[Julia66cb]

I was looking into adopting from Kazakhstan. I have talked with this individual and she has seemed very helpful but I do not know anything about this agency. The process seems too easy to be true. Not everything is out in the open. My husband and I have been married 14 years with no children. Can anyone provide me information on the individual and agency???

Thanks!

[Dee C]

I don't know for sure but I think that Alla is the same coordinator that was working with Yunona. We had been working with Yunona for 16 months to complete the adoption of our daughter. A few months ago 6 or seven of the coordinators quit quite suddenly. I know that another of the previous Yunona worker, Lena, is also at adoption ark. Like I said we had been working with yunona for 16 months and were forced to discontinue our contract because as you mentioned everything turned out to be too good to be true. From our own heartbreaking experiences we have learned that it is best to contact agencies in your hometown and decide among them based upon their fees and programs. Just something that we have picked up. If I can help or at least inform some people of what I have learned in the past year in a half it makes it a little easier to deal with the disappointment.Good Luck

[PattyR]

I don't know anything about this particular person, but would have a little advice about choosing an agency. In my opinion, I don't think it matters where your agency is located. With modern means of communication it is easy to keep in touch with any agency in the United States. It is much more important to look at the history of the agency. You should definitely ask the following (I'm sure others can add many valuable questions as well).

1. Ask about the agency license?

2. How long have they been in business?

3. How many adoptions have they successfully completed in the country(ies) you are considering?

4. What is their fee schedule/refund policy?

5. Can they provide you with multiple references of people who have recently successfully adopted with their agency? (Be sure and contact a lot of these folks---not just one or two)

6. Ask about the agency on this board and other applicable groups on the Yahoo groups.

7. What is included in the fees? What additional expenses can you expect?

8. How often can you expect to hear from the agency throughout the process?

9. Do they work in other countries you would consider adopting from (just in case your 1st country of choice experiences delays or difficulties).

I know there are many, many more questions, but these are some of the basics. There are some great agencies out there, but it's up to you to do the research because all of these agencies are going to try to sound like they are the best.

Good luck with your search!

Patty

[christychell]

We are working with Alla from ADOPTION Ark and are very happy!
Everything has gone smooth and we are waiting for our LOI.
Please feel free to send me a private email with anymore questions.
cwa11@aol.com

Christy

[loonerone]

I saw a photolisting for an 11 year old child at the Adoption Ark website - they said the process is easy, she is very healthy - but now I see this photolisting is illegal - is Adoption Ark a good agency or just out to get my money? Any others with experience with this agency???