Are you ready for another Ask an Adoption Question? I am!! This is a very fun blog post series – I hope you enjoy it too!
Today’s question comes from Jennifer where she asks about how to pick the right adoption agency.
Hi, Tim
My husband and I are almost done with our home study. We have searched and searched for an agency that meets our criteria. We would like a domestic Caucasian infant, preferably full Caucasian but are willing to accept a mix of Hispanic, or Asian. We are open to gender and have a budget of about $30,000, possibly a little more. We desperately need help finding and agency, not a facilitator or lawyer as soon as possible. We are from Mississippi but it doesn’t matter where we adopt from within the states.
Thank you!
Jennifer
Hi, Jennifer!
Congratulations on your home study progress! Adoption is all about taking the next step on your journey and to keep moving towards your dream of becoming parents. I understand how overwhelming it can be trying to find the right agency – it is a big decision.
You did a great job figuring out your preferences. With what you’ve described, there are plenty of agency choices. You may want to check out the Infant Adoption Guide talk show episode where we talk about the 7 Common mistakes to avoid when selecting an adoption agency.
Here’s how to find the right agency for you:
1. Make a list.
Find agencies that fit your criteria. Here are some places to look.
5 websites to help you find an agency or attorney
4 agencies that work with families from anywhere in the U.S.
4 Domestic adoption agencies with sliding scale fees
2. Interview them.
After making your list, contact the agencies and “interview” them. In other words, ask them good questions to make sure they are who you want to work with. Here are questions to ask.
Questions for an adoption professional: part 1
Questions for an adoption professional: part 2
Questions for an adoption professional: part 3
Also – be sure to ask for references – adoptive families that have worked with them. Contact those references and ask them questions. Here’s some help for that:
Questions to ask adoption agency references – what you should ask and why + a BONUS just for you
3. Choose an agency (or more than one).
Use your interviews to narrow your choices down. Pick one (or several) that you feel most comfortable working with.
Tip for using multiple agencies:
Ask agencies if they are part of ParentMatch.com – which is a nationwide network of agencies that will help you get matched with an expectant mother much faster. If you want to know more about ParentMatch.com, check out the interview I did with Lori Ingber who is the founder and executive director.
Hope this all helps. I’d LOVE to hear what agency (or agencies) you work with!
Thanks for the great question!
Tim
Now it’s Your Turn! What is your adoption question?
It’s EASY! Just click here to send me your question via email.
Don’t be shy – your question could help lots of folks who have the same or similar questions.
Did you miss Ask an Adoption Question #1? Find out the answer to What is the best way to book flights for an upcoming newborn adoption placement?
Need help with finding an agency?
Adoption agencies are not all the same. They can look the same, but operate much differently. How do you know what makes a great agency? Who can you trust? How do you find agencies? Google search?
I get it. I’ve been in your shoes. After adopting 3 times and working for over 10 years with experts, successful adoptive families and even birthmoms, I’ve come up with a way to find & choose the right agency FOR YOU.
This FREE guide is called “How To Find The Right Adoption Agency in 4 Steps”. Just click on the guide below or this link:
HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT ADOPTION AGENCY IN 4 STEPS
