[mummi2be]

Hello,
I am just about to sign with an agency that has a good reputation, I checked out references etc. However, they never call back. If I leave messages sometimes it takes 1-2 weeks to hear anything and even if I have asked for a telephone call, I'll get an email asking me to call them again. I guess there are two issues for me,
1. That there are no messages left telling you that they are out of town, i.e. on email, so you end up waiting 1-2 weeks. I would of thought they had email notification?

2. That when I leave voicemail, they NEVER call back, maybe email but if I ask for a phone call I don't get one.

3. When they are happy to talk by phone, they then ask me to call them. I don't live local to the agency, so I wonder if they don't want to pay long distance?

I don't know if I am over reacting, but even though this agency has a great rep, I just feel uncomfortable that I wait 1-2 weeks to hear from them, and then they don't call! Is this normal? I have to pay a surcharge of $1000 as I am not local, I would assume this would cover for phone calls? I really don't want to over react, but I am worried.

BTW, my friend is using the same agency for another program and has the same issues.

Thanks for all your ideas/advise.

[mummi2be]

oops, I can't count...that's 3 issues! lol

[Tamiswaiting]

That would bug me enough to look elsewhere....JMHO.

[DPline]

I too would be looking elsewhere. Would you mind PMing with what agency this is?

[Candace3]

i would be very nervous about signing with them. right now they are "working for your business" and look at how difficult it is to get a hold of them! what will happen when they "have" you?? just my opinion!

[carlyincali]

No way!

Let me tell you that your sanity will rest on the communication with your agency. You are about to embark on the scariest roller-coaster ride of your life. There are so many ups and downs; you wouldn't want to make it worse by choosing an agency that won't call you back.

[krafmatic]

If they are like this BEFORE you sign up (and pay them) I can't imagine what they will be like AFTER you sign on.

[duckmom]

I agree with the other posts. Run like the wind.
I previously chose an agency that wasn't very good with communication and I nearly lost my mind. It is such a difficult process and communication is so critical.
Best wishes in your decision and your adoption!

[dance_muffin]

These are not good signs. Check out a couple of others.

[mamaskoby]

Don't do it!!!
Its common business practice to return calls within 24 hours. And they don't. Are you going to let them handle your child??? No way!!!
Good luck!
Anna

[kathleenmarie]

That would irritate me to no end. My agency gets back to me right away. She even calls after hours. Is ALWAYS available. We do communicate a lot by email, but it's just easier for me that way, but If I call and ask her to call me it is always the same day. Just my opinion, but I would not be happy. What will they be like while you are anxiously waiting for news about your child.

[kerriv]

This is an emotional process with lots of ups and downs. Waiting 1-2 weeks to return a call is unacceptable. I don't care what the reptutation of the agency is, I wouldn't go with them.

[Hopingsoon]

Whoa! That is completely unacceptable!

Under normal circumstances, my agency returned calls within 24 business hours. When there was a scare last fall, I emailed them, and had a response within a couple of hours, as well as a phone call the next day to address the issue.

While I would never expect any agency to be available 24/7/365, I don't think 1 business day is unreasonable to expect a return call or email response, even if that response is that they need more time to check into a situation and provide a true response.

[ERAmy]

no no and no. i mainly email my case manager but she still gets back to me within 1-2 days. usually same day but theres been a few times where shes had to ask other people things so it took a tiny bit longer to find out the info.
i wouldnt use them.

[Disneycrazed]

I would move on to another agency. If they are not going to call you back now when they are trying to GET you to sign with them then I would be very worried about their communication after they have you!
There are many very good agencies that are out there that have great communication as well as other great attributes so don't waste your time with this one agency.