[webster]

My husband and I are trying to find a reputable agency. We have two in mind, but are having trouble choosing between them. We don't know anyone that has adopted and would love some advice as to why and how you vetrans have selected an agency. We are also looking for past experiance with both Commonwealth and Bethany. Positive and Negitive info would be welcome. If you don't feel comfortable posting, please email us at grwebster62699@yahoo thanks so much!! Oh, and what would you include in "doing your homework" to research an agency. I have checked with better business bureau and checked to see what accredidations the agencies have. I also have a list of references to check...what else should we do?

[cjc]

We are in the same boat as well. I looked at commonwealth and am leaning towards not using them. They seem to be pretty strict and nickel and dime you. I know money is not the main thing here, its having a family and having your little one home but to me some of the language used in their contracts is a concern to me.
We are still in the beginning stages and I am sure there are people here with much more experience and could offer lots of other things to consider but heres what we are doing. I used excel to list all the services and fees for each company, (now the cheapest agency may simply have very few services included in the fees so check. You may find that the higher price really is better after you see what they are including) Also checked who was accredited, what affiliations they had, do they take responsibility for their facilitators (thats a biggie for me) Some agencies dont and I want that extra assurance that they stand behind the people we depend on while traveling. Also ask about their history success and faliures, talk to lots of references etc. In the end you have to do what you feel comfortable with. I wish you all the luck in the world.

[webster]

Thanks for the response, cjc! This part of the process is so much more difficult than I had realized it would be. I thought the hardest part was the WAITING! It's good to hear that I am not alone in this confusing process. That was a good idea to itemize every service and price the agency offered, I am going to do that, too. I also never thought to question whether or not an agency stood behind their facilitator, which, your right, is vital! I assume there is a light at the end of the tunnel here, I just need to find my way to it. Thanks again.

[dvona]

I am also asking how long the agency has been working in the country. How many regions they work with (if you're considering Russia)? How many children they placed last year? last month? I want to make sure that they have a lot of experience and are able to get a lot of referrals from many different sources. I must admit that I am having a great deal of difficulty with the way most agencies conduct adoption like nothing more than a business. It is hard to accept that starting a family should feel as impersonal as this does.

Donna

[cjc]

You're welcome webster! No you are diffenately not alone. I have felt the same way too, I am the only one of my friends and family (that I know of) that are planning adoption. Its an important process with huge repercussions if something goes wrong. This is stressing me out more than when we looking at houses! I think I have settled on a couple of agencies (Accept and WACAP) I am waiting on some final information and still need to check references though. Feel free to send me a message if you want to compare notes so far.
D had a very good point about checking regions they work in etc The more regions the more likely you are to get a referral a bit quicker. If you seach about.com or iVillage and look for adoption there is some great info. on important questions to ask etc. Keep a notebook with you as you review websites and info. sent to you by agencies that way you can write down any questions (or write down important #'s or websites to check)that come to mind as you read stuff. Its nice to have it all in one place.
Hope this helps!