[Denise Reilly]

My husband and I are in the process of adopting two children from Russia. We feel that we really are not getting anywhere with our current agency. Has anyone ever heard of International Christian Adoption Agency in California and have you used them?Thank you for response. Denise

[sak9645]

...that you use an agency that has been accredited by Russia. You can find a list of agencies accredited by Russia on the website of the Joint Council on International Children's Services, the oldest and largest association of licensed, not-for-profit, international adoption agencies in the world. Just go to www.jcics.org and click on Russia. You can also read it on the website of the Russian Embassy.

While you are on that website, you might check to see if the agency you are considering is a member of JCICS. While it JCICS is not an accrediting or regulatory body and has no power to discipline an agency, it is a leading educational organization for agency staff, and membership implies a commitment to the ongoing education of an agency's professional employees. It is also an advocate for ethics in adoption and requires agencies to sign a copy of its Standards of Practice; an agency that signs is implying its commitment to uphold those Standards.

Whatever the agency you are considering, check references carefully. The agency will give you a reference list if you ask, and by all means contact these people. However, go beyond the list, which undoubtedly includes the agency's most satisfied clients. Find families in your local adoption support group, if possible, or in Internet bulletin boards, chats, and listservs such as those of Families For Russian and Ukrainian Adoption (FRUA) or the Eastern European Adoption Coalition (EEAC), both parent advocacy groups. When you make an inquiry on a bulletin board or listserv, ask that folks contact you privately and include your e-mail address. Most families do not like to comment publicly on an agency, and many board/listserv moderators do not permit agency-bashing on their sites for fear of lawsuits.

When you check references, be very specific in your questions. Remember that, even if an agency is honest and ethical, it may not be right for you. As an example, if you have never traveled abroad before and are very nervous about this aspect of your adoption, you should ask about an agency's in-country support. You will want to find one that "holds your hand" every step of the way. If you are utterly "boggled" by paperwork, you will want to find an agency that guides you very carefully through the dossier preparation process. If you are older or have a disability, you will want an agency that advocates effectively for people like you, and so on.

Good luck to you with your adoption.


Sharon A. Kaufman