[graceful1]

Hello all-
Just wondering- In general, does your agency provide newsletters to keep you involved and updated of recent changes, new additions, etc.? Do they return your phonecalls or emails when you have questions?

[Zachary'sMommy]

Our first agency was very tight-lipped about everything and very rarely returned my e-mails. I'd say between our social worker and our agency, maybe 2 out of every 10 e-mails were answered. They just ignored us. They did not volunteer any information about the status of referrals, travel, etc. and when asked they were very vague and I dont' believe they shared everything they knew.

Our second agency is wonderful about communication. There is a monthly e-mail update for families in process for Korean adoption, and my e-mails always get returned within 24 hours, usually within hours or even minutes. I feel that they keep us very up-to-date and share everything that they know with their waiting families. This is huge to me, knowing I can be confident in our agency and that they are willing to communicate with us.

[teachamy]

Our agency is amazing. We always get our calls and emails returned, typically within the hour. If our regular SW is out, it is just as easy to reach someone else! There are monthly email newsletters, and a recorded info. line as well.
Amy

[graceful1]

Unfortunately, we have been working with our agency for about a year now and we have not received one newsletter- even though they have our correct address (I confirmed it with the coordinator). They did have one in the Spr/Sum 2007- I saw a copy of it online but we never got it. Also, I have tried to reach our SW thru phonecalls and emails and she does not respond at all. I feel so disconnected from our agency- there is no communication. Not one word of reassurance as we wait. It is disconcerting. What can I do?

[babyhope07]

I am sending you a PM

[teachamy]

Grace,
I'd write an email to your SW asking for more support. If you don't get an immediate response (within 24 hours) I would contact the program supervisor and ask for a new SW. Give your reasons, and feel free to express your concerns about the agency due to the lack of support you are receiving. YOU HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO DO THIS! This agency needs to better understand the needs of the prospective moms and dads they deal with.
Good luck!
Amy

[graceful1]

Thank you for your advice. I am so happy to have support from all of you. And, I will address my needs further with the agency. Like many families, we too experienced the heartaches of multiple miscarriages, fertility issues, etc.- and we share the feelings of desperation and frustration in the past and "elation" will be the word that we use in the future when we have finally started our family. Always- Grace