[Barksum]

Leena, one ONE out at a time?! What, they don't want to do anything at the agency??!! And Juli, three isn't much better than one, frankly.

For each of our adoptions we've had multiple inquiries out, and like Mike we've only had about a 30% response rate. Some you just never hear back from, others respond in a few MONTHS, others let you know right away that they aren't interested or whatever.

So find out if this is what the agency really means...and why.

[juli714]

The agency does not want more than 3 homestudies out at a time. They have not established a wait time for responses. I questioned them on this and they do not want me questioniong them. They do not want me searching myself. I am only permitted to have a copy of a portion of my homestudy, not the complete homestudy. They claim the homestudy is their property. Yes, this is bizarre, but true. I guess I will have to wait and wait and wait. Their policies change daily and I do not have a copy of any written policy that they have. The whole situation is odd. Any feedback on this?

Thanks.
Juli

[bjolly]

It sounds to me like you need a new agency. I hope you haven't given them a lot of money. Any agency whose policies change daily and who will not give you their policies in writing is not being professional.

seriously, find a new agency. this is a tough process even with a good agency working hard on your side. this agency isn't going to give you the services you need and deserve.

[ajjhmf]

I have to agree with bjolly here. I would look for a new agency. This one seems to be looking out for their own interest and not yours. Likely that attitude will continue into post-placement and things could get bad.

Jenny

[wenrl]

Another vote for changing agencies here. The process is hard enough without the attitude it sounds like your getting from your agency. You're going to need a lot more support than what it looks like they are able or willing to give.

[tybeemarie]

Fire them. They have made it clear that they are completely uninterested in your needs. And I agree with other posters: if this is how they are now, just wait until you've got a special needs child in your home creating chaos. Run away, run away! Even if you invested a lot of money in this agency, run away. It can only get worse.

[Lorraine123]

I also agree. You need an agency that is on your side. It is vital and I agree that if they are this unavailable now, imagine what will happen when you really need them after the child is placed. There are agencies who are there for you and working for you. Look for one.

[juli714]

Hi, thanks to all, you have all been very supportive to me here. If anyone can recommend an agency in the NYC area, please feel free, I would love to hear from you. This situation is getting to be like the theatre of the absurd!!

Have a Great Weekend and I will keep you posted!!

Juli714

[knudsons]

Our agency lowered the fee to not send out copies. They gave us 15 certified copies and I have not found a state yet that cares before the match if the copy they have is certified or not. I fax mine everywhere anyways so the same copy lasts. You could just photo copy it. We are doing or own search and submitting of studies. I don't know that I recommend that though since I am still waiting as well but I have heard back from workers plenty.

[leenab]

Our state makes the process so difficult. We're actually considering international adoption. Even although it's expensive we'll have a lot more control over the whole process, well at least get a real time line.

I spoke with someone in our state yesterday who confirmed that we're going to wait a long time in-state as NJ predominately has school aged African American boys....and we want a daughter.

Then a friend of mine (fellow adoptive and foster parent) called, her friends also foster mother has a legally free 4 1.2 yr old foster son who is waiting for a home. Well that would be great, but we already have 2 sons. And just really want a daughter. Anyone looking for a son????

-LeenaB

[aspenhall]

this is sorta off topic, but user "mommieof2cuties" named Summer has been contacted about and unable to take a 4 yr old girl. Summer is in Florida I believe. Her thread is here... http://forums.adoption.com/showthrea...65#post1063665

Maybe something will come of it??