[love2scrap]

We're in a pickle.
we live in NJ and plan to move to TX. we just don't have a time frame, waiting for my job transfer.
I don't know if I should wait to move to TX to pick an agency there or use one that is here in NJ.

Anyone use an agency outside of their home state?

[aniles]

We live in the Houston area and did not find an agency that we liked here. So, we looked elsewhere and found our agency in Wichita, Kansas. I really don't think it matters where the agency is. What IS important is that they communicate well with you, make you feel comfortable, answer all your questions honestly, and return communications (phone calls, e-mails) in a timely manner.

Where in TX are you moving?

[nattyloo]

I live in NY but am using a TX based agency. I don't think it really matters much so I would go with the agency you think would do the best job. Assuming they are licensed in both TX and NJ. The only thing that would change is if the TX agency cannot do your HS and then you would have to do a little more searching to find an agency or SW to do your HS.

HTH!

[love2scrap]

We're moving to the dallas/ft worth area.
This choosing an agency is driving me batty!

One thing I was told that I can't do a home study if i plan to move.
I wish i can atleast complete that part of it since it takes a little while.............

[reynstev]

We chose an agency in state, but they have had families from about 15 states adopt through them.
So as far as the adoption agency you are fine with either an agency in NJ or TX or any state for that matter.

The only thing I would get clarification on is the home study because the home study is done by a social worker licensed in the state you live in.

Hope this helps, Steven

[love2scrap]

so the home study needs to be done were i live.
how can a HS be done when i move to texas since i'll be new to the area?

[aniles]

We did our homestudy when we had barely lived in TX for 6 months. It doesn't really matter - all they are looking for is that you will provide a safe home for your children. Our HS was so easy and kinda fun. We talked with the social workers (we had 2 - they were sisters who worked together) about adoption and related issues, they asked about our histories, our life together and looked at our house. It was a piece of cake! I wouldn't worry too much. YOu can find social workers in the phone book or ask your agency. Even though my agency is in KS they had a recommendation for a social worker in Houston.
You'll just want to make sure that the SW is familiar with the requirements for guatemala. Good Luck!

[annaguat]

Your placing agency can be in any state. Your homestudy agency can be your placing agency but they need to be licensed in your area. You can also use a homestudy agency that is licensed in your area and then use a different placing agency. If you find a placing agency you like contact them and see if there are any agencies they work with in your area to have th ehome study done through. Sometimes they are very adamant you use a certain homestudy agency. Form our experience it is better to wait till you have moved before having the homestudy doen. You will need a new homestudy when you move since everything changed. You will also have to refile I171H for a new state if you moved out of state. Anna

[Saya]

I know many people decide to work with an out-of-state agency, and it's very successful. In our case, we decided to use an agency that was nearby because we wanted to be able to have access to all of their follow-up services for adoptive families once the process is complete and our baby comes home. BUT we never would have done that if we didn't trust that the agency we are working with here in NYC also has a good reputation for doing the adoption process in an ethical and timely manner.

[tybeemuffin]

I live in GA, but used a SC based agency. Lots of out of state people use them. It is very common for people to use out of state agencies. I did have to use a local HS agency though because my adoption agency was not licensed in GA.

It was important for me to visit the adoption agency before picking them, so I drove there for one of their seminars.

I would recommend my agency. If you are interested in the name PM me.

Good luck with your decision.

[love2scrap]

thanks-
this is so hard. I've waited so long to be in a position to be able to adopt and now well,i don't want to wait anymore.

I guess i'll have to wait til we move to texas.