[GreenTeaJ]

Hi. I'm new to the message boards and to the adoption process. My husband and I are attending an information meeting at a local agency next week. I'm very excited, but I'm a bit nervous too. Are they going to be screening us? If we ask an uninformed question or accidentally say the wrong thing (or if we're too quiet and don't ask enough questions), how much will they hold it against us? What's the best way to conduct oneself in a situation like this?

[crathke]

One really good way to think of the info meeting is that it's like a class or a seminar. Bring a notepad because you'll want to make notes, especially if you aren't settled on a specific country yet.

The agency will probably spend some time going over each program they offer; they may have some families there who have adopted with them. Some may have photos of waiting (or placed) children, or even videos of their programs, etc. You may receive a folder going over the programs and so forth for you to review later.

It's all about information. You will not be "screened" or judged in any way. You can ask questions or not (although I can't imagine going and Not asking!). In my opinion, the only "dumb" question in that setting would be the one that isn't asked. I heard questions on everything from the weather and food to "deep" questions about bonding and medical issues, to the nuts-and-bolts stuff about financing an adoption. Remember, if a question occurs to you, it's probably occurring to someone else in the room as well!

Remember, too, that you are there to learn; the agency staff knows that the families attending want to learn as much as they can so they can make an informed decision about whether international adoption is "right" for them.