Five Steps to Choose an Adoption Agency

Besides deciding to adopt a child and choosing where to adopt from choosing the adoption agency is THE most important decision you (and your partner) are going to make. WHY? Because an agency handles all of the technical details and can be ethical or downright shady when it comes to handling situations and paperwork.

I am sure you have heard plenty of adoption horror stories, right? Many of them are because of bad agencies.

My first word of advice is to go through this list of questions when visiting an agency you like (or talking with them on the phone). It will certainly help you narrow down your choices.

Second, remember that although this is an emotional decision for you, the agency is a business and you, unfortunately, are their client. To them, this is a way to make money and they often will, and can, say things to do that.

Third, make sure you understand the fee structures, what money you will get back if something happens, how to file a complaint, etc.

Fourth, talk to other parents on their recommended families list as well as talk to other families on forums. NOT all families will be happy with their agencies, remember that. But, DO LOOK for the BIG RED FLAGS: Accreditation, misrepresentation, bait and switch, promises not kept, something sounding too good to be true, time lines that sound surreal, etc.

Fifth, GO, GO, GO, to the informational meetings. I can’t stress this enough. You get a much better feel for the agency when you do this. My husband and I thought we really liked one agency but ended up being creeped out by their promises and time-lines.