[LynnLouise]

I do not live near a large adoption agency, but there is a small agency that networks with a large agency. Does working with a smaller networking agency have advantages to working long distance with a larger agency?

Thank you for your time,

LynnLouise

[2Bulgarianbeauties]

I work with a small agency on the other side of the country. The most important thing is that you research your agency, talk to people who have used them, and make sure you are comfortable. There are some agencies that do not always talk the truth. Unfortunately I have heard too many times about an agency that said they has a well established program in a certain country, and it turns out they had never done an aodoption in that country.

I also would be a little cautious about networking agencies. I would only deal with the agency that handles your case directly, and also directly interfaces with whatever country you are going to. The more agencies in the process, the longer communication takes.

Kay

[ggman]

I am on a different coast than our agency, but it has never been a problem...

My advice would be to pick an agency/progam you like and go with it-- that's what Fed Ex is for!

Good luck.

[randloar]

I agree with everyone else, the quality of your agency and your relationship is more important than their proximity to you. Definately pick the best agency you can find that suits your needs!!

Good luck choosing!

[Ktates]

Hi-
I agree with Kay's advice - I know with Russia it is very important that you pick an accredited agency and right now not one that networks or umbrellas. However we did use a local agency (that was accredited and reputable) - and we have really been glad that it was closer to us - the office manager was a notary so that made things easier or when we needed to drop off paperwork as well as meeting other adoptive parents and getting together at agency functions locally.

We started researching local agencies first and figured if we didn't find one that we really liked and had good references we would look nationally - but we never had to.

[Dearonebaby]

I think that you should always deal with the actual agency that is doing the placing and not a sister agency because of technicalities.. it is hard enough to get accurate communication from near or far. Also, watch for agencies with high entrance fees. That is what most books warn of first.... I have found that there are a few agencies that don't expect a bank roll of money to start your relationship off with them.. and I personally think that is very appealing for several reasons.. mostly because they are showing the biggest part of the trust in you and your ability to pay when needed. Just a personaly opinion.. I hate it when you first talk to an agency and they are sweet as pie and then you ask about INS or paperwork and they are all of a sudden asking for that 2500 or 4000 dollar down payment just to answer questions.. after all the if you aren't using them for your homestudy... you are usually the one doing most of the first leg of work... theirs doesn't really start until the dossier.... at least from my view. I hope you do well.... and congrats on the upcoming family member.

[bluedaisy]

Dearone, I agree. A big appeal of our agency was that their application fee was $100 or $200. We sent that last October and they didn't ask for another dime until they accepted our dossier (this week--hurrah!). So we've gotten a lot of advice and information from them without paying them.


Of course, we have been paying a local agency for our homestudy, but they've actually been providing a service that we've paid for!