[tobeparents]

For the past 4 months, we have been trying to adopt within the USA, with no luck. So, we have decided to open our horizon and look internationally. We started by Googling for agencies and found thousands. We have heard too many horror stories so we are asking for your help. If we are looking for eastern Europe/Russia, which agencies would you recommend and why? Should we try to go with a agency within our home state (NY)? Is that important? What should we be looking for in an agency?

Feel free to e-mail us at tobeparents@hotmail.com.

Thank you for your help.

[kimber413]

Hi, and welcome! I'm sorry you had a bad experience with domestic adoption. I think many of us have, and that's why we're here. You've come to a great place for advice and feedback.

Your best bet for finding an agency is to look at the very first post called "Agency Feedback PM List". It's got lots of folks and their agencies listed. You can PM them for information, and specific agency discussion isn't allowed on the boards. If you specifically want Russia, you're in the right place.

As for what's important in an agency... In my opinion, it's not really that important that the agency be in the same state as you. We used an out of state agency, and were very happy with our experience. What IS important is that the agency be communicative, that they answer all your questions up front, that they have reasonable fees (expect around $17,000 in agency fees for an infant up to 3 years old from Russia, older children and special needs, the cost is lower), and most importantly, choose an agency that you feel comfortable with when you speak to their representatives. Also, be aware that, due to new legislation in Russia, the youngest child you will be able to adopt will be around 8 or 9 months old.

One advantage I can see to selecting an agency near you is that you can go in and meet them in person very easily. However, most agencies are willing for you to travel and come visit their offices. If they aren't open to that, then you might want to avoid them.

You can get an agency that's all inclusive, meaning they can do your home study and your adoption, or you can get a different agency for each step. We did the latter and had no problems.

So, look at the list, narrow down your choices through PMs and research, then come back with your top several for additional feedback. We're all willing to share our experiences with our agencies and with Russian adoption in general.

Again, welcome to the adoption journey.

[Vicki H]

I sent you an email.


Vicki

[Jim_in_PA]

Suggest you also read this thread...some good advice.

[waitinginnj]

As you check out agencies make sure that you understand their referral process - they are dramatically different from agency to agency. It is a tough part of the process - waiting - so please make sure that you fully understand how it works.

Check out the financials, bbb as well as references. Ask for references for people in a situation similar to you. If single - talk to some single references, if you are concerned about a health condition etc.

Make sure that you understand the pricing estimates. Is it everything? what is left out of each agencies numbers?

Before commiting to angency ask to speak with the individual who will be your primary contact. Ensure that the individual knows what you expect and that they feel that they can meet those needs.

Good Luck

[flanderz]

Your choice of agency is *crucial.* I can't emphasize that enough. We did some research but not as much as we probably should have done. Fortunately we got lucky with a greate agency.

Before this process started I would have not wanted to go with an agency outside of my local area (large Metro area.) While there are definite bonuses to being local, they are small compared to other more important considerations.

The most important criteria IMO is how connected your agency is. Many agencies are dead in the water right now because of the Russian regulations. Our agency is cranking out referrals. In fact, we have several people in our agency now that switched from another agency after waiting 1 year with no referrals.

Good luck. Enjoy this forum. Its a great resource.

[emjay]

Welcome!

Selecting an agency is such a big part of this process. You really need to do what feels right for you in selecting one. They vary widely in their processes, requirements and contacts in Russia. Check websites, research and call for info. packets from a number of agencies. Attend info. sessions run by agencies. And trust your gut feelings. We had narrowed our choice to three accredited agencies with great reputations and references. I also asked for and received extremely helpful PMs from other members here who had used them. (see list in first thread in this forum) Call references, and ask how agency handled problems/glitches - not just the easy stuff. We chose the agency we did after talking with people who had used them, learning about their ace team in Russia and speaking with the director - everything just "clicked" and we just felt it was the right agency for us. And they've been terrific so far!

There are a number of websites that help. This one lists accredited agencies (or they will be once re-accreditation happens):
http://www.russianadoption.org/adoption_agency_list.htm

And Karen's adoption links are very helpful:
http://www.karensadoptionlinks.com/agency.html

Other helpful sites:
http://eeadopt.org/home/services/ag...g_an_agency.htm
http://www.adoptionnews.org/search.asp
http://www.adoptingfromrussia.com/

Good luck! I know it is difficult, but once you make a decision you're comfortable with, you'll feel like a weight is off your shoulders!

- Maura