[survival114]

Hi,
Am in the process of gathering information to adopt from Ethiopia. I am wondering what adoption agencies have the best reputations and are most cost effective? Also, is there any programs available to help with the adoption costs? Any information would be appreciated. Thanks.
-Kat

[sak9645]

There are only five American agencies accredited by the Ethiopian government to place children with American citizens. One of those agencies just made the list recently. You can see the list of agencies on the website of the U.S. State Department.

Two of the five agencies have worked in Ethiopia for many years. Two more are fairly new to Ethiopia, but have a long history of placing children from a wide variety of other countries. The most recently accredited agency is primarily known for its work in Eastern Europe.

I would suggest that you look at the websites of all five agencies and request additional information that may be important to you because of your particular situation. For example, if you are a little uncomfortable about traveling overseas, you may want to find out how the agency handles the travel.

Once you have tentatively decided that one or two meet your needs fairly well, ask those agencies for a list of references, and contact the references. But also go beyond the references given by the agency, since those may be the agency's most satisfied clients.

You can find other people who have used the agency in your local adoption support group or on the Internet. If you want people on the Internet to respond to you, make sure that you tell them to do so by private e-mail or PM. Many people do not like saying negative things in a public forum, and most bulletin boards and listservs (like this one) do not allow agency-bashing.

When you talk to references, be sure to raise the questions that are most important to you. I mentioned travel questions before, but there could be any number of issues that concern you. Be as specific as possible.

Sharon