stating "looking for feedback on XYZ agency".

Anyone who knows anything about the agency can send you a private message.

All placement agencies in the US can place in any state....it's only your home study agency that must be licensed in Virginia.

[fwellers]

Thank you Becky.

[AddisonsMommy]

So where in Virginia do you live? (us too!!!)

I DID use an agency in Virginia, only because I too thought it seemed easier. NOT SO!! So don't let that fact trip you up. Look around and get feedback on ALL GOOD agencies! I would have chosen differently.

All the best,
Jen

[ej-momtobe]

I too was under the impression that it would be better and easier to use a local agency (I'm in a different area of the state), but I'm not sure that was the best approach. Sure its a little easier to drive across town to give them your dossier, but that's about the only benefit. If I were you I would consider agencies outside your area as well.

[fwellers]

Thanks Jen, this is what I am finding out too. I am sorry you had a hard time adopting and hope all is ok now. I live in Northern Va, near Sterling.