[Melander]

Hello,
I've been lurking for awhile, but hardly post. I love how this group is so supportive. I had a quick question for those of you who have gone through the process. Our home study is in Korea. I've called once and talked to someone for an update. I have left a few messages because I have some questions, but haven't received a call back. How often is too often to check in with the agency? I'm afraid I've bothered them too much. I definitely don't want to be known as a pest. That's far from my intention.

As you all know this wait is a killer one. I'm trying to be really patient. I think it wouldn't bother me so much if I would have gotten a call back to answer my question (which is about paperwork).

I realize they must be busy and we're not the only ones in the process. How often did you check in with the agency when you were waiting for a referral?

Thank you in advance.

melander

[Amymomamie]

The wait is horribly difficult but when you boil it down to the simple truth, you are their client. They are working for you in the adoption process and I don't think it is unreasonable to contact them with any and all questions. Especially if they haven't responded to your questions in the first place.

I cut our agency some slack over the holidays knowing that people were probably on vacation and what not but still, you deserve answers to your questions.

I've had horrible communication issues with our SW and foolishly thought they would get better as we progressed through the process. I emailed our SW on Jan 4 to let her know that immigration told us they would cable our visa to the consulate today and I still have not heard back from her. UGH!

So in my opinion, I say call or email until you get your questions answered.

Good luck...

Amy

[Melander]

Thanks for the reply Amy. I guess it's a common problem. I did think about it slowing down during the holidays. That's why I called after the new year. Well, hopefully we both will get replies soon.

Take care.

[hscvt95]

I don't think there is a set limit that you need to stick to in order to get questions answered. That is what your SW is there for. Our SW always let us know if she was going to be out of town or something like that but made a point of telling us to call ANYTIME! We have her cell phone number as well so we can contact her on that number also.

My feeling is, if you have questions, then call and ask. Don't worry about "bothering" them. You have a right to ask and they are there to answer. If it's been a few days and you haven't heard back, then call again

[Shelley]

I second the opinions of the previous posters. You are paying them for a service, therefore they should answer your questions. Granted they have other families they are working with, but at the very least they should shoot off an e-mail with the response or just an aknowledgement that they received your questions. With our first adoption we were told to call any time, but at the least to check in with our sw once a month after our hs was completed and sent off. With our second adoption getting answers to questions was like pulling teeth, different agency. They either blew me off completely, or told me what they thought I wanted to hear rather than the truth. Most agencies have a 24 hour response time, every once in a while it might take a little longer depending on whats going on (they received referrals, or travel calls etc...)
Sometimes sw's/agencies prefer e-mail, with our second adoption I flat-out asked the best means of getting a response from the program director and she said e-mail of course. Well that was a lie, but some agencies prefer it. I personally think e-mail would be easier as you don't have to try and get someone off the phone when your busy. I'd give them 48 hours max, and then call back. Good luck, Shelley

[Melander]

Thank you so much for answering my question. I thought maybe I was being too demanding and had unrealistic expectations.

Thanks again.

[teachamy]

Ditto to all the advice already given. You are an anxious prosepctive parent and it is the job of your agency to be there for any reason, even if it is just a shoulder to cry on. My social worker is always helpful/supportive and will email me back the same day, even though we have already gone through the process. (We have been discussing our options for adopting again!
Best of luck to you!
Amy