[ericamoore]

Hi Everyone,

I am a newbie hoping to get some support and guidance. My husband and I have struggled with infertility issues over the past 8 years. In January 2008, a friend referred me to an adoption agency that she had great success with. I started talking with the local agent that handles my area and she referred me to several people who could handle my homestudy. It took 4.5 months to complete my homestudy. Now my homestudy agent wants the adoption agency to review it before we submit it. I have been on the phone trying to contact the lady I was working with it took her two weeks to return my call due to a vacation. When I finally got in touch with her she said she would look at homestudy that I emailed and get back with me the next day, well that was 3 weeks ago, I have been psychotically ringing her phone and leaving messages also emailed again. Am I just stressing too much, or is this what adoption agencies do? Maybe I am just too anxious.

[MissDaisyofTexas]

Hi and welcome!

One thing I've learned with adoption is that processing paperwork is not a priority to anybody but us...so definitely keep calling your social worker! I think that during our first adoption, we were not aggressive enough with our homestudy agency, and things just took too long. This time, I'm being a squeakier wheel.

Good luck!

[amyfk]

I can understand that you didnt hear from the lady at first because she was on vacation. During summertime I think you have to expect that. I can even understand a bit of a backup once she returns from vacation because all of that unfinished work is piled up on her desk. However, I think 3 weeks is a bit extreme.
If you find that this lady just isnt getting the job done can you ask for another social worker at the agency or research other agencies? If you research other agencies, ask for references. The process is long and stressful enough, you dont want a social worker to tie up the process for you.
Best of luck,
Amy K, NJ

PS not all agencies, and social workers are like that. I think the good ones get back to you in a timely fashion

[Ebadge90]

No matter what suggestions you will get here, the best one I heard was "go with your gut." If you don't feel comfortable with the way things are going, you might want to change agencies, or have another home study done.

[TweetyMom04]

I agree, go with your gut. If the agency doesn't feel right or something along the way is 'off' listen to your gut. Don't be afraid to ask questions! It is your right to know what is going on along the way.

Each agency is different, how they work, caseload, staff available, summer vacations, etc.

[ericamoore]

Thanks for all your responses. I just called the home office and spoke with someone there about my situation and they were unaware of what was going on. They are going to help me and try to figure out what was going on with there agent. I just know that the agent I was working with is going to hate me now, I didn't mean to get her in trouble but I have been anxiously waiting on her to return my phone calls for a month now. We got fingerprinted for BCIS in late April and that is when our paperwork was dated. I know everything is time sensitive. I just did not know what else to do.

[MominPA]

Her being on vacation is acceptable, although she should have someone as a contact while she away so clients would not be wondering why they haven't gotten a reply.

Taking three weeks to review a home study is unacceptable. I would trust your gut. Just because an agency was good to for your friend doesn't mean it will be good for you.

You are already 5+ month into the process, I would be questioning things.

[Jessi_76]

Welcome, Erica!!

Your agency should be there to answer questions and aide you at all times, if they are a good agency. I agree with PPs...go with your gut! This is the most important time/decision of your life. Wishing you all the best...