[rehmjb]

Hello!

My husband and I are just beginning to explore the option of international adoption. I'm wondering if any of you could help with information on the best way to get started.....Could you point me in the right direction to get information on the different agencies available and the best place to get information regarding different countries, etc.

We are really just in the information gathering stage, but we both feel we are being led to adopt and are excited about the getting started!

Thank you for your help.

[kidmd2b]

I requested the info packet from every agency I could find on the web. I compared all the country programs and what their requirements are within all of the agencies. When I had decided on a country, that narrowed down the agencies that work in that country and then I took a closer look at the different rules and nuances each agency had before making my final decision on agency.
If you have any more questions or would like to know more about my personal experience with our agency, feel free to PM or email me.
Cindy

[sak9645]

Always choose a country before choosing an agency. Not all agencies work in all countries, and some agencies may have a great program in one country, but a mediocre one in another.

I would suggest starting with the website of the U.S. Department of State, at Children and Family Home.

On the left side of the page, click on "orphan visa statistics". That will show you the countries that have been the most popular with Americans in the recent past. Countries that are NOT in the top 20 generate very few adoptions by Americans because they either: 1) do not allow adoptions at this time; 2) have requirements, such as a year's residency in the country, that are very burdensome; 3) have a great deal of corruption, making ethical agencies reluctant to work there; or 4) have very few children available for adoption, and most of those who become available are adopted domestically.

Think about the countries in the top 20 that might be of interest to you. Then go to the left side of the page again, and click on "country specific information". That will give you a brief overview of the process and requirements in each of the countries.

The website of the Joint Council on International Children's Services has a list of its member agencies working in each of the foreign countries. Go to JCICS2, and click on "country information" at the left. Then, do NOT click on the name of the country on the screen that pops up; that will take you to the U.S. State Department website again. Instead, scroll to the bottom of the page, and click on "country programs." You will then see a list of member agencies that work, or worked until recently, in a particular country.

Once you have the names of some agencies, go to the top of the JCICS website and wave your mouse at the "membership" button WITHOUT clicking. You will see a drop-down menu. Click on "membership directory". Scroll down to find an alphabetical list of members, with contact information including website address. Go to each of the websites and begin reading about your country/ies of interest.

Now, be aware that the JCICS list contains ONLY member agencies. There may be others -- some of them perfectly reputable -- working in a country of interest to you. By all means, use your favorite search engine (e.g., Yahoo or Google) to find others. Just be aware that JCICS is the leading advocate for ethical conduct in international adoption, and membership in that organization suggests that an agency has at least some interest in learning about best practices.

Sharon