[Mandy4President]

Here are some things that I've noticed in general. It's not geared toward my agency or anything else (get along with mine, actually) but things that I've noticed and learned from other people in general. I'm also not saying it's all agencies or everyone feels this way.

1) Agencies are not afraid to ask you for your money, but they are afraid to call the lawyer and ask where your file is.

2) It seems like according to the agencies, we are supposed to show the undying devotion that we will have to the child, but only when they come home. When we are still in process we are supposed to be nonchalant about the steps and hiccups and not stress over wanting the child home. God forbid we cry, vent, or get upset at something that keeps them away from us for longer.

3) Most of the time the people who love and care for our children the most in Guatemala are the ones who get paid the least (foster moms).

Just some things that I think are ironic. Anything you want to add?

[chriscinger]

That is so true.

I could add from my personal standpoint that the agency isn't afraid to ask for my money, but they are afraid to answer my emails.

[Aidensparents]

Wow, glad I am not the only one that has seen those things. I guess during our process we tried to keep our mouth shut the majority of the time for fear of making the agency mad but then again it seems like when we did open our mouths something was usually done about it.

[Natalie1125]

I was just complaining about number 2 last night. My attorney makes it seem like I am being unreasonable that I am so stressed about being in PGN for 18 weeks.

[Guatmom2006]

It's actually ironic you posted this today, Mandy. Today, I received an email "update" about our status regarding getting back into PGN. It went something like this..."the documents took a little longer to come in than the attorney expected, he received them yesterday and hopes to resubmit you to PGN Monday or Tuesday." Let's put aside the fact that this is the same thing I heard last week this same time...okay...the documents took longer to get, fine. My problem was with the "hopes to get you in Monday or Tuesday" Why on God's green earth are you hoping???? Just do it. I sent my first, not nasty, but "I'm not going to accept that" email to my agency today. How is it acceptable for them to treat this as if it's not a priority. I'm sure he has other things on his plate but come on...can you not commit to a date you will have us back in? I told them I thought it was ridiculous. It was actually kind of sad. I never thought I'd have to send an email asking my agency to step up to the plate. They act as if it's not their place to demand an answer...or even ask questions. They acted like I should just take that as if that was the way it was going to be. Meanwhile, my 10 month old child sits in Guatemala.

[Mandy4President]

Right, you're supposed to take what they say without complaining, but you're not supposed to question what they are saying.

[staceyinal]

Here's one
1 - Most people settle into patterns or routines when it comes to their work...all except Mr. Barrios.

[doctormom]

4 - Agencies aren't afraid to send you an e-mail about what THEY read on a forum or anywhere else online, but if you ask them about something YOU'VE seen online do not expect a kind response!

[purplecat]

WOW, Mandy! You hit the nail on the head.

I think that these are the unethical agencies, there are a few good ones out there.

Remember that this forum can be read world wide and that a lot of agencies, attorneys, and facilators read it. Sometimes they have some of their clients trolling for them. Be careful and if your agency does not allow you to post, ask some of us that are done with the process, we will post questions for you.

[wertygirl]

What? Some agencies don't allow you to post and ask questions on an adoption support forum?!? Did I miss something? What is that about?

[spokanemom]

Another good one is that before you sign with an agency they are very good about immediatley returning your calls but after you receive the referral it sometimes takes 3 messages a day for them to return your call.

Also when they has good news they let youknow right away but if its bad news the forget to tell you. Like for me I was supposed to be submitted to the embassy on last thurs. but come tues. I didn't hear anthing so I call. They closed early for Halloween. So after 3 phone calls on Wed they finally tell me "Oh you weren't submitted until Tues." Why did I have to call for this information. I was expecting Pink. They should have called me.

[Mary Mulcahy]

Purplecat is very right, so be so careful about what you post here or on your blog. Some of the "agency friends" will report you to agencies. Some folks done with their adoptions can post for you in the past Brandy has too.
It is a shame but it does happen more than you know.
Mary

[purplecat]

Bumping, I think these two post need to stay together.

[carlyincali]

When I was first speaking with our agency, I told them it was so hard to wait until Monday, (after we had seen a waiting child we wanted on Friday night.) They quickly replied, what made you think we're closed on the weekends? We are always answering phone calls and emails anytime of the day on any day.

Since we signed with them, they have NEVER answered emails or calls after 5pm or on the weekend.

[jenniferw223]

I always had my emails answered even if it was to say they had nothing to tell me or didn't have an answer. My case worker worked from her home so she was always checking her emails. I also got pretty decent updates. My process was slow in the beginning and I did get frustrated at times but my questions were always answered even if it was to tell me "we still have not heard anything". Not all agencies give their clients the run around. I am sorry you guys are going through that with yours.