[Hopeful_Jen]

Hi All!

We are starting our next adoption journey and are pretty much set on Korea... now we just need to find our agency and get approved.

Here is what I have discovered through research:

The Korean Government only works with four agencies to provide referals.

1. Eastern Social Welfare Society (Eastern/ESWS)
2. Social Welfare Society (SWS)
3. Holt International (HOLT)
4. Korea Social Services (KSS)

Of these four, I can't find any information on SWS. The link posted on the Korean Government's website doesn't work and the link posted on the US State Department's website doesn't work either. (Anyone with any insight about this?)

Is the Adopt Korea Website the best place to go to see what agencies work in each state?

What are the major red flags that come up when looking at agencies? Is there anything that a family just starting out should know before they start selecting an agency? Any advise from those that have been-there-done-that?

Thanks!!!

[nancyinoh]

Yes, those are the four Korean agencies that place children. Each works specifically with an agency here in the States, so you don't get to choose the Korean agency, just indirectly through the US agency.

If you are looking to adopt a special needs child, you have more of a wide range of agencies that you can use.
If you are interested in a non-special needs child, then the agencies are linked to your state, and you have a more limited choice.

First, what state are you in?
Secondly, research a bit about the agencies that can work in your state. Then, put feelers out on adoption boards like this one and others and ask for specific references. You can also ask the agencies for references from previous families.

You can always check with the Better Business Bureau, as well. Check the specific guidelines the agency has as to weight restrictions, age restrictions, gender selection restrictions, timelines, if those apply to you. An agency should post or be willing to give you approximate timelines for the process or waiting list, and the entire adoption fee schedule.

Good luck!
Nancy

[teachamy]

Hi Jen,
Yes, that link gives you a list of the agencies licensed to place children in your state. I will PM you with some criteria for choosing an agency.
Amy

[Hopeful_Jen]

Thank you, Nancy & Amy for your messages! I'm hoping to get a list of all the possible agencies that we could work with (both non-special needs and special needs) tonight. I appreciate your quick responses!

We are in Illinois.

[babyhope07]

Hi Jen -
Just FYI, I think that a couple of agencies have a weight restriction (no more than 30% overweight...) One other thing to consider before signing on with an agency.... When being given timelines for the wait for a referral, ask them to clarify when the starting point is. Some agencies have a waiting list for application, some start from the day the application is submitted, and some start counting from the day your homestudy is sent to Korea.
Good luck on your journey!
Jane

[Hopeful_Jen]

Thank you, Jane, that's great stuff to keep in mind!

Great, so much for breaking that New Year's Resolution early!!!

[Hopeful_Jen]

I didn't get the list narrowed down too far tonight.

I'm at...

1. Bethany Christian Services
2. The Cradle
3. Lifelink Adoption Service

Anyone have great words of wisdom that they can PM me about any of these agencies?

[grumpyskirtgirl]

So does Korea now have the same weight restrictions like China? That is interesting. Do ALL agencies have that restriction now?

I wonder if other Asian countries will follow.

- tina

[racytracy]

I'll PM you.

Tracy

[proudmommyof 2]

Hi!

I'm a Russian mommy who went to Korea, too.

Our agency went through SWS

[Hopeful_Jen]

Originally Posted by proudmommyof 2

Hi!

I'm a Russian mommy who went to Korea, too.

Our agency went through SWS

Hi!! I'm glad to "meet" someone that has gone the path that we are planning on going!!
(Mommyto4 told me that you were out there )

Do you know how I can find a website for SWS?

[Hopeful_Jen]

I now have the website of SWS. Thanks!!!

[bugfree]

Eastrern and SWS have weight restrictions. Basically you have to have a BMI under 30.