Choosing an Adoption Agency
Why Use an Agency to Adopt and Tips to Guide You in Selecting One
There are many advantages to using an agency to adopt. Here is what you need to know about finding a quality adoption agency.
Every adoption situation is as unique as the individuals who are involved in it. Today, those who are looking to adopt have many options available to help them in their adoption journey. People often choose to use an adoption agency, and with good reason.
Adoption Agencies Provide an Array of Services
Agencies often have several members on staff who can meet the various needs of their clients- both the birth parents and the prospective adoptive parents.
For the prospective adoptive parents, an adoption agency will often provide home studies, necessary training, and support. They also typically have a larger base through which they are able to reach birth mothers, than the adoptive parents would have when independently seeking an adoptive placement on their own.
Birth mothers are often provided with mental health counseling, and extensive support services that helps to reduce the number of adoptions that fall through. Agencies will usually also aid the birth mother in obtaining proper medical care, housing, and other necessities.
Adoption Agencies Offer Experience
A good adoption agency is experienced in handling all the red tape that can get particularly complicated when crossing state lines or when adopting internationally. Additionally, they are trained to handle the emotional and legal aspects of adoption with both the birth parents and the prospective adoptive parents.
Finding a Quality Adoption Agency
So what denotes a quality adoption agency and how can you find one? Here are tips to guide you in the selection process.
1. Credibility
Ask the agency for references from families who have utilized their services. Then make a list of questions and contact the references if possible.
Ask questions like:
- Are they pleased with the services that the agency provided?
- Were the staff professional and did they genuinely care?
- Tell about your experience with this agency. What was positive about it? Negative?
Find out if the agency in good standing with the Better Business Bureau, and check to see if their license is in good standing with the state they are licensed in. Has there been any record of poor business practices or other improper behavior?
2. Fees
Some falsely assume that if an agency is charging substantial fees for their services they must be good. This is not always the case. On the flip side, beware of ridiculously low fees as well. Compare agency fees with other agencies that offer comparable services.
Keep in mind that a non-profit agency - which usually deals with special needs adoptions or is a public child welfare agency- will often have lower fees than private adoption agencies, and comparing the two is like comparing apples and oranges.
3. Staff
What are the credentials of the staff? What is their level of expertise in the adoption field?
In addition, how long have their employees been with the agency? Do they have a high turn-over rate? Are the employees just working there for the sake of employment, or have they made a career out of the adoption profession?
4. Length of Time in Business
This is not always an indicator of a great adoption agency; however, the longer an agency has been operating the more credibility and reliability it lends to them. The longer an agency has been around the more situations they have dealt with which, in turn, adds to their knowledge of how to handle difficult circumstances.
On the other hand, newer agencies will often cater to adoptive parents who are not the traditional infertile couple who are looking to adopt. Some specialize in finding families for “special needs” children, others in non-traditional adoptive parents (i.e. singles or gay and lesbian). Do your research so that you can find the agency that is right for your situation.
In Conclusion
Adoption is an emotional rollercoaster with no guarantee of a successful outcome. An agency that promises a successful adoption should be a red flag. When there are human beings and emotions involved, anything can happen. However, with patience and perseverance it is possible that you will soon be holding your new little one in your arms.
Related Articles:
Adoption Placement Coordinators
The Financial Aspect of Adopting
