[sunup]

We are considering adopting from the Ukarine but want to have an agency that is "street wise" and will not try to take us for $s because we are Americans. Some of our friends had a bad experience with an agency. Is there one anybody can recommend form experience?

[Max'smom]

Hi,

On your question of not being exploited, all of the agencies you would be dealing with would be US agencies so you can check with your Better Business Bureau to see if complaints have been made against them. You should also look up Ukraine's laws and see if they are following them. For instance, Ukraine prohibits all agencies from working in Ukraine directly, and they are not allowed to choose a child in advance and offer you a video/pictures/bio. BE SKEPTICAL IF AN AGENCY SAYS THEY CAN OFFER YOU A BABY FROM A PHOTOLISTING, as photolistings are illegal as is the practice of preselection. You might also want to take into account that there are very few adoptable infants (under 14 months old) from Ukraine. Beware of any agency that says otherwise--children have to be listed domestically for around a total of 1 1/2 years from the time they are put up for adoption. That means that if some kids come in as newborns, they have to be offered to relatives (first 6 months), then for around 1 year for domestic adoption by Ukrainians, before they can be offered for foreign adoption.
MM
ps Agency recommendations are not permitted on this bulletin board (see the first message thread for the reasons why). You can private email people to get their recommendations, based on topics they mention. Read up on what people are talking about and then private email them if they sound right to you.

[kc4601]

Since agencies are barred by law from operating in Ukraine I strongly recommend you do not waste money on one. They legally can't help in Ukraine and all of the work in the US is done by you with or without an agency. The Facilitator and team do all Ukraine work. It is best if you control the flow of funds in Ukraine not an agency. This way you are in on the decisions and the agency hasn't taken their "cut".

I met couples in Ukraine that were with an agency and they were fairing far worse than the Independent folks.

We went independent and I would do it again.

[v_kats]

Dear sunup,

As you may have already seen, there are some families with both good and bad experiences going either route. If you are set on using an agency rather than an independent team because of the U.S. side support they provide, refund policies, etc., then go for it. In doing your research please keep in mind that Ukraine treats both agency and independent families the same, though many (myself including) believe that a reputable and honest team in Ukraine can make a world of difference.

I know of some great teams that work both with agencies and independent families, some that assist only families directly, and yet others that work exclusively with agencies and have earned great respect and appreciation from their clients.

I would recommend researching facilitation teams in Ukraine first, and when contacting families who used their services, gather information on agencies' experiences as well. If you like a team that assists both agencies and independent families, you may want to explore an indy option with them to save money if you feel comfortable and feel you would get adequate support; if not, just sign up with an agency. In my experience, agencies contracting with reputable teams in Ukraine tend to disclose their partner names as often it only strengthens their position: by doing research, families can verify their agency's strength.

Best of luck,
Victoria

[kc4601]

My posts about UA adoption represent my views on the subject and I was comfortable working the state-side paperwork with a little help. But V-kats brings up the important point I was trying to make.

Your team in Ukraine makes all the difference. In Ukraine the agencies can't work so you need to count on the facilitator. These are the only people who get things done. Make sure you have a good team in Ukraine agency or not and yo will do well.

PS. if you are independant you control the flow of funds in UA. This gives you the control. If an agency underfunds your trip and you don't know that money is the reason things are slowing down you don't know how to get things going again.

[BeefnKaren]

[Edited To Remove Agency/Facilitator/fee based services Recommendations or comments]

Please remember that comments about agencies or other fee based services made after 2/10/2004 MUST be made via Private Message.

[alreadylove2005]

Please help.......I'm so excited my dream might come true! My husband and I are just starting the process. If you have any input on specific agencies would you send me a private email? Has anyone had experience with European Adoption Consultants, Inc. in Ohio? The Ukrainian staff is Diana Smith and Thomas Droughton. If you can help, thank you so much.......